Lucille Ball: ''I'm not happy unless I'm working.''

Ball was a workaholic — and she loved it.

CBS Television Distribution

For Lucille Ball, her work was a labor of love. As a show that sometimes blurs the lines between fiction and reality, I Love Lucy became a hit among viewers for portraying the very real and very loving relationship between Desi Arnaz and Lucy.

Ball had made a career out of making others laugh, but for her, there was no greater joy than beginning a new project. "I love beginnings," said Ball during a conversation with the Mount Vernon Argus. "I love the beginning of a day, I love a new season. I love empty apartments."

For Ball, there was no real ending in sight during her career, just endless possibilities for new beginnings. "People are always asking us now if we have achieved everything we want," she said. "We haven't nearly achieved all our dreams. I'm not talking about material things, of course, I love working toward any hope, any goal. The struggle is inspiring."

While most people are excited to punch out their timecard, Ball adored the fast-paced, intense environment that show business offered her.

During the interview, Ball even claimed that she actually enjoyed working. "I'm not happy unless I'm working," she said. "What would I do if I weren't working? I'm hardly the type to play bridge with the girls. I may not work as steadily, but I must work. In my spare time, there are so many things I want to do."

Perhaps it was Ball's love for her craft that truly shined through in her work, and made programs like I Love Lucy such a lasting hit with audiences.

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4 Comments

Lillyrose 19 days ago
No wonder "I Love Lucy" is such a great show! Lucy loved her work on "I Love Lucy," and it shows.
GeorgeVieto 21 days ago
No wonder sports stars die when they do not a challenge before them in life.
bmoore4026 24 days ago
And, boy howdy, did she work her butt off.
Runeshaper 24 days ago
It sounds like she really enjoyed what she did. Therefore, I'm not sure if calling this "work" is really appropriate in this case. I get the concept of always wanting to be busy. It's not for me, but I get it.
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