TV GUIDE

March 12, 1988

On March 11, 1988 Lucille Ball and Desi Aranz were featured (among others) on the cover of TV Guide (volume 36, number 11, issue #1824). 

This would be the last time Lucille Ball appeared on the cover of TV Guide during her lifetime. She was on the cover of the very first national edition in 1953 and was seen on 39 covers. 

The inside article promoted on the cover is “IS TV GETTING BETTER OR WORSE?” by critic William A. Henry III. 

The photograph used on the cover is likely a promo shot from Forever Darling (1956). 

The cover also features the cast of “M*A*S*H” (1972-83): Alan Alda, Loretta Swit, William Christopher, Jamie Farr, Harry Morgan, Mike Farrell, and David Ogden Steirs. Only Farr acted opposite Lucille Ball, in “Lucy, the Rain Goddess” (HL S4;E15) in 1966. Harry Morgan was employed by Desilu as a regular on “December Bride” (1954-59) and a single episode of “The Untouchables” in 1962. 

The cast of “ALF” (1986-90): Max Wright, Alf (Paul Fusco), Anne Schedeen, and Benji Gregory. That same week, Alf (Paul Fusco) and Lucille Ball both were guests on the Bob Hope birthday special. 

The cast of “Cheers” (1982-93): Ted Danson and Kirstie Alley. In 1984, Danson attended the “All Star Party for Lucille Ball”. In August 1980, before she was a television star, interior decorator Kirstie Alley appeared on “Password” with Lucille Ball. 

In the listings contained in this issue, Lucille Ball appeared on “Happy Birthday, Bob: 50 Stars Salute Your 50 Years at NBC” on May 16, 1988. The special also featured ALF (Paul Fusco).