Lucille Ball’s emotional speech during her 1984 induction into the Television Hall of Fame.
Her co-stars Vivian Vance and William Frawley had both passed away years before the ceremony. Her former husband Desi Arnaz was unable to attend.
Lucy was known for giving her co-stars a lot of credit for her success, especially Desi, which could explain her heartfelt reaction to receiving such an honor:
“I was proud of what he did. He helped the show tremendously. Without him, it wouldn’t have become as big as it is.”
“He built a dynasty. We had sixteen shows on the air. We owned three studios, and Desi did it all. I mean, all I did was have babies and do the show - and loved every minute of it!”
“I wanted to put Desi’s name first, because he worked the hardest.”
“You know, when I was married to the Cuban, I never had to worry about a thing. Desi was so damn smart about everything - scripts, cameras, lighting, costuming, you name it. I would simply waltz in on Monday mornings and the cast and I would read a perfect script, all ready for rehearsal. All I had to do was be Lucy. Desi took care of the rest. We made a great team. Plus, it didn’t hurt that we were crazy about each other.”
“There would be no Lucy without Desi.” (1984)
Two years later, in 1986, upon hearing she was to be one of the recipients of the Kennedy Center Honors, Lucy was quoted as saying the honor should be for her and Desi.
The relationship that Cosima and Delphine shared gives me goosebumps. They would have died for each other, one nearly did and one *may* have. I think that kind of love is incredible.
