Lucille Desiree Ball was born August 6, 1911 in Jamestown, NY. At age

15 she began taking acting lessons but was sent home by her teachers

because in their estimation she had no talent as an actress. Refusing

to give up her dream of acting, she started her career as a model and

made her first film appearance in the musical Roman Scandals. She

later moved to larger roles working with Kathrine Hepburn, the Marx

Brothers, and Ginger Rodgers, but her greatest claim to fame is the "I

Love Lucy" show which she performed in and produced with her husband

Desi Arnaz until Desi's work with Desilu Studios began to interfere with

their marriage. Her bright red hair and nasal whine have become an icon

of 1950's television and even after her death in 1989, Lucille Ball has

numerous dedicated fans.  She was a pioneer.  Lucy started out with

people telling her she had no talent and she ended up paving the way for women in comedy