Forever Lucy: The Life of Lucille Ball

by Joe Morella, Edward Z. Epstein

Presents the full story of the Hollywood star, including her volatile marriage to Desi Arnaz, her successful marriage to Gary Morton, her relationship with her children, and the true story of her son's problems with alcoholism and drugs

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography

268 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1986

Reviews

[Connie N. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was surprisingly interesting. I'm not really a Lucy fan, but I needed this book to complete a challenge. It was easy-to-read, and there was plenty of information about her fascinating life. Lucille Ball was an extremely hard worker--talented, yes, but totally devoted to work, work, and more work. She, of course, had two children (Lucie and Desi Jr.), but her focus really was all about the work, especially TV shows that featured the Lucy character. I was surprised to learn that she had been a glamour girl in movies for many years during the 1930's and 1940's, working with the many famous actors of the day. She did several popular movies with Bob Hope as she developed her comedic skills.
She starred on Broadway (fairly unsuccessfully), but she kept coming back to TV. She and Desi Arnaz (her first husband) were innovators in this new medium, being the first to film before a live audience, then start their own production company. It turns out that she wasn't a naturally funny person, but she was skilled at timing and working a crowd. But apparently once she made a friend, she was your friend for life. Even up to the end, she was looking for projects to do. I think she would have been a fascinating person to get to know, but I suspect she was difficult and often overbearing (having to learn to be tough over the years). Her marriage to Desi was tumultuous and fiery, but later in life she married Gary Morton, who sounds as though he was the perfect foil for her, and they had a quiet and settled life together. I enjoyed this book far more than I expected to, and it was a quick and enjoyable read.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though I was born after the "I Love Lucy" era, I was introduced to the series as a young adult and fell in love with the comedy. This book was fascinating reading about the life of Lucille Ball, including much on Desi Arnaz and their children. There are two sections of photographs of Lucille throughout her life that I appreciated.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed getting the chance to learn about Lucille Ball's and Desi Arnaz's lives while they were growing up and getting started in showbiz. Liked seeing how they met and fell in love with one another and how "I Love Lucy" came about, and many other things about their lives together.

[Sistermagpie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This biography ends in the 1970s, so doesn't cover all of LB's life. It's also pretty rosy--it's optimistic about things that were not working as well as you'd think from the book's descriptions. It also just in general doesn't dwell too much on dark areas.

Which might be a good thing depending on the reader! It's also not that great with nailing down dates, which is something I need for research.

[Leslie Lamb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't know that "little Ricky" was played by a boy named Richard, not Lucy's real son. I ready didn't know anything about Desi Jr. Or Lucie until I read this book. Funny how Lucy is forever young in my mind. If I see her when she is older in other movies, that's not the Lucy I identify with. I always thought, poor Lucy- Ricky was a horrible husband. Well, the fact is they both moved on and married other spouses and found love.

[Paige Rispoli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finally read about the life of one of my favorite actresses! I'd like to find a more recent biography of her, perhaps a little more well-written...