This carrot-topped, husky-voiced, rubber-faced clown became one of America's most beloved TV comediennes and one of Hollywood's most astute businesswomen. The legendary Lucille Ball metamorphosed from a 'Queen of the B's' in features to a radio star to one of television's most lasting figure, boasting more than 50 years of continuous employment in Hollywood.As a teenager, Ball left her Jamestown, New York home to pursue a career in show business, adopting the stage name Diane Belmont. After being fired from several chorus jobs, she retreated to her hometown. Returning to NYC in the early
Hired to dance in touring company of "Rio Rita" but fired because she couldn't handle choreography; later fired from chorus jobs in three shows (date approximate)
Changed professional name to Diane Belmont in the late 1920s
1929
Feature film debut in "Bulldog Drummond"
1931
Worked briefly as a Hattie Carnegie model before being paralyzed from waist down with rheumatoid arthritis; cured two years later (date approximate)
