AMSEL on the BALL

July 6, 1974

Artist Richard Amsel’s first TV Guide cover was of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor in 1972, promoting an article about television’s tributes to the recently  deceased Duke of Windsor, once King Edward VIII. His final cover was of newscasters Tom Brokaw, Peter Jennings and Dan Rather in October 1985, just before his death form AIDS at age 37. Amsel did 37 covers in all, more than any other artist. Coincidentally, Lucille Ball appeared on 39 covers, more than anyone else. This was her 17th appearance; her 6th non-photographic appearance.  

Amsel was also a prolific designer for popular film posters, landing his first job in 1969 (age 22) for Barbra Streisand’s Hello, Dolly. He designed the now iconic posters for The Sting, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Chinatown.

Perhaps the most beloved of Amsel’s TV Guide covers was his portrait of Lucille Ball, which heralded an article about her retirement from series television in 1974. 

Amsel’s original illustration. Note that the signature is differently placed. 

Amsel’s first pencil sketch for the cover. 

Inside the issue, an article by Terrence O’Flaherty titled “TV Will Never Be Quite The Same Again” about Lucille Ball’s retirement from series television.  The photo is from “Lucy at Marineland” (TLS S4;E1). The photo is from a TV Guide cover photo shoot from late August 1965 done on location. 

For a look at “I Love Lucy” and TV Guide, click here!