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Lucille Ball Died On This Day In 1989 — 34 Years Later, Her Legacy Lives On In 7 Children and Grandchildren

The TV icon's legendary talents live on in her impressive family.

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Lucille Ball, the beloved star of I Love Lucy, died on this day in 1989. But while her body has left this earth, her legacy lives on. More than 60 years after her namesake show aired its final episode, it remains a cultural touchstone. Who among us doesn’t recall Lucy stomping grapes, Lucy stuffing her face with chocolates, or Lucy as the first openly pregnant female character on American TV? 

Lucille Ball, however, did not stop when her TV show ended. She continued working until her death, which was also the year in which she received an Honorary Oscar in California for her contributions to the film industry. In so doing, she became one of only a handful of women whose Hollywood careers have spanned more than five decades. But while Lucille Ball was a beloved American actress and comedian, she is also revered by her loving family, which includes two children and five grandchildren, all of whom are public figures. Below is a closer look at their relationship and accomplishments.  

Who are Lucille Ball’s children?

The real-life I Love Lucy Star had two children with her late husband, Desi Arnaz. Desi portrayed Ricky Ricardo on the I Love Lucy TV show, co-starring alongside his wife. The two also co-starred in later installments of the series, including The Lucy Show and Here’s Lucy. After Lucy and Desi divorced in 1960, Ball married Gary Morton in 1961.

Lucy and Desi’s children are Lucie Arnaz, born in 1951, and Desi Arnaz Jr., born in 1953. Both Lucie and Desi Jr. had successful careers, following in their parent’s footsteps.

Lucie Arnaz

Ball’s daughter Lucie Arnaz is an actress and singer with a long and successful career in the entertainment industry. The first child of Desi and Lucy, she has been acting since the late ’60s, going on to have a notable appearance in the popular ’70s television series Fantasy Island and other shows. She has also starred in several Broadway productions. In the music industry, Lucie released her debut album, Just in Time, in 1993, and has since released multiple singles. In terms of awards and recognition, Arnaz was nominated for a Golden Globe Award in 1981 for her performance in The Jazz Singer.

Desi Arnaz Jr.

Desi Arnaz Jr. is an actor and musician who is known for his role in the sitcom The Mothers-In-Law (in which he acted alongside his father). He began his career as a musician, playing in several bands and releasing albums. He has since retired from music to focus on acting and producing. Desi Arnaz Jr. received a Golden Globe for New Star of the Year for his performance in Red Sky at Morning in 1972.

What do we know about Lucille Ball’s grandchildren?

Now that we’ve covered Lucille Ball’s children, let’s take a look at the lives of her five grandchildren:

Katharine Luckinbill

Parents: Lucie Desiree Arnaz and Laurence Luckinbill

Birthdate: January 11, 1985

Katharine Luckinbill is the daughter of Lucie Arnaz and Laurence Luckinbill. After spending years in the entertainment industry, Katharine left acting to become a recruiting specialist. With her former experience in the industry, she is an expert at helping professionals from all disciplines find their purpose. Katharine is passionate about helping others reach their goals and building lasting relationships through meaningful work. 

Joseph Luckinbill

Parents: Lucie Arnaz and Laurence Luckinbill

Birthdate: December 31, 1982

Joseph Luckinbill is a guitarist and composer who has performed at venues including Carnegie Hall and the Hollywood Bowl. A multi-faceted musician, Joseph Luckinbill is a living example of the legacy left by his grandmother, Lucille Ball.

Simon Luckinbill

Parents: Lucie Arnaz and Laurence Luckinbill

Birthdate: December 10, 1980

Simon Luckinbill is the oldest son of Lucie Arnaz and Laurence Luckinbill. He currently resides in Los Angeles with his wife and two daughters. He is an accomplished visual artist, and has a passion for giving back from his net worth, which is evident in his involvement with various charities. Simon continues to honor his grandmother’s legacy through his work both on-screen and off. 

Haley Arnaz

Parents: Desi Arnaz and Amy Laura Bargiel

Birthdate: December 17th, 1976

Haley Arnaz is the youngest child of Desi Arnaz Jr. and Amy Arnaz. Born in Los Angeles and raised in Santa Barbara, Haley is a ballet dancer who trained at the Joffrey Ballet Academy before dancing professionally. Her performance credits include roles in the productions of Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, and Giselle. She has also done ballet for film and television. Haley is an inspiration to aspiring ballet dancers everywhere, and it’s no surprise that her famous grandmother left such a legacy behind.

Julia Arnaz

Parents: Desi Arnaz

Birthdate: Unknown

Julia Arnaz is another granddaughter of the legendary Hollywood star Lucille Ball. She became aware of her connection to Lucille Ball through DNA test results. Julia’s father, Desi Arnaz Jr., stated in a 2019 interview that DNA testing is to thank for the connection being made. He said, “I had no idea Julia was actually my daughter until DNA testing confirmed it.” Julia has since made frequent public appearances and often speaks fondly of her grandmother, saying “She was a very unique person in the industry; she changed the face of television.”

In addition to their grandchildren, Lucy and Desi also had a great-granddaughter, Desiree Anzalone. Tragically, she passed away due to breast cancer in 2020.

We really do love Lucy.

Lucille Ball was truly one of a kind — an influential comedic genius whose legacy will not soon be forgotten by the public or her loving family. From actors and singers to artists and business professionals, her grandchildren are as unique as she was. There’s no doubt that Lucille Ball’s legacy will live on through them. 

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