“I love Lucy” is one of those things I could watch over and over. The episode of the candy dipping, selling Vitameatavegamin, stomping grapes, and when she had to ride the subway with a loving
cup stuck on her head are classic.
But what I admired about her, after reading her biography, was that she was more than a creative and classy person, she pursued her dreams.
After Lucille performed in a small high school performance, she knew she wanted to pursue being on the stage. Her mother was able to help get her into a performing art academy on Broadway. When the year was finished, she was told that her talent was minimal and that she should consider a new profession.
She went back to her high school and rejoined her classmates, but by then Lucy was smitten with performing and making people laugh.
She tried to make a living on Broadway, but competition for parts was stiff and eventually she found herself working as a model. She got her first break when she became one of the “Chesterfield Girls”, appearing on signs and billboards for the once popular cigarette company.
When a spot opened up to go to Hollywood in 1933, Lucy went. She signed a contract with RKO studios, playing small roles and getting to know people in show business, esp. a young Cuban musician named Desi.
It wasn’t until 1951 that Lucy and Desi’s first season started with “Lucy thinks Ricky is trying to murder her”. The rest is history. The couple went on to produce 179 episodes, 13 hour long specials, and ended up owning RKO studios and Desilu Productions.
Can you imagine life without Lucy? What if she had listened to the words of others and become discouraged to the point of quitting?
How often am I quick to throw in the towel?
Like the rest of the world, I have always loved Lucy. Knowing her story makes me love her even more.
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