This weekend will mark 100 years since the birth of an American comedy icon: Lucille Ball. The actress, comedian and star of the enduring 1950s sitcom “I Love Lucy” changed the comedic landscape. The hit television series followed the hilarious adventures of Lucy and her husband Ricky. Lucy often became the subject of her own jokes, and her physical presence and timing made her popular with viewers all over America, inspiring future generations of comedians and writers. Gina Barreca discusses Lucille Ball’s legacy. Barreca is a humorist and professor of English literature and feminist theory at the University of Connecticut.
Here’s a classic clip from “I Love Lucy.”
The World is an independent newsroom. We’re not funded by billionaires; instead, we rely on readers and listeners like you. As a listener, you’re a crucial part of our team and our global community. Your support is vital to running our nonprofit newsroom, and we can’t do this work without you. Will you support The World with a gift today? Donations made between now and Dec. 31 will be matched 1:1. Thanks for investing in our work!