LUCY: 40 YEARS OF TELEVISION

1988 & 1989

The final years of Lucille Ball’s life. 

“America’s
Tribute to Bob Hope” ~ March 5, 1988

To celebrate the opening of the Bob Hope Cultural Center at Palm Springs, dozens of friends gather and offer comedy and musical performances to honor the building’s namesake. Taped on January 2, 1988.  The regular gang Lucille Ball, George Burns, Ann-Margret, Dean Martin, Dinah Shore, and Danny Thomas are on hand. 

“AFI
Life Achievement Award: A Salute to Jack Lemmon” ~ March 10, 1988

The AFI gives its 1988 Life Achievement Award to Jack Lemmon. Host Julie Andrews introduces film clips from his most acclaimed films. The audience is full of celebrity friends, including including Lucille Ball. 

“Happy
Birthday, Bob: 50 Stars Salute Your 50 Years at NBC” ~ May 16, 1988

Bob Hope is celebrating his 85th of his 100 birthdays.

Lucille Ball sings “Comedy Ain’t No Joke,” a song by Cy Coleman and James Lipton. 

“The
Princess Grace Foundation Special Gala Tribute to Cary Grant” ~ October 19, 1988

Cary Grant died in 1986. Due to his close friendship with Princess Grace and her family the proceeds from the evening benefit the foundation named in her honor. Lucille Ball attends with her husband, Gary Morton. 

“Super
Password” ~ November 7-12, 1988

In her last game show appearances, Lucille Ball plays her favorite game with Carol Channing (above), Betty White, Dick Martin and Marsha Warfield (”Night Court”). Bert Convy hosts. 

“The
6th Annual American Cinema Awards” ~ January 6, 1989

Lucille Ball attends with her husband Gary Morton and her daughter Lucie Arnaz. Held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. 

“The Fifth Annual Television Academy Hall of Fame” ~ January 23, 1989

In late 1988 (aired early 1989) on Fox, Red Skelton was inducted into the “Television Academy Hall of Fame”. Lucille Ball (an inaugural inductee) was in attendance. Skelton was introduced by Burt Lancaster.  This was the last time Lucy and Red would appear on television together. 

“The
61st Annual Academy Awards” ~ March 29, 1989

Lucille Ball’s final appearance, appropriately alongside Bob Hope. They introduce a performance by ‘the stars of tomorrow: Blair Underwood, Patrick Dempsey, Ricki Lake, Chad Lowe, Tracy Nelson, Keith Coogan, Corey Feldman, and Corey Parker. Lucy and Bob receive a standing ovation.  Lucy appears to be enjoying herself immensely, giggling at all Bob Hope’s jokes. After 42 years, choreographer Kenny Ortega’s name is the last thing Lucille Ball will say on television. 

On April 18, 1989, Lucille Ball entered the hospital with chest pains. She underwent heart surgery and appeared to be recovering, but several days later she slipped into unconsciousness and died on April 27, 1989, at age 77. That evening, Lucille Ball’s passing was carried on television stations across the world. Televised tribute shows soon followed, reminding the world that they had lost the “Queen of TV Comedy.”