Lucille Ball was not one to turn down any work, especially in the early years of her career. There were two reasons. First, that attitude could get you more work, and second, in taking a job you might not necessarily want, you could meet someone who, down the line, would be of great help to you or your career. Both philosophies served her well. On her first picture, 1933’s Roman Scandals, she agreed to do some slapstick that none of the other Goldwyn Girls would do; Eddie Cantor, the star of the movie, remembered her and gave her more bits to do as a result. Lucy’s career is full of instances in which she met someone early on who ended up being a great influence on her career or life some time later (Ed Sedgwick, Buster Keaton, and Karl Freund, to name a few). As a result of all she learned, coupled with her vast experience, Lucy eventually became a hard-nosed perfectionist, a trait not beloved by all of her guest stars. Regarding her insistence on perfection, close friend and hairstylist Irma Kusely told Emmy archivist Karen Herman, “Yes, she was always there [practicing routines] over and over and over, she wanted it absolutely right. And that was why the show was a success; let’s face it. It came off with perfection.”
- Lucy A-Z by Michael Karol
(Source: heckyeahlucilleballilovelucy)