Mattel Debuts New Lucille Ball Barbie Doll Ahead of ‘I Love Lucy’ Anniversary
Mattel is relaunching its Lucile Ball Barbie doll In honor of the upcoming 70th anniversary of I Love Lucy. The doll is part of Mattel’s Tribute Collection and is available for purchase starting Aug. 6 (which also happens to be the late comedian’s birthday).
According to Hollywood Reporter, designing the doll became a family affair. Ball’s daughter, Lucie Arnaz, helped designer Bill Greening bring the doll to life down to small details like her 40-carat engagement ring and pearl earrings.
Standing at 15 inches tall, the Lucille Ball Barbie highlights the star’s famed red hair and lipstick. Her blue flared dress and white lace jacket are straight out of the 1950s, presumably inspired by the long-running comedy I Love Lucy.
Happy Birthday Lucille Ball
— Miz Val (@vrb1955) August 6, 2021
Barbie pays tribute pic.twitter.com/qEdme5nHP0
I’ve got a Lucille Ball doll! Lucy was the best! pic.twitter.com/ROKLe7WKJR
— Susan (@Susan21Marie) August 6, 2021
Ball is celebrated as a comedian, model, actress, and role model. Her first major role came in 1951 when she and then-husband Desi Arnaz created and starred in I Love Lucy. A decade later, Ball took ownership of Desilu productions, becoming the first woman in Hollywood to own a studio. Her legacy solidified with her induction to the Tv Hall of Fame in 1984.
“Lucille Ball was an American TV actress whose comedic genius and incredible business acumen cemented her as a television icon and a trailblazer for women in entertainment,” Mattel stated on their website.
“I’m happy that I’ve brought laughter because I have been shown by many the value of it in so many lives, in so many ways.” – Lucille Ball
— Leesa (@Leesas_Classics) August 6, 2021
Happy Birthday, Lucille Ball.
August 6, 1911 – April 26, 1989. pic.twitter.com/i6onVKWkwL
This is not the first doll Mattel designed in honor of Ball. A series of Barbie dolls created for different episodes of I Love Lucy was released in 1997, ultimately ending in 2011. Either way, Ball continues to inspire audiences everywhere more than 30 years after her death.
Speaking of legacy, be on the lookout for the upcoming movie Being the Ricardos as Nicole Kidman portrays Ball in the biopic drama.
Writer | @IlanaDavis24
