Comedic Icons: Lucille Ball & Robin Williams Phoebe Gydesen World History- H Pd. 6 Semester Presentation

I have two children. I have two children. I was born on August 6, I was born on August 6, I’ve appeared in over 75 different films spanning several decades. I’ve appeared in over 75 different films spanning several decades. I was kicked out of the John Murray Anderson School for the Dramatic Arts. I was kicked out of the John Murray Anderson School for the Dramatic Arts. I starred in a comedy that dominated television for six years and is still considered a classic. I starred in a comedy that dominated television for six years and is still considered a classic. My father died when I was only three. My father died when I was only three. I’m a red-head. I’m a red-head. I was one of the first women to pioneer the filming industry by becoming an executive producer. I was one of the first women to pioneer the filming industry by becoming an executive producer. I married Desidario Alberto Arnaz y de Acha III. I married Desidario Alberto Arnaz y de Acha III. Who Am I?

I’m The Queen of Comedy: Lucille Desiree Ball.

I was born on July 21, I was born on July 21, I was bullied during much of my childhood. I was bullied during much of my childhood. I’ve played a pirate, nanny, genie, and dead president. I’ve played a pirate, nanny, genie, and dead president. I won a full scholarship to Julliard. I won a full scholarship to Julliard. I got my first big break as “Mork” on Happy Days. I got my first big break as “Mork” on Happy Days. I’m an actor, comedian, and father. I’m an actor, comedian, and father. I’ve starred in numerous films and been nominated for a great deal of awards. I’ve starred in numerous films and been nominated for a great deal of awards. I’ve received an Oscar for best supporting actor. I’ve received an Oscar for best supporting actor. I was best friends with Christopher Reeves. I was best friends with Christopher Reeves. Who Am I?

I’m Robin McLaurin Williams.

Lucille Ball

Early Childhood Born- August , – Jamestown, New York Daughter of Henry Durrell Ball and Desiree Evelyn Hunt Ball

February 1915-Lucy’s father dies of typhoid fever Lucy and brother Frederick raised by her mother and grandparents

Adolescent Years Frequently attended vaudeville shows with her family Her grandfather encouraged her to participate in school plays and her own

Lucy’s Career Beginning Lucy sent to the John Murray Anderson School for the Dramatic Arts in New York City Sent home a few weeks later when drama coaches told her that she "had no future at all as a performer”

Lucy’s Career Went to Hollywood as movie showgirl Later, became successful actress appearing in more than 75 films – Under contract with Sam Goodwin, Columbia and RKO

Married Desiderio Alberto Arnaz y de Acha III (Desi Arnaz) – Cuban percussionist she met while filming the movie Too Many Girls

1948- Lucille cast in CBS Radio program – Cast as Liz Cugat in “My Favorite Husband”

I Love Lucy 1951 – Desi and Lucy formed Desilu Productions with $5,000. I Love Lucy began six year domination of TV comedy. Lucie Desiree Arnaz born on July 17, 1951.

I Love Lucy episode in which Lucy Ricardo gave birth to Little Ricky in telecast on January 19, 1953, – Same day that Lucille gave birth to second child Desiderio Alberto Arnaz y Acha IV (Desi, Jr.).

Lucy’s Career Continues Desilu purchased RKO Studios and began producing other TV programs The Arnaz’s divorce and Desi sold his share of the studio to Lucy for 3 million dollars.

Lucy married Morton Goldapper (Gary Morton), who became her executive producer Lucille returned to the airwaves with a successful solo launch of The Lucy Show

Lucy sold Desilu to Gulf and Western Industries for 18 million dollars.

Lucille played the title role in the movie version of Mame 1985 – In first dramatic role in years, Lucy played a New York City bag lady in the CBS teleplay Stone Pillow Life With Lucy was launched by ABC – Despite hard work, was not successful

Accomplishments Received first two Emmy Awards, for Best Comedienne and Best Situation Comedy on the Air December 17, 1986, honored with an award for life-long achievement at Kennedy Center by President Reagan.

Lucille’s Legacy On April 18, Lucille underwent emergency heart surgery She died a week later on April 26, 1989.

Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George H. W. Bush on July 6,1989 Time Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People of the Century” Inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame

2007- Awarded the Legacy of Laughter Award at the fifth Annual TV Land Awards I Love Lucy was named the Greatest TV Series by Hall of Fame Magazine Chosen second out of the 50 Greatest TV Icons

Lucille Desiree Ball

“The Queen of Comedy”

Robin Williams

Early Childhood Robin McLaurin Williams Born- July, – Chicago, Illinois Father, Robert, executive for Ford Motor Company Mother, Laurie, retired fashion model

Robin was bullied during his much of his childhood Had weight problems – Spent most of his time in his parents’ house

Adolescent Years Eventually conquered his “fat” label – Went out for track and wrestling Realized that his ability to make others laugh could help him gain respect from kids

When Robin was 16, his father retired early The family moved to California – Graduated from Redwood High School in 1969

After high school, attended Claremont Men’s College – Studied political science & played soccer Took improvisation classes

Entered College of Marin to study acting Won a full scholarship to Juilliard College

While at Julliard: – Studied with Christopher Reeve & became lifelong friends – Met his first wife, Valerie Velardi

Robin’s Career Beginning Practiced stand up comedy & left acting in pursuit of a career as a comedian In 1977, Williams won a spot on The Richard Pryor Show Got his first big break as “Mork” on Happy Days Sparked the show Mork and Mindy – Show earned him his first Golden Globe in 1979

1980- Took the title role in Robert Altman's “Popeye” Williams battle with drugs and alcohol had negative effects on his personal life

Robin’s Career Robin did five more films before his first break-through role “Good Morning, Vietnam” – Earned first Academy Award nomination & second Golden Globe win Valerie and Robin separate

1989- Williams marries Marsha Garces The same year Williams starred in “Dead Poet’s Society” – This earned him his second Oscar nomination

Movie Madness Stars in “The Fisher King”- acclaimed as his best film to date Also starred in Steven Spielberg’s “Hook”

Williams proved his skill as a voice actor in the 1992 film “Aladdin” as the Genie

Mrs. Doubtfire Wife Marsha runs across “Mrs. Doubtfire” script & suggests it to Robin Earned 200 million in the box office and a Golden Globe Award for Williams

1995- Received an Emmy nomination for a brief role in the TV programme Homicide: Life On The Streets Filmed “Jumanji” the same year

Starred in the 1996 film “The Birdcage” The same year, Williams played the lead in “Jack”

1997 was a superb year for Robin The hit film “Flubber” started off the 1997 year “Good Will Hunting” earned Williams his first Academy Award – Best Actor in a Supporting Role

Accomplishments Academy Award – Best Actor in a Supporting Role “Good Will Hunting” Emmy Award – Best Individual Role in a Variety or Music Program Carol and Carl and Whoopi and Robin Golden Globe Awards – Best Actor- Motion Picture, Musical, or Comedy Good Morning Vietnam The Fisher King Mrs. Doubtfire

Golden Globe Awards – Best Actor in a Television Comedy or Musical Mork and Mindy – Cecil B. DeMille Award Grammy Awards – Best Comedy Album Reality…What a Concept A Night at the Met Good Morning, Vietnam

Grammy Awards – Best Spoken Comedy Album Robin Williams- Live 2002 Screen Actors Guild Awards – Best Cast in a Motion Picture The Birdcage – Best Supporting Actor- Motion Picture Good Will Hunting Numerous American Comedy Awards spanning three decades

Robin’s Legacy Robin Williams is known around the world for his entertaining skills. He is also involved in many philanthropic projects, including the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. His works will undoubtedly continue to be enjoyed by generations to come.

Robin McLaurin Williams