Lucille Ball was more than just a television icon—she was a financial powerhouse. As the star of I Love Lucy and the first woman to run a major TV studio, she made groundbreaking business moves that shaped Hollywood.
But how much was she really worth? What were her biggest financial successes? This article takes a deep dive into Lucille Ball net worth, salary, and wealth-building strategies that set her apart from other entertainment legends.
Lucille Ball Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Lucille Désirée Ball |
| Popular Name | Lucille Ball |
| Birth Date | August 6, 1911 |
| Age | 87 (Died:April 26, 1989) |
| Birthplace | Jamestown, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | English, Scottish, French, Irish |
| Education | John Murray Anderson School for the Dramatic Arts |
| Marital Status | Married (twice) |
| Spouse | Desi Arnaz (1940–1960), Gary Morton (1961–1989) |
| Children | Lucie Arnaz, Desi Arnaz Jr. |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | Fred Ball |
| Parents | Henry Durrell Ball, Désirée Evelyn Ball |
| Height | 1.71 meters |
| Net Worth (1989) | $60 million (equivalent to $125 million today) |
| Source of Wealth | Television, Business, Investments |
What is the Net Worth of Lucille Ball in 2025?
Even though Lucille Ball passed away in 1989, her financial legacy continues. At the time of her death, her net worth was estimated at $60 million—which translates to $125 million in today’s money.
This places her among the most successful television figures of all time. Compared to other classic Hollywood stars, her wealth was substantial, especially considering that she was not just an actress but a business mogul.
Her influence on the entertainment industry is still felt today, with I Love Lucy reruns generating millions for CBS annually. While her estate no longer earns new revenue from Desilu Productions (which she sold in 1967 for $17 million), her impact on TV syndication remains legendary.
Related Figures in Entertainment & Business
- Desi Arnaz
- CBS
- Paramount Pictures
- Gulf+Western
- I Love Lucy
- Star Trek
- Mission: Impossible
- Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Classic sitcom industry
- American television executives
Looking for more legendary earners? Check out the highest-paid stars in Hollywood.
Lucille Ball Wealth, Salary, and Financial Overview
How Did She Accumulate Her Wealth?
Lucille Ball’s financial journey was as remarkable as her acting career. She started with small film roles in the 1930s before making it big with I Love Lucy in 1951. However, her real wealth came from business ownership, not just acting.
She and Desi Arnaz co-founded Desilu Productions, which gave them full control over I Love Lucy. Instead of taking a regular salary, they negotiated to own the show’s rights, which turned out to be a groundbreaking move.
In 1957, CBS paid them $4.5 million (about $40 million today) for the rights to rerun I Love Lucy. This allowed them to expand their company into a major TV studio.
What Were Her Major Sources of Income?
Lucille Ball earned money from multiple sources:
- Television Salaries – Her income from I Love Lucy, The Lucy Show, and Here’s Lucy was substantial.
- Syndication Royalties – CBS still profits from I Love Lucy reruns, but Lucille made millions from the original sale of the episodes.
- Desilu Productions – She produced hit shows like Star Trek and Mission: Impossible.
- Film Roles – Though less lucrative than her TV career, she starred in films like The Long, Long Trailer and Yours, Mine and Ours.
- Business Sales – She sold Desilu Productions for $17 million in 1967, a massive deal at the time.
How Much Did She Earn from Desilu Productions?
Desilu Productions was the true foundation of Lucille Ball’s financial empire. When she and Desi Arnaz launched it, they revolutionized TV production.
- 1957: Sold I Love Lucy rights to CBS for $4.5 million
- 1962: Bought out Desi Arnaz’s shares for $2.5 million
- 1967: Sold Desilu Productions to Gulf+Western for $17 million (equivalent to $130 million today)
Her decision to buy out Desi Arnaz in 1962 made her the first woman to run a major Hollywood studio.
What Were Her Smartest Business Moves?
Lucille Ball’s financial acumen was ahead of her time. Some of her smartest decisions included:
- Keeping the rights to I Love Lucy early on
- Expanding Desilu Productions into a powerhouse studio
- Investing in groundbreaking shows like Star Trek
- Selling Desilu at its peak value in 1967
How Did She Manage Her Finances?
Unlike many stars of her era, Lucille Ball was hands-on with her money. She was known for balancing risk and reward, ensuring that her studio remained profitable.
However, she also faced financial setbacks, especially following her divorce from Desi Arnaz in 1960, which required her to buy out his share of their business.
What Happened to Her Wealth After Her Passing?
After Lucille Ball’s death in 1989, her wealth was managed by her family and estate. Here’s what happened:
- Her children, Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz Jr., inherited portions of her estate.
- CBS continued earning millions from I Love Lucy reruns.
- Her sale of Desilu meant she no longer held rights to its shows, but she had already secured her fortune through previous deals.
Her financial decisions ensured that she remained a Hollywood legend not just for her acting, but also for her business savvy.
Conclusion
Lucille Ball’s net worth and financial success were built on smart business decisions and long-term investments. From I Love Lucy to Desilu Productions, she redefined Hollywood’s financial landscape. Her impact on television and entertainment continues today.
Want to explore more celebrity finances? Visit Aupeo for in-depth financial breakdowns of your favorite stars!
