Lucille Ball’s Controversial Past Explored in New Book

Lucille Ball, beloved American actress and comedian, had a tumultuous personal life that has been uncovered in a new book by Darwin Porter and Danforth Price.

According to Porter, the couple's relationship was far from the idealized image portrayed on their hit television show, “I Love Lucy.”

In fact, when Porter arranged a celebration for Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz at the University of Miami, he witnessed a different side of the famous couple.

They were bickering and hurling insults at each other, with Ball even using derogatory language towards Arnaz and accusing him of sleeping with prostitutes.

The book, which is Volume 1 of the authors' biography on Ball and Arnaz, delves into their lives until the end of their marriage.

It spans 576 pages and explores their careers, hardships, and numerous lovers.

Volume II is scheduled for release later this year.

Ball, born on August 6, 1911, in Jamestown, NY, had a strong desire to perform from a young age.

However, her journey to success was not easy.

As a teenager, she took acting lessons in New York City but was overshadowed by her classmate Bette Davis.

Ball also faced rejection in her pursuit of dance, as Martha Graham, her dance instructor, told her she was hopeless and suggested she find work as a soda jerk.

At the age of 14, Ball became involved with Johnny DaVita, a 23-year-old who engaged in illegal activities.

Their relationship was volatile, and DaVita occasionally resorted to violence.

Ball adopted some of his gangster mannerisms and developed a foul mouth.

During her early years in New York City, Ball struggled to make ends meet.

She took on various odd jobs, including n^de modeling and occasional prostitution.

She even resorted to eating leftovers from local cafes.

Despite these challenges, she managed to find work as a model and received advice from Lela Rogers, the mother of her close friend Ginger Rogers.

Lela suggested that Ball use the casting couch to further her career, a practice that involved engaging in s**ual relationships with industry professionals for better opportunities.

Ball's association with gangsters also put her in dangerous situations.

There was an instance where she narrowly escaped harm while dancing in Harlem when someone she feared opened fire in a club.

Another time, she was taking a bath in her Manhattan hotel room when bullets were fired at her, flooding the room below.

Miraculously, she remained unharmed.

In 1933, Ball made the move to Hollywood after being cast in Eddie Cantor's film “Roman Scandals.”

She appeared in over 50 films throughout the decade, often in minor roles.

However, her breakthrough came when she embraced comedy and developed a talent for delivering witty remarks on screen.

Ball's personal life was just as eventful as her career.

She dated notable figures such as Henry Fonda, Jimmy Stewart, Orson Welles, and Milton Berle.

It was Berle who first introduced her to the potential of television.

It was during the filming of “Too Many Girls” that Ball first encountered Desi Arnaz, the play's lead actor.

She was captivated by his physical appearance and charisma.

The couple officially met in 1940 and soon moved in together, starting a tumultuous relationship filled with infidelity and intense arguments.

Despite their personal struggles, Ball and Arnaz achieved incredible success in the entertainment industry.

Their television show, “I Love Lucy,” became a nationwide phenomenon, and their production company, Desilu, became a major player in the television industry.

However, their marriage eventually came to an end in 1960.

The book sheds light on the complexities of Ball and Arnaz's relationship and reveals the surprising fact that they stayed together as long as they did, considering their extramarital affairs.

In conclusion, Lucille Ball's scandalous past is explored in the new book by Darwin Porter and Danforth Price.

The biography provides a detailed account of her troubled marriage to Desi Arnaz, their careers, and the challenges they faced.

Despite their personal struggles, Ball and Arnaz left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry and continue to be remembered as one of America's most iconic couples.