I Love Lucy’ Fun Facts You Haven’t Heard Before

There was once a famous American television sitcom aired from October 15, 1951, to May 6, 1957. The sitcom became first of many things. It is the first scripted TV series filmed with 35 mm. film in front of a live studio audience. It was also the first show to use the three-camera format. The show is none other than I Love Lucy. Amazingly, those firsts were not even the most impressive parts of the show.

These are just whispers of the things that you need to know. We bring you these 40 fun facts about I Love Lucy that you haven’t heard before.

1. Larry Lopez
   

Desi Arnaz was to be named Larry Lopez when the show was first being put together. The name was only changed to Ricky Ricardo because producers thought Larry and Lucy had horrible alliteration.

1. William Frawley and Vivian Vance Were Not Fans of One Another In Real Life
   
   William Frawley and Vivian Vance, who played Fred and Ethel, were more than two decades apart in age in real life and that disparity caused some real friction on set. Reportedly, they didn’t get along and would constantly call one another names. It wasn’t until years after the show went off the air that their costars realized the tension they were around every day.

2. Lucille Ball’s Hair
   
   Lucille Ball’s iconic red hair didn’t exist until 1942. She dyed her hair for the movie DuBarry was a Lady. Her original hair color was brown. She only dyed it blonde when she first came to Hollywood. She would become known for her bright red hair, but that wasn’t what she looked like naturally.

3. 300 Audience Members Watched Filming Every show
   
   The show was shot in front of a live audience that included 300 viewers. It was done from the first shoot until the last. Amazingly, there were a lot of “one take” scenes. Desi Arnaz later claimed that Lucille Ball works better if there are real people in her front watching her performance.

4. The Theme Song’s Lyrics Can Be Heard in One Episode
   
   You can actually hear the lyrics to the theme song in the episode “Lucy’s Last Birthday.” It’s the only episode to do this!

The lyrics are: “I love Lucy and she loves me. We’re as happy as two can be. Sometimes we quarrel but then. How we love making up again. Lucy kisses like no one can. She’s my missus and I’m her man. And life is heaven you see. ‘Cause I love Lucy, Yes I love Lucy and Lucy loves me.”