A delightful and vivid account of the life of a renowned comic.
By Sarah Royal ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 10, 2023
Royal’s book about Lucille Ball is a substantial tribute to one of the most beloved entertainers of the 20th century. Amy Poehler’s foreword pays homage to Ball’s ambition and drive, noting that she never rested on her laurels. Ball’s early life was marked by poverty and tragedy, as her father died when she was three and her mother remarried a few years later. Despite her failure at the John Murray Anderson-Robert Milton School of the Theatre, Ball’s performance in the Jamestown Players Club production of Within the Law earned her rave reviews and reignited her passion for acting. Her slapstick comedy and goofy demeanor caught the attention of Sylvia Hahlo, a talent agent looking for Goldwyn Girls for Eddie Cantor’s film Roman Sandals. Royal’s book celebrates Ball’s immense talent and personal successes and struggles, as well as her business acumen and perfectionism, which stemmed from her insecurities. After I Love Lucy and her divorce, Ball continued to entertain wherever she could. Her career spanned 80 movies, more than 120 radio episodes, and more than 500 TV episodes, and she eventually owned her own production company. Royal’s book effectively uses photos, timelines, pull quotes, and lists to demonstrate how Ball was not just a Hollywood star, but also a modest, hardworking, and kind individual.
Pub Date: Oct. 10, 2023
ISBN: 9780762484263
Page Count: 240
Publisher: Running Press
Review Posted Online: June 28, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2023