She began her Hollywood career with bit roles in the 1930's. She became a star in the 40's, performing in dozens of films. She turned her attention to radio in the late 40's, and from 1951 to 1957 she starred in a T.V. show. Who was she?

This career timeline perfectly maps onto the life of the legendary comedian and businesswoman, Lucille Ball. After working as a model, she moved to Hollywood and spent the 1930s in a series of minor roles for RKO Pictures, eventually earning the nickname "Queen of the B's" for her frequent appearances in B-movies. Her film career blossomed in the 1940s, where she starred in major studio productions like "Du Barry Was a Lady" and "Without Love."

The crucial turning point came in 1948 when she was cast as the wife in the hit radio comedy "My Favorite Husband." The show's success gave her the leverage she needed to transition to the new medium of television. She and her real-life husband, Desi Arnaz, formed Desilu Productions to create a television version of the radio show, insisting that Arnaz be cast as her on-screen husband.

The resulting T.V. show was "I Love Lucy," which ran from 1951 to 1957 and became one of the most beloved and influential sitcoms in history. The show pioneered the three-camera filming technique in front of a live studio audience, a format that set the standard for decades. Through her talent and business acumen, Lucille Ball cemented her status as an icon of American entertainment.