While a brief bio doesn’t do nearly as much justice to Ms. Ball’s oeuvre as simply watching the grape-stomping scene from the famous “Lucy’s Italian Movie” episode, it’s important to understand her roots and the years of hard work that led to her stardom. Lucille Ball’s contribution to comedy began with her career as a film actress for RKO Radio Pictures, during the days of the studio system. She appeared in several films as a bit actress and on several radio programs over a number of years before she and first husband, Cuban-born Desi “Riiiiiiiiickkkyyyyy” Arnaz, created I Love Lucy. I Love 
Lucy was the first of several shows to feature Lucy’s madcap slapstick antics, unconventional housewifely demeanor, and ability to turn absolutely any situation into a full-on laugh riot. The various Lucy shows proved that Lucille Ball’s knack for physical comedy was — and still is — a comedic force to be reckoned with.
Many episodes from the Lucy canon are referenced in modern television and movies, showing that just a few moments from a ‘50s or ‘60s TV episode are still relevant in this shiny new century of ours. If you’ve ever seen anyone struggle to stomp grapes, or get into trouble with a factory conveyor belt, it’s undoubtedly a reference to Lucy’s antics. Her impact can even be seen on sitcoms on the current fall line-up. For example, it is arguable that Modern Family’s Gloria-Jay relationship takes a note right out of the Lucy-Ricky marital playbook, granted with a bit of updating and a gender reversal. Indeed, Lucille Ball is not just a comedian from classic TV, but a full-blown pop culture icon who may very well be celebrated a century from now.
This weekend, in celebration of Lucille Ball’s 100th birthday (and the 60th anniversary of I Love Lucy), The Lucille Ball Festival of Comedy is being held in her hometown of Jamestown, New York. From August 3-7, Jamestown will be all Lucy, all the time. The festival features appearances by Joan Rivers and Paula Poundstone as well as several professional Lucy impersonators from around the globe, a Lucy trivia contest, and even a parade.
SiriusXM radio is launching Redhead Radio: 100 Years of Lucille Ball, a radio station dedicated to Lucille Balls’ radio performances. It will 
also feature highlights from her television career. The station will air August 6th and 7th.
In Los Angeles, at the Hollywood Museum, CBS DVD and Paramount Home Entertainment are premiering a “Lucille Ball at 100 & ‘I Love Lucy’ at 60” exhibit that will be open until November 30.
For those who want to celebrate Lucille Ball the old fashioned way — on the small screen — The Hallmark Channel is running an I Love Lucy marathon all weekend long, beginning bright and early Saturday morning at six. CBS.com also features several episodes of I Love Lucy streaming online, accessible anytime.
So, sit back, turn on a Lucy episode and celebrate the comedic genius of Lucille Ball by watching some of the most hilarious television ever to grace the airwaves. After all, it’s hard not to love Lucy.
