Lucille Ball trivia

Lucille Ball trivia, She made us laugh  she made us cry and she will always be known as one of the biggest Hollywood stars of the 1950s. To honor the legend that was Lucille Ball  and to celebrate "I love Lucy" Day – named for the show that premiered on this day in 1951 – we've compiled a list of some of the most interesting facts about the comedic actress' life. Read on to find out more about her friends, family and career.

A famous classmate

Question: As a teen, Ball attended the John Murray Anderson School for the Dramatic Arts in New York City and had a very famous classmate – a soon-to-be star known for her big, round eyes. Who was she?

Her first big job

Question: Years before she became a household name, Ball was a struggling actress in New York City. In the late 1920s and early 1930s she secured a job working for popular fashion designer Hattie Carnegie. What did she do?

Her stage name

Question: Early in her career, Ball used a stage name when auditioning for various roles on Broadway. She gave herself the unique moniker after a famous New York racetrack. What was the name?

A close friend

Question: Ball counted several fellow 1930s actresses as close friends, including the woman who often played Fred Astaire's love interest in films at the time. She even had the "Kitty Foyle" star appear on "Here's Lucy" years later. Who was she?

Her comic idol

Question: Known as quite the funny lady, Ball had famous fans of her own as well as stars she herself admired. One woman in particular must have struck a chord with Ball. The comedic actress, whom Ball called her idol, apparently appeared to Ball in a dream and told her go ahead with "I Love Lucy," a show she was only considering at the time. Who was she?

A husband and co-star

Question: Ball met her first husband, musician Desi Arnaz, in 1940 and the two eloped later that year. The "I Love Lucy" co-stars enjoyed nearly 20 years of marriage before divorcing in 1960. Where did they first meet?

A hit comedy series

Question: After a somewhat slow start to her acting career, Ball hit the big time when she starred in the hugely popular 1950s sitcom "I Love Lucy." The show was on for six seasons and was at the top of the Nielsen ratings when it concluded in 1957. How many episodes were there?

Her natural hair color

Question: Ball was known for her energetic, fiery presence on stage and equally spirited red hair. She admitted she initially dyed it to stand out and, once it became her trademark, decided to keep the look for good. What was her natural hair color?

A production first

Question: Ball and first husband Desi Arnaz formed their own production company – Desilu Productions – in 1950 and co-owned it until they divorced 10 years later. Ball then took over the studio herself, making her one of the top Hollywood producers of the time. How significant was her takeover?

Her second marriage

Question: Ball and Arnaz divorced in 1960 after nearly 20 years of marriage. A year later, she married a stand-up comedian 13 years her junior. Who was he?

A strange phobia

Question: Ball had a lifelong phobia that supposedly started the day her father passed away. She was just 3 years old at the time, but the fear stayed with her the rest of her life. What was she scared of?

A behind-the-scenes role

Question: She was instrumental in helping put a major sci-fi series on the map, supposedly because of a rumored misunderstanding about the nature of the show. Which well-known TV show was it?

Oodles of awards

Question: Ball received numerous nominations and awards throughout her long career, including a 1973 Golden Apple Award, a Cecil B. DeMille Golden Globe in 1979, and the Lifetime Achievement Award at the American Comedy Awards in 1987. She also won multiple Primetime Emmy Awards. How many did she win?

A favorite show

Question: Owning a television production studio and starring in many shows herself, Ball became a television buff both behind the scenes and in front of the camera. She was particularly fond of a sitcom from the late 1970s to early 1980s starring John Ritter and Suzanne Somers. What was the show?

A career comeback attempt

Question: In 1986, Ball staged a career comeback attempt with an ABC sitcom about a grandmother who was left a hardware store by her late husband. The cast filmed 13 episodes, but only eight aired before the show was cancelled. What was the show?'

Her last public appearance

Question: Ball's last appearance in public was at a major awards show in 1989. The 77-year-old presented an award with Bob Hope and was given a standing ovation. Where was she?

A posthumous honor

Question: In 1989, shortly after her death, Ball was posthumously honored by then-President George H.W. Bush. She was awarded with the highest award a United States civilian can receive. How was she honored?

Girl power

Question: Throughout her long life and successful career in the entertainment business, Ball became one of the strongest females in Hollywood. She had a series of successful lead roles, and was the first woman to run a major television studio. As a result of her many accomplishments, she was honored by a women's establishment in 2001. How was she honored?

Her legend lives on

Question: Ball had two kids, a son and a daughter, with first husband Desi Arnaz. In terms of their careers, both children, now in their 60s, chose to follow in their mother's footsteps. What do they do?