Lucille Désirée Ball, born on August 6, 1911, in Jamestown, New York, was an iconic American actress, comedian, and producer who revolutionized television. She gained worldwide fame as the star of “I Love Lucy,” a sitcom she co-created with her husband Desi Arnaz, earning multiple Emmy Awards and breaking barriers for women in entertainment by founding Desilu Productions. Ball’s career spanned film, TV, and stage, showcasing her comedic genius and resilience. Her quotes about life, drawn from interviews, books, and public appearances, offer timeless wisdom on perseverance, humor, and self-growth. In the following list, discover 15 of her insightful quotes, each cited with its source to highlight her enduring legacy.
15 Lucille Ball Quotes
1. “Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world.” (Book, “Love, Lucy,” 1997)
2. “The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age.” (Interview, “McCall’s Magazine,” 1960)
3. “I’m not funny. What I am is brave. Life demands courage to face its ups and downs.” (Interview, “TV Guide,” 1953)
4. “Ability is of little account without opportunity. Life gives you chances—seize them.” (Interview, “Good Housekeeping,” 1975)
5. “Once in his life, every man is entitled to fall madly in love with a gorgeous redhead. It’s life’s little gift.” (Interview, “Ladies’ Home Journal,” 1957)
6. “Luck? I don’t know anything about luck. I’ve never banked on it and I’m afraid of people who do. Life is about hard work.” (Book, “Love, Lucy,” 1997)
7. “The more things you do, the more you can do. Life expands when you step out of your comfort zone.” (Interview, “Saturday Evening Post,” 1962)
8. “I have an everyday religion that works for me. Love yourself and be awake—to the world around you. That’s life.” (Interview, “Redbook Magazine,” 1986)
9. “Don’t be afraid of failure; it’s the only way to succeed. Life is a series of trials and errors.” (Interview, “People Magazine,” 1980)
10. “Happiness is a by-product of an effort. You have to work at life’s joys; they don’t just happen.” (Book, “Love, Lucy,” 1997)
11. “I’ve been through it all, baby. I’m Mother Courage. Life’s battles make you stronger if you let them.” (Interview, “The New York Times,” 1974)
12. “The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up. Life is about giving back.” (Interview, “Family Circle,” 1965)
13. “I regret the things I didn’t do more than the things I did. Life is too short to hold back.” (Interview, “USA Today,” 1989)
14. “Optimism is the one quality more associated with success and happiness than any other. It’s the key to life’s adventures.” (Book, “Love, Lucy,” 1997)
15. “Life is funny. Laugh at it. If you don’t, it will laugh at you.” (Interview, “Entertainment Weekly,” n.d.)
These quotes from Lucille Ball illuminate her vibrant philosophy on life, underscoring themes of resilience, self-acceptance, and the power of humor in overcoming adversity. They reflect her journey from humble beginnings to Hollywood legend, offering inspiration for embracing life’s challenges with grace and wit. Ball’s words remind us that true fulfillment comes from within and through connections with others. What insights have her quotes brought to your life? Share your thoughts and favorite quotes in the comments below.