LUCY & GRACE

Lucy & Ricky & Will & Grace & Fred & Ethel & Jack & Karen

[Note: This blog was written before the airing of “We Love Lucy” (S11;E16) on April 9, 2020.]

There’s no denying that the fabulous foursome of “Will & Grace” was inspired by the antics of the gang of the original fabulous four of “I Love Lucy.” 

Debra Messing has always been compared to Lucille Ball in her comedy and appearance.  

“[Lucy] changed the rules of the game for women in comedy and inspired millions of little girls who wanted to make people laugh.” ~ Debra Messing

In addition to the dynamic of the main quartet, Rosario, Karen’s plain-talking maid (the late Shelley Morrison) bears more than a passing resemblance to Lucy’s stoic housekeeper, Mrs. Porter (Verna Felton) in “Lucy Hires a Maid” (ILL S2;E23).

As far back as the October 5, 2001 issue of Entertainment Weekly, their Lucy-and-Ricky layout recreates the fun of an “I Love Lucy” episode called “The French Revue” (ILL S3;E7) in which Lucy attempts to sneak into the Tropicana disguised as a bass fiddle! 

In 2017 “Will & Grace” repeated Lucy and Viv’s shower stall stunt from “Lucy Puts In A Shower” (TLS S1;E18) in “Who’s Your Daddy?” (S9;E2) with Debra Messing and Megan Mullalley trying to keep their heads above water.

In 2020′s “Accidentally on Porpoise” (S11;E11), a tentative Grace gets into a tank and swims with dolphins just like in “Lucy at Marineland” (TLS S4;E1).

On the special “Lucy”-themed episode aired April 9, 2020, the role of Lucy will actually be played by Debra, Sean and Megan at different times. Ricky, however, will only be played by Eric. As for Fred and Ethel, we’ll see Debra, Sean and Megan rotating among them and taking turns.

Debra will play Lucy in the Vitameatavegamin scene from “Lucy Does a TV Commercial” (ILL S1;E30). 

Sean Hayes will portray Lucy in the chocolate factory scene from “Job Switching” (ILL S2;E1). 

Megan Mullally will be Lucy in the grape-stomping scene from “Lucy’s Italian Movie” (ILL S5;E23).  

Will (Eric McCormack) as Ricky will pop up in all of these memorable moments.

Lucille and Desi’s daughter, Lucie Arnaz, will be making a cameo in the episode — the first time she has taken on a role that is connected to her parents’ show. 

Arnaz will play the role of the candy factory foreman originally played by Elvia Allman.  

“I’m thrilled to be invited to the party and will do my best to honor the memory of Elvia Allman’s iconic performance.” ~ Lucie Arnaz

“I know my parents would be over the moon to be honored in this way and by such similar talents who bring the same kind of joy to audiences as they did in ‘I Love Lucy’.” ~ Lucie Arnaz

Six Degrees of Lucy

In a 2002 “Will & Grace” titled “Fagel Attraction” (S4;E23), Barry Livingston played a business associate of Will’s named Vince. Livingston acted opposite Lucille Ball as Arnold Mooney in two episodes of “The Lucy Show” before moving on to “My Three Sons.” 

Other “W&G” / “Lucy” Connections:

• Debbie Reynolds (Bobbi Adler) appeared with Lucille Ball on several variety shows and specials
• Robert Klein (Martin Adler) appeared opposite Lucie Arnaz on Broadway in They’re Playing Our Song and with Lucie and Lucille Ball in “Night of 100 Stars 2″

• Rip Torn (Lionel Banks) appeared opposite Lucille Ball in the film Critic’s Choice (1963)

• Cher (Herself) starred in “Cher…and Other Fantasies” (1979), a TV special with Lucille Ball
• Joan Collins (Helena Barnes) hosted “All Star Party for Lucille Ball” (1984)

In 1999 “Will and Grace” produced an episode titled “Yours, Mine or Ours” although the plot bore no resemblance to the 1968 Lucille Ball / Henry Fonda  film Yours, Mine and Ours.