Lucille Ball, the comedic genius behind the iconic sitcom “I Love Lucy,” brought laughter into millions of homes for decades. However, behind the scenes, Ball battled a secret health condition that ultimately led to her passing in 1989.
le fans cherished every episode of “I Love Lucy” and delved into her marriage with Desi Arnaz through biopics like “Being the Ricardos,” certain aspects of Ball’s life remained hidden from the public eye. This article sheds light on the health issue that plagued the beloved comedienne in her later years.
The Hidden Struggle: Cystic Medial Necrosis and its Toll
Lucille Ball grappled with a heart condition that remained unknown to the public until her death. According to People magazine, Dr. Michael Hunter, featured on the TV show “Autopsy, The Last Hours…,” revealed the nature of Ball’s ailment.
Dr. Hunter explained that Ball suffered from cystic medial necrosis, a condition characterized by the breakdown of muscle, collagen, and elastin in the large blood vessels throughout the body. This deterioration weakens the vessels, making them more prone to rupture or tear.
A Warning Sign Ignored? The Use of “Poppers” and its Implications
Dr. Hunter further disclosed that Ball used a drug called “poppers” to alleviate chest and heart pain, an action that could be a warning sign of pre-existing cardiovascular disease. The use of these inhalants, as early as 1984 (four years before her death), suggests a potential attempt to self-medicate discomfort related to her condition.
Lucie Arnaz Speaks Out: Unveiling the Lack of Self-Care and the Absence of Warning Signs
In 2010, Lucie Arnaz, Lucille Ball’s daughter, shed light on her mother’s health during a Go Red For Women event. She highlighted the lack of self-care that potentially contributed to Ball’s condition, a common theme for many individuals who prioritize work and family over their own well-being. As Lucie stated, “It’s a common man’s story… one of stress, not always taking care of yourself.”
Lucie further revealed that her mother may not have been aware of the severity of her condition or might have chosen to shield her daughter and loved ones from worry. She explained, “There were no warning signs that I was aware of at the time or she was aware of at the time.”
Lucie did mention her mother’s suffering from bursitis in her arm, a painful condition, in addition to aortic dissection, a life-threatening situation where the aorta, the body’s main artery, tears.
The Final Chapter: Surgery and a Tragic Farewell
While Lucille Ball seemingly kept her health struggles private, her condition became critical in April 1989. According to UPI, she underwent open-heart surgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center after experiencing a heart attack. Sadly, she passed away just over a week later, on April 26, 1989.
A Legacy Beyond Laughter: Remembering “I Love Lucy”
For countless television fans, “I Love Lucy” remains a comedy treasure. Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, playing Lucy and Ricky Ricardo, revolutionized television comedy in the 1950s. Lucy, alongside her friend Ethel Mertz, challenged societal expectations with their independent spirit and playful attitude.
Life After “I Love Lucy”: Continued Success and a Touch of Bittersweetness
Although Ball wasn’t acting for several years before her passing, her dedication to television comedy is undeniable. After “I Love Lucy” concluded its run in 1957, she proceeded to star in “The Lucy Show” (1962-1968) and “Here’s Lucy” (1968-1978). Her passion for the genre was evident.
According to Outsider.com, Lucille Ball and her husband co-founded Desilu Productions in 1950, showcasing her leadership beyond acting. In 1981, during an interview with Merv Griffin, Ball expressed her longing to return to television. The emotional sentiment of a once-vibrant entertainer yearning to be back on screen is evident in her statement, “Besides, there’s no sense trying to top what we’ve done.”
Lucille Ball did return to television in 1986 with “Life with Lucy,” a show that lasted only 13 episodes. The lack of success in comparison to her previous shows could have been emotionally challenging for the veteran comedienne.
