We’ve been breaking down our list of 16 classic fashion icons everyone should know. Last week, we covered Debbie Harry, rock star and rebel fashion pioneer. This week, we’re covering traditional beauty and girl boss Lucille Ball.

We’ve all heard of I Love Lucy, but there are so many reasons to love Lucille Ball, who was a comedian, producer, and CEO! Keep reading to find out more about Lucille’s early work in the industry, rise to fame on her hit TV show, lifelong career, and how you can copy her look.

Table of Contents

All About Lucy

Lucille Ball was born in 1911 in Jamestown, New York.

She auditioned for her first acting role when she was 12 and got the part! She started her career as a model and by acting in small roles both on stage and on screen.

Lucille worked steadily throughout her early career, first becoming known as “the Queen of B Movies” for the dozens of roles she took starring in lesser-known pictures. Her first serious role was alongside Katharine Hepburn and Ginger Rogers.

Lucille and her husband, Desi Arnaz, pitched I Love Lucy to CBS, but the network rejected it thinking American viewers wouldn’t want to watch an interracial couple on TV.

Desi and Lucille turned the concept into a vaudeville production and took their act on tour. The show was a hit, and CBS offered them a TV deal. They then became the first interracial couple on TV.

Lucille Ball was 40 years old when I Love Lucy first aired.

The couple started their own production company and largely controlled the show. Lucille bought out Desi from Desilu Productions after their divorce. This made her the first female CEO of a major production company.

Lucille’s company produced other hit shows, like the original Star Trek, alongside her hit comedy show. She later sold the company for 17 million dollars.