Stars pay tribute
NZPA-AP Los Angeles Lucille - Ball, the zany, wide-mouthed redhead who reigned for more than 20 years as the queen of American television comedy, died on Wednesday, a week after undergoing emergency heart surgery. She was 77. The star of “I Love Lucy” and similar situation comedies that continue in syndication around the world died at Cedars Sinai Medical Centre, where she underwent surgery to replace her aorta and aortic valve on April 18.
Film and television stars, some close to tears, joined the United States President, Mr George Bush, and thousands of fans in paying tribute to
her. President Bush said the star left a legacy of laughter that spanned the generations. “Lucille Ball possessed
the gift of laughter. But she also embodied an even greater treasure — the gift of love,” Mr Bush said.
“There was only one Lucy,” Bob Hope said. “I sum up the definition of comic genius in two words — Lucille Ball.” The comedienne, Phyllis Diller, fought back tears as she said, “Lucy was my inspiration. She was my idol. When I was starting out she showed me how to be a presence on a stage.” “I loved Lucy. Everybody loved Lucy,” George Burns, aged 93, his voice choking with emotion, said.
James Stewart said he would miss Ball also as a neighbour. She lived next door to him.
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Press, 28 April 1989, Page 6
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225Stars pay tribute Press, 28 April 1989, Page 6
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