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to absorb part of the cost, but retained full ownership of the show.

In an event watched by more Americans than the inauguration of President Dwight Eisenhower, Lucille broke the Puritanical norm of television. Lucille convinced CBS that she could be pregnant and still work on the show. On the day that Desiderio Alberto Arnaz, Jr. (Desi Jr.) was born by Cesarean section, on the small screen, Lucy and Ricky Ricardo welcomed Little Ricky to the show.

The overwhelming success of "I Love Lucy" netted the duo enough that they formed Desilu Productions. In 1950, the couple decided to end the rigorous production schedule and close the show while it was still number one. By retaining ownership of the show, syndication would make them millionaires. "I Love Lucy" airs in syndication to this day in over 80 countries.

With the next three spin off shows that Lucy made after "I Love Lucy" ("The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour", "The Lucy Show" and "Here's Lucy"), Lucille Ball would be seen on American television for 23 consecutive years. It had a dire personal cost.

At the close of "The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour" in 1960, Lucille Ball would divorce Desi Arnaz. Unsatisfied with television, the unpopularity of band tours and his growing disdain for production, Desi turned to alcohol and became reclusive. Lucy was not ready to stop working at what appeared to be the pinnacle of her career.

Lucy's next two shows would never rival the success of "I Love Lucy", but would give her the power to reinvent herself yet again. In 1962, Lucille borrowed $3,000,000.00 and bought Desi's half of Desilu Productions. Lucille was on her way to changing television one more time.

With Lucy in the manager's seat, Desilu Productions produced shows that defined the 1950s and 60s: "Mission Impossible", "Star Trek", "Our Miss Brooks", "The Dick Van Dyke Show", "Mannix", "Make Room for Daddy" and "The Untouchables".

Most of these shows were shot on the RKO Studios lots, which Desilu had purchased. Irony was not lost on Lucy. She owned the ground where her career had been built. Lucille Ball was one of the most power entertainment moguls.

In 1967, Lucy was ready to embark on the next phase of her career. She sold Desilu to Gulf & Western Industries for $17,000,000.00. With her windfall, she formed Lucille Ball Productions in 1968, with second husband, Gary Morton, a comedian.

"Here's Lucy" was quickly snatched by networks in 1968 and would air until 1974. That year, Lucille would star in Warner Brothers' version of "Mame",

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