Yes, Lucille Ball's daughter, Lucie Arnaz, is still alive. Born on July 17, 1951, she is an active American actress, singer, and producer who continues to preserve the legendary comedic legacy of her parents, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. Rather than resting on her famous family name, she built a durable career across television, film, and musical theatre spanning more than five decades.
If you grew up watching I Love Lucy or later classics, you might wonder what happened to the children of television royalty. Lucie Arnaz not only survived the intense scrutiny of growing up in the Hollywood spotlight, but she also carved out an independent artistic path while fiercely championing her parents' historical contributions to entertainment.
Early Life in the Hollywood Spotlight
Growing up as the daughter of television's most famous couple meant Lucie's childhood was anything but ordinary. Her parents starred together in I Love Lucy, the groundbreaking sitcom that transformed American broadcasting. From an early age, she experienced the inner workings of television production alongside her younger brother, Desi Arnaz Jr.
When she was ten years old, her family briefly relocated to New York City, where she attended St. Vincent Ferrer School. She later returned to Los Angeles and enrolled at Immaculate Heart High School, drawn specifically to its active drama program. Being surrounded by studio sets and theatrical productions naturally steered her toward a life on stage and screen.
Acting Career and Iconic Roles
Lucie didn't have to look far for her first major television break. After making minor appearances on The Lucy Show, she joined her mother as a series regular on Here's Lucy, which aired from 1968 to 1974.
- Playing Kim Carter: On Here's Lucy, she portrayed Kim Carter, the daughter of her real-life mother's character. The show ran for six successful seasons and cemented Lucie as a familiar face in American households.
- Stepping Out Independently: Eager to prove herself outside her mother's shadow, she took on dramatic and diverse roles. In 1975, she starred as real-life murder victim Elizabeth Short in the television film Who Is the Black Dahlia?
- Film and Broadway Success: She earned a Golden Globe nomination for her supporting role alongside Neil Diamond in the 1980 film The Jazz Singer. On stage, she built an acclaimed theatrical resume, starring in major productions like They're Playing Our Song, Seesaw, and the national tour of Pippin.
You can read more about her extensive stage credits on the Internet Broadway Database.
Preserving the Legacy of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz
Aside from her own performances, Lucie dedicated a significant portion of her later career to protecting and celebrating her parents' professional history.
In 1993, she won a Primetime Emmy Award for producing Lucy and Desi: A Home Movie, an intimate and acclaimed documentary that offered a genuine look behind the scenes of their public personas. Decades later, she and her brother Desi Arnaz Jr. served as executive producers on Aaron Sorkin’s biographical drama film Being the Ricardos (2021), ensuring the depiction of their parents' marriage and working relationship remained authentic.
According to a detailed feature on Wikipedia, she continues to manage family archives, participate in retrospective film festivals, and share rare home footage and historical insights with fans around the world.
Personal Life and Family Today
Lucie married actor and writer Laurence Luckinbill in 1980, and the couple resides in Palm Springs, California. Together, they raised three children—Simon, Joseph, and Katharine—while also helping raise Luckinbill's two sons from a previous marriage.
She maintains an active lifestyle, occasionally returning to the stage, participating in musical cabaret shows like Babalu!, and connecting with classic television fans through her official channels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are Lucille Ball's children?
Lucille Ball had two children with her first husband and co-star, Desi Arnaz: Lucie Arnaz (born 1951) and Desi Arnaz Jr. (born 1953). Both pursued careers in the entertainment industry.
Is Desi Arnaz Jr. still alive?
Yes, Desi Arnaz Jr. is alive. He is a retired actor and musician who famously played drums in the 1960s pop-rock band Dino, Desi & Billy.
Did Lucie Arnaz ever star in her own TV show?
Yes. Following the end of Here's Lucy, she starred in her own short-lived CBS sitcom titled The Lucie Arnaz Library / The Lucie Arnaz Show in 1985, and later appeared in the critically praised drama series Sons and Daughters.
How many grandchildren does Lucille Ball have?
Lucille Ball has five biological grandchildren across her two children, along with several great-grandchildren who continue to carry forward the family lineage.
