Frequently Asked Questions

Are the Lucy-Desi Museum, Lucy-Desi Center Gift Shop and Desilu Playhouse wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the Lucy-Desi Museum (10 W. Third Street) and the Desilu Playhouse (2 West 3rd St.) are all wheelchair accessible.

Are dogs allowed in the museums?

Only seeing eye guide dogs when accompanying their owners are allowed inside Lucy-Desi facilities.

Why is it called the Desilu Playhouse? Are plays performed there?

No, plays aren't held in the Desilu Playhouse. It is named after the studio in Hollywood where the "I Love Lucy" show was filmed. The Desilu Playhouse is home to the sets from the "I Love Lucy" 50th Anniversary Tour that traveled the country in 2001-2002. The sets include the kitchen and living room of the Ricardo's New York City apartment, as well as the suite of The Beverly Palms Hotel in Hollywood. The Desilu Playhouse was made possible by the generosity of Bill and Mary Rapaport of Buffalo, New York.

Does the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center offer a newsletter?

Anyone can join our e-newsletter, and The Lucy-Desi Center distributes a printed newsletter as an exclusive benefit to Lucy-Desi Center Members. Become a member, or speak with our membership coordinator at 716-484-0800 ext. 201. Newsletter back issues are available (to members only) for $6 each.

Where can I find "I Love Lucy" merchandise?

The Lucy-Desi Center offers a gift shop in Lucy's hometown, and an online gift shop. The gift shop is stocked with the latest and greatest licensed "I Love Lucy" collectibles - everything from "I Love Lucy" travel bags to cookie jars! The shopping experience is a Lucy adventure all its own!

For Lucy-Desi fans unable to visit Jamestown, orders can be placed through the Center's online gift shop. Full color gift shop catalogs can also be requested; contact us. All sales from the on-site shops and through www.lucy-desi.com benefit the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center.

Are contributions to the organization tax deductible?

Yes. Even the IRS loves Lucy!

What other television series did Lucy star in?

The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour ran from 1957-1960 and continued where "I Love Lucy" left off. The show was now an hour long and the 13 episodes were aired sporadically from October 1957 through April 1960. This was the last series that Lucy and Desi appeared in as Lucy and Ricky Ricardo. They were divorced shortly after the show ended. Lucy returned to television as Lucy Carmichael in The Lucy Show from 1962 to 1968. Vivian Vance played her friend. Vivian Bagley. In 1968 Here's Lucy premiered, starring Lucy as Lucy Carter, Gale Gordon as here brother-in-law, Curtis McGibbon. Only 8 episodes of this show were aired.

How many movies did Lucy appear in?

How many movies did Desi appear in?

11; probably the most famous was the war movie Bataan (1943, RKO) for which Desi received the Photoplay Best Performance of the Month award.

Did Lucy and Desi ever appear on Broadway?

In 1939 Desi starred in Too Many Girls at the Imperial Theatre. Lucy starred in Wildcat, which premiered at the Alvin Theatre in New York City in December 1960.

What were some of the series that Desilu studios produced?

Star Trek, Our Miss Brooks, Mission Impossible, The Untouchables, The Andy Griffith Show, My Favorite Martian, The Dick Van Dyke Show, and Make Room for Daddy.

What game shows did Lucy make appearance on?

What's My Line, Body Language and Super Password.

Where was Vivian Vance from? When did she die?

Vivian Vance was born July 26, 1909 in Cherryvale, Kansas; she died August 17, 1979 in Belvedere, California. Her remains were cremated.

Where was William Frawley from? When did he die?

William Frawley was born February 26, 1887, in Burlington, Iowa; he died March 3, 1966 in Hollywood, California. His remains were buried at San Fernando Mission Cemetery in Mission Hills, California.

The Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center, Inc. does not own the films Lucy and Desi starred in and, therefore, does not decide which films are released on home video or DVD. Various motion picture studios own the films. The Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center, Inc. makes every effort to stay informed of all current Lucy-Desi films available on home video. As a result, our online store is a complete source for all films currently available on home video.

Is Stone Pillow available on home video?

This is an often-asked question. Lucy, as the homeless Flora Belle in the 1985 made-for-TV movie is available on DVD and can be purchased at the Lucy-Desi Center Gift Shop or online.

What is the Lucy-Desi Center's position on Lucy and Desi impressionists?

The Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center does not sanction or endorse anyone impersonating either Lucille Ball or Desi Arnaz. This is a topic that is addressed through the estates of Lucy and Desi and CBS Worldwide, the entity that holds the copyright on "I Love Lucy" and the show's characters.

The impressionists that are part of the Center's festivals are individuals who have gone through the proper channels of becoming authorized by the appropriate entities.

Where can I read more about Lucy and Desi?

Many books have been written about Lucy and Desi. Lucy and Desi books are available through the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center Gift Shop

Personal tools