Women of History

91. Betty White & Lucille Ball: Queens of Comedy

Betty White was a comedic actress who dominated show business for 8 decades and was single-handedly America's most loved and trusted celebrity.
Rikki Bell joins me back on the mic to celebrate two legends that will never die. Rikki kicks off the show with our beloved Betty White, a comedic actress who dominated show business for 8 decades and was single-handedly America’s most loved and trusted celebrity. Melissa celebrates the iconic life of Lucille Ball, another comedic actress who stole American’s hearts with the famous television show I Love Lucy. If you’d like to donate to the Mimosa Sisterhood podcast, check out my new support feature! In addition, you can now sponsor an alcohol beverage and receive an on-air shout out during the show!

In this episode, we talk about:

  • Melissa and Rikki kicking off the new year with a fresh bout of coronavirus
  • Melissa’s incredible champagne cocktail with a special potion made from her mother
  • The life of Betty White and her extensive career in the entertainment industry
  • The public criticism Betty faced for making Arthur Duncan, a black tap dancer, a regular cast member on her show
  • Betty’s infamous role on the Golden Girls
  • Betty’s passion for animal welfare, racial justice, and LGBTQ+ rights
  • The life of Lucille Ball and her difficult childhood full of grief, abandonment, poverty, shame, and trauma
  • Being labeled the “Queen of the B’s” in Hollywood for never landing leading roles in movies
  • Lucy’s tumultuous relationship with her husband Desi, despite being a business power couple
  • The incredible success of I Love Lucy + the numerous ways the show challenged the status quo

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