Making a switch from modeling to acting takes resilience, passion, and talent, which only a few individuals possess. The transition between these worlds came so seamlessly for legendary actress Lucille Ball, making many marvel at her versatility.
During her storied career, she featured in several bodies of works which brought her immense fame and success. However, one of her many acting credits had a different inspiration that set it apart from the rest.
Titled “I Love Lucy,” the actress revealed that the inspiration behind the series was a ghost.
Find out more below
Carole Lombard’s Ghost Inspired Lucille Ball To Star In ‘I Love Lucy’
Many actors, directors, and producers draw their inspiration from different sources. Sometimes, it comes from reading a book, a childhood story, or a past event that might have happened in their lives.
When Ball chose to launch the “I Love Lucy” series, her inspiration reportedly came from a spooky source. Ball revealed that her demised friend Carole Lombard appeared to her in a dream and gave some advice on the next step in her career.
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According to Grunge, the apparition told the actress, “Take a chance. Give it a whirl.” Ball took the dream as a sign and subsequently created the comedy series, which lasted seven years from 1951 to 1957.
The show was a commercial hit and helped create a legacy that pushed the popularity of TV series to compete with the movies section of Hollywood.
Lucille Ball And Carrol Lombard’s Relationship
After making her transition into acting, Ball recognized that she needed someone to guide her through the turbulent waters of the film industry.
She made friends with Carole Lombard, who was an actress. Ball became a constant in her mentor’s life, following her around and spending time with her in the studio.
More so, Ball often mimicked her dear friend as she was prepping for a role. Lombard never chased Ball away or got offended by her constant hanging around. She encouraged Ball and gave her hints and tidbits that eventually helped make her a successful actress.
Unfortunately, Lombard did not live long enough to see her mentee rise to the top. She died in a plane crash in 1942 while traveling from Las Vegas to Los Angeles.
Lucille Ball Pioneered Females Starring In Show Business
Ball entered the film industry when most females were tagged housewives and expected to live a quotidian life of doing chores and taking care of children. She was passionate about acting and never gave up despite the many obstacles she faced.
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Her resilience helped her shine in the spotlight, especially as a comedy genius who could crack one’s ribs in an instant. Ultimately, her storied career became a template for other women like Tina Fey, Julia Louis Dreyfus, Amy Poehler, and Mindy Kaling, who later ventured into the acting world.
The barrier got broken, the narrative changed, and females started to believe in their abilities to become Hollywood stars.
Lucille Ball’s Awards And Legacy
During her storied career, Ball garnered several awards for her body of works which was quite a number. The actress was nominated 13 times for the Primetime Emmy Awards – winning five times, received the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award, and two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Ball also earned other accolades, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Kennedy Center, a Women in Film Crystal Award, an induction into the Television Hall of Fame, and the Governor’s Award from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.
As Ball advanced in age, she partially retired from the acting scenes. However, she remained in the spotlight up until her death in 1989.
