APRIL 13 - LUCILLE BALL
The star of the legendary television sitcom I Love Lucy, Lucille Ball is largely recognized as one of the greatest physical comedians of all time, having paved the way for modern stars such as Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy and Maya Rudolph.
With thirteen Emmy nominations, Ball took home four awards. She was recognized by TV Guide as the 'Greatest TV Star of All Time’ and appeared on the 1953 cover of the magazine’s first issue with her son, Desi Arnaz, Jr.
Beyond the series and its various follow-ups, Ball established the production company Desilu with her then-husband and I Love Lucy costar Desi Arnaz. In 1962, after the couple’s divorce, she bought out Arnaz’s shares in the company and became the first woman to head a major studio. She approved the original incarnations of several popular franchises, including Star Trek, The Untouchables and Mission Impossible.
