Lucille Ball was truly one-of-a-kind. But in the 1950s, she was a rarity: A working mother with a hugely successful television show and a media empire.
She gave birth to her daughter, Lucie, in 1951, just before I Love Lucy took off. Which made her second pregnancy, in 1953, just a tad bit more high-profile. The idea of a pregnant Lucy incited the wrath of studio execs who, perhaps forgetting that they were once babies themselves, somehow found it to be in poor taste.
In an interview with More magazine, daughter Lucie talks about how her parents approached the daunting task of convincing the network to show a — gasp — pregnant woman on TV. "Back then, showing a pregnant woman was like watching people have sex — it meant they had had sex. So my parents decided they would have a rabbi, a priest and a minister look over the script."
The birth of little Ricky occurred the same time as Desi Arnaz, Jr., in an episode that 44 million people tuned in to watch.
Though on-screen the characters of Lucy and Ricky had a happy union, off-screen for it was another story for Lucille and Desi. The couple divorced in 1960, but both remained active in their children's lives (and also remained friends, according to Lucie).
Here's a look at Lucille with her kids, through photos taken from the 50's through the 60's.
Traveling on a plane with two little kids isn't easy now, let alone in the 1950s.
The couple smiling proudly with baby Lucie on board their boat, the Desilu.
A rare photo of Lucille, Desi, and their respective mothers, on an outing with Lucie.
Celebrating Lucie's first birthday! We love Lucille's ruffle-trimmed dress and wish this photo was in color.
Ringing in the New Year, family-style.
Lucille with Lucie and Desi, Jr. on a trip to France in 1959. Yet again, we just adore the outfits on everyone in this photo.
A portrait of Lucille circa 1965 with a teenage Lucie and Desi, Jr. Can you see the resemblance?
