LUCY: 40 YEARS OF TELEVISION

1985

The first part of the year is spent shooting “Stone Pillow” on the New York streets, an experience that took its toll on Lucy’s health. 

“Night of 100 Stars 2″ ~ March 11, 1985

Lucille Ball is part of the “Golden Age of Television” segment, while her daughter Lucie Arnaz is part of the tribute to New York City with her co-star from Broadway’s They’re Playing Our Song Robert Klein. The event is held at Radio City Music Hall. 

“The
2nd TV Academy Hall of Fame” ~ March 25, 1985

Lucy inducts Carol Burnett into the Television Academy Hall of Fame. Burnett had done the same when Lucille Ball was inducted in 1984. 

“Bob
Hopes Buys NBC?” ~ September 17, 1985

Lucille Ball has a cameo appearance in this Bob Hope special. The premise has Bob staging a telethon to buy NBC, his adopted network, in an hour-long variety special of music, dance, and comedy. Former President Gerald Ford makes a cameo appearance along with network president Brandon Tartikoff. 

“The
Tonight Show with Joan Rivers” ~ November 1, 1985

Joan Rivers welcomes Lucille Ball, who is promoting her TV movie “Stone Pillow”, her first dramatic lead in a film. 

“CBS This Morning” ~ November 5, 1985

Lucille Ball appears on the morning news show to promote “Stone Pillow,” which will air on the network later that evening. 

“Stone Pillow” ~ November 5, 1985

In her first dramatic lead, Lucille Ball plays a homeless women in New York City. Daphne Zuniga plays the social worker who tries to help her. Lucy uses her grandmother’s name, Florabelle, for the character. 

“The Friar’s Club Tribute To Gene Kelly” ~ November 9, 1985

The Friars give Kelly their Lifetime Achievement Award with Frank Sinatra as the master of ceremonies. Joining Sinatra on the dais will be Friars President Milton Berle, John Forsythe, Joan Collins, Lucille Ball and her husband Gary Morton, Tony Martin and his wife Cyd Charisse, Angie Dickinson, Red Buttons, Sid Caesar, Eddie Murphy, Richard Widmark, Dinah Shore, Richard Widmark, , Shirley Jones, Janet Leigh and more.