Set 14 - February, 2009

Q. 

Lucie...

Aside from your husband and your children, what is the best thing about  
being you?  Is it the opportunities you've had whether on t.v. or on stage  or the 
chance to meet so many wonderful and talented people (such as Bob Hope),  or 
the opportunity you have had to travel around the World to such places as  
London?
 
Btw, I was at a wedding shower recently and was asked to give a quote of  
inspiration on a note card.  The bride to be was to pick out her three  favorite. 
 I used the quote you mentioned of your father's about "If you  don't know 
what to do, don't do anything".  She picked that as one of her  three favorites. 
 I think it's nice that your father's words still inspire people today!  
 
One more tidbit...I am a nanny and recently spent a couple of nights taking  
care of the children as their parents were away because of a death in the  
family.  I brought along my DVD's of season one of "I Love Lucy."  The  kids, 
ages 3-8 had never seen the show before.  By the time I left, they  were begging 
me to leave the DVDs there so that they could continue to watch the show!  
 
I wish you all the best, 
-Kelli in St. Louis



              

Kelli, you are right about the best part being those you love and who love you, and that can be
your immediate family (spouse and children) or any number of extended family and friends.  I
would say the best part of being me these days, is my desire to grow spiritually.  To understand
God and to make my life reflect all the love there is in the universe and beyond. 

 I have been gifted by being put into the path of so many great teachers and healers, and have
been able to grab hold of a lot of great tools lately to help me improve the quality of my life, and
be better equipped to help my family cope with all the challenges our lives will continue to gift us
with.

Hi Lucie,

I'm sure you have gotten emails through the years about your mom.  She was a
great actress, but I've seen you in many different tv shows and you are as talented as
well.  Have you ever thought about having your own series?   Do you live in Los Angeles?  I
live in Santa Barbara and would love to the chance to meet you.  

Your mother was my favorite during her time.  I use to drive by the old house on Roxbury
hoping just to get a peek at her, but never did.  I know someone else has bought it and
re-modeled it.  Did you grow up in that one?  Did you ever go back to reminisce?

Thanks so much for your time.

Brice Kirk 

Brice:  Thank you.  I'm happy my work has been appreciated by people with high standards like
you, and I actually have had my own series, The Lucie Arnaz Show, on CBS for one season in
1984.  I also co-starred in Sons and Daughters, on CBS in 1989.  Neither ran very long, but I
thought they were great shows, well written, and I enjoyed the work.  But I had trouble being
patient with the way television works.  Seems they just don't give shows a chance anymore.  The
networks spend millions every season making new pilots, and almost hope their current shows
slip in the ratings, I think, so they can dump them for the newest "saver."  It's very frustrating.  I
know the money can be tempting, but I am just too bossy and impatient to play the game.

I am still here.  I still read scripts and if I find something so fabulous that I have to throw my hat
into the ring again, then I may.  But, at the moment, my symphonies, concerts, theatre
performances, recordings, and directing and producing are occupying my time quite well.  I live
on the east coast with my husband of 29 years, Laurence (Larry) Luckinbill.  And yes, I did grow
up at 1000 North Roxbury Drive in Beverly Hills, but I do not go there anymore.  That whole
neighborhood has been so overbuilt and landscaped that it's disgusting.  Track mansions way too
big for the size of the lots they sit on, and nouveau style faux fronts -- just a lot of money, and
not so much taste has ruined that street for me.  But, I have great memories of living there, and
beautiful home movies of the ranch in Chatsworth, CA where I lived before moving to Beverly
Hills.

Dear Lucie,

My name is Alexandra. I'm a 12 year old girl and i'm a big fan of your  
mother and father. In fact, I think i'm their biggest fan under the age of 21.  I'm 
also a big fan of yours. I have a burning question, I want to go into show business and  
I don't really know how to start. I just need some advice. Can you give me  
advice for show business? Thank you and godbless.
 
Alexandra

Alexandra, thank you.  It's hard to give generic advice to people about show business.  I have no
clue what you want to do.  "Go into show business" doesn't tell me what your skills are (writer,
director, designer, composer, agent, actor, etc. etc.), or whether your desire stems primarily
from wanting to be "famous."  This business is one of the most difficult there is to make a living
at.  As they say, "You can sometimes make a killing, but it's hard to make a living."  Show biz is
an "eat 'em up, spit 'em out" kind of profession with only a handful of people becoming really well
known, or having a career that sustains them financially.

Hello!

I thoroughly enjoyed meeting you at the Humor Conference a few months ago.
 
During one of the panel discussions, you mentioned a book on "thoughts"
by your friend Daniel (David?)Freedman. Would you please share the exact title of
that book? I'd like to get a copy.

Thanks,

Lynn

I'd be very happy to, Lynn.  The book is Thought Exchange, written by David Friedman (go to
www.davidfriedman.com, or google him).  It's really a life-transforming concept.  I use it every
day, as do my children, and my husband.  David is on to something here.  Enjoy learning how to
let it help you improve the quality of your life.

Hello Ms.Arnaz,

My name is Wendy Carvajal and I have been a fan of Lucille Ball and Desi 
Arnaz for about 20 years now. Over the years I have tried to obtain as 
much memorabilia as possible. I am extremely saddened by the closing a few
months ago of Lucy a Tribute: Universal Studios Hollywood museum. Why did 
they close it down? I would specifically buy my annual pass for Universal Studios
just to go to the museum as many times as possible. It never dawned on me
that they would close it down. Do you know where all the displays went or
if you will be opening up a new museum in California to display these
items? I have not yet had to opportunity to go visit Jamestown, NY to
see the museum's there. It's my lifelong dream to do that. Someday
it will come true. Your parents still make me laugh when I watch all the
I Love Lucy episodes. I have them all. I am really excited and hoping to hear
from you soon.  

Wendy Carvajal

Wendy:  Universal and I had never intended for the Lucy Tribute (Hollywood and Orlando parks)
to last longer than a few years.  They were so successful that they just kept them going.  It was
there close to 18 years, and it was simply time.  The exhibit in Orlando still exists, and much of
the memorabilia from the Hollywood tribute went to the Lucy-Desi Center in Jamestown, NY, so
why not make a trip up to the beautiful Chautauqua County area, and visit it, and much, much
more Lucy and Desi memorabilia.  We will not be opening up any other museums in Los Angeles.

Hello Lucie !

Could you please tell me why your movie "Who Is The Black Dahlia" has not  
been released for sale? It is a lot better then the one they just  released.

Thank You
Norma Guzman    
 

Thanks, Norma.  I liked that film, too.  I am very pleased with the work I did in that.  Especially
when I remember that it was shot in two weeks with virtually no rehearsals!  Wonderful cast and
a great director, Joe Pevney.  I do not know why it isn't out for sale, except that T.V. movies do
not always get released as videos/DVDs.  It was an ABC show, maybe you could write and ask
them?  I know my still handsome leading man, Efram Zimbalist, Jr., just celebrated his 90th
birthday!!!

Hi,Lucie

Just a quick note to let you know that I have always thought your parents were very
talented and that my husband and myself watch DVD's of "I Love Lucy" every night. We
still laugh so much we cry watching them!

I wanted to let you know that my birthday is Jan.18,1953. It's one day after
Desi's and my mother used to tell me that we were born on the same day. I recently found
out there is one days  difference. My mother told me how exciting it was to be pregnant the
same time as your mother and to have me so close to Desi's birthday.

We recently went to Jamestown  and loved it! Thanks for keeping your parents spirits
around for all of us to enjoy. Best wishes to you & Desi.

Joy Shields 

Dear Joy, thanks for sharing that good news.  You and your husband sound like you are two really
smart, stress-less people who have their priorities in order!  And Desi's birthday is January 19th,
so if yours is the 18th, you're one day older!  Still a spring chicken like him, I hope!

Hello Lucie: 

My sister and I were talking about you the other day and I had heard many
years ago that you were adopted.  Am I wrong?  My sister says no.

Thanks. Joan 

HA!  I'm laughing hard at that one.  No, Joan, your sister wins this one.  I am not adopted.  I was
my mother's long-awaited first-born child.  I was born at Cedars of Lebanon in Los Angeles on
July 17, 1951.  She had my brother, Desi, 18 months later (see Joy's question).  And my Latin
music roots couldn't have come from anyone but my father, Desi Arnaz!!

Hi Lucie- 

I am writing from NY. I was fortunate enough to see your show for the first time in July
at Birdland. I was there Wednesday & Thursday night. I was lucky to get a table right
up front, both nights. 

I have to say I loved the show. You sound great and look great. You looked like you really
had fun. I was happy to see your son and daughter perform, too. What impressed me so much
is, how much love you have for your family, and obviously, they for you. It felt like there
is nothing you treasure more than your family and friends. Similar to your mom, I’m
guessing, but you were more successful at staying together. I hope that your success
continues for a lifetime. I felt a very good energy in the room and everyone who knows you
has a lot of love and is proud of one another. It was really nice to see. NYC can be cold at
times, but your show brought a lot of warmth into the room. Glad I was there.

Some background on me, in case you’re curious. I’m 42 and hopelessly single. It is very
hard to find a quality man in New York who wants an old fashion dating to long- term
relationship. I do have really great friends and am lucky to get to do all the fun things
NYC offers, like seeing your show.

I hope you get more opportunities to record, do more shows, TV, Broadway, movies, and that I
get another chance to see you again. I wish you and your family years of continued success
and happiness.

All the best,

Rob 

Rob, thank you so much for that loving and very observant note.  If you look at my answer to
Kelli's question above, you will see how right you are!  I'm going to do another series of evenings
at Birdland soon.  Keep checking here for exact dates.  And as for your love life -- if you are
willing to be loved, you will find your mate.

Hi Lucie!

I'm so nervous! I just wanted to say that I'm 12 years old and I have 
read both of your parents biographies and I have been to Jamestown twice 
and on both occasions I had an amazing time! The I Love Lucy show is so 
amazing and my favorite show.  I also love your mothers other shows The 
Lucy Show and Here's Lucy and I must say that your performance in Here's 
Lucy was awesome! I have a couple questions for you.
 
1-      What is your favorite type of music?
2-      Who is your favorite singer? 
         
                                    Sincerely,
                                     Paige

(P.S- In elementary school when all the other kids had Hannah Montana 
and what not on their lunchboxes, I had Lucy and Ethel in the chocolate 
factory!)

 

Paige, many thanks!  And, honey, I just love music, pretty much all kinds.  Different styles for
different moods.  Classical during a warm bubble bath to de-stress, 50's rock and roll classics
when I've got a hard job to do like house cleaning or gardening clean-ups, jazz for dinner parties,
Latin to dance to, Country and Western or Broadway show tunes in the car or to exercise to --
and the good ol' American standards any and all the time.  Probably the only thing I don't enjoy
listening to is heavy metal rock, or a lot of rap music.

 I write music and I have lots of fun with parody songs.  As for singers, there are too many
favorites to name.  When I was a kid, I had one favorite of everything.  It's what we did as young
people to help define ourselves, sort of like Myspace is today.  But, right now, I could list about
30-40 great singers who I enjoy listening to, and the list keeps growing!

Hi, Lucie-

I just finished watching The Jazz Singer, for about the umpteenth time. I love that movie
and never get tired of it. You were wonderful in that movie, and make acting look so
easy. Was just wondering what it was like to work with Neil Diamond, and the fabulous, Sir
Laurence Olivier. What an awesome cast!

Thanks, and take care,
Gina Clingan
Plano, TX 

Gina, I adored making The Jazz Singer.  To work alongside a great actor like Olivier, to be on the
set and get to observe how he rehearsed, how he deferred to the director (Richard Fleisher), and
was always such a tireless good sport.  And then to be elbow to elbow with Neil Diamond every
day -- to watch him write those songs, rehearse and record -- to get to know him off the set, and
to learn about the music industry from him.  It was all just a joy.  I also recall that I became
pregnant during that movie with my husband and my first child.  So, I will always hold that film in
a very special place in my heart.  Thanks for letting me know you enjoy it, too.

Dear Lucie,

It is an honor simply to be contacting you.  My grandmother, my mother, myself and now my
children are forever true fans of the I Love Lucy show, and movies, performances, etc.

My mother worked for the musician's union local 47 some time back, under the supervision
of Max Herman, and she always mentions a "Vince" that was a regular in Desi's
band.  He played a wind instrument, and also had a small part as one of the
friends of the friendless in "Lucy's last birthday" episode.

I am simply wondering if there is a way to find out what his last name is/was?

Any help you can offer will be greatly appreciated.

thank you again, and we continue to be loyal fans.....

Julie 

 

Julie, I'm so sorry that I can't help you with this one.  No one I know in Dad's band was named
Vince, and there's no one left that I can think of to ask.  If the Musician's Union doesn't know, I
don't know where else to send you.  So sorry.

Lucie (with an ie not a y or an I),

We saw your show recently at Lorenzo's in Staten Island. My wife Doreen and I also saw
you in "They're Playing Our Song" while we were dating. Now we are married 27 years
and she still sings songs from that great play. Could you shoot her a quick hello on here...
I know it would mean so much to her..  I loved the show too. your voice is better than
ever... I hope you keep performing,, She's a great girl but present buying will be
easier with you playing in the areas... Thank you and warmest regards..

Jim Vackner

 

What a sweet note, Jim.  We liked performing for you all so much at Lorenzo's on Staten Island,
that we are already booked for a return engagement -- March 6, 2009!  As for your bride, Doreen,
all I can say is, it just gets better, doesn't it?  Larry Luckinbill and I will be married 29 years on
June 22nd of this year, and I am happier being with this fella now than I could ever have
imagined when we first got together.  And I was love struck then!  So, Doreen, you are married to
a champ, who obviously adores you.  Hope you both will be celebrating many, many more
anniversaries, and I want to be entertaining you at every one of them!

Dear Lucie,

Many years ago a neighbor loaned me videos that you produced about your parents.  I truly
enjoyed them and now my grand-daughter (13) is in love with all the I Love Lucy shows.  She
has every show on DVD and constantly plays them.  I thought about that video and the story
of your parents with all the old movies of them and you and your brother Desi as well &
would love to buy it for my grand-daughter for Christmas.  

Any chance you still have them or perhaps you can direct me to where I can purchase that
video.  

Thank you,

Mrs. Fran Consorti

P.S.  The reason my neighbor loaned me that video because I have all the Lucy & Desi
Plates, a cookie jar, a Lucy doll and a wonderful Lucy & Desi sweatshirt I purchased at
Universal Studios years ago.  I and my late husband were big fans of the I love Lucy show
& subsequent reruns on TV. 


 

Well, you are in luck, Fran!  We are just now releasing that film, Lucy & Desi: A Home Movie, on
DVD, with a slew of extras.  You can order it online (cduniverse.com, amazon.com or other site)
or through your regular retailer.  Enjoy!

I want to say a big thank you for providing this website on Lucie Arnaz...it is a treasure
trove of information!

My question relates to two Lucille Ball shows (I know Lucie was a guest star in the former):
 The Lucy Show and Here's Lucy.  Have there been any official plans to release these
shows on DVD?

Thanks again,

Ed 
  

And Ed, you are also in luck!  This is actually a very unusual year for us.  The Lucy Show, Here's
Lucy, and Lucy & Desi: A Home Movie will all be released on DVD!  We didn't plan it that way, but
it is pretty wonderful as they all cross promote each other.  CBS will be releasing The Lucy Show
(and I made several appearances on that series); MPI and our company, ArLuck Entertainment,
are releasing Lucy & Desi: A Home Movie; and MPI and Lucille Ball Productions will release Here's
Lucy (I was a co-star on this show for all six seasons).  Hope you can get them all, and have
years and years of enjoyment.  Many thanks!