Nicole Kidman’s Lucille Ball biopic sparks fresh drama—What Ball’s daughter just revealed will shock fans
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Lucille Ball is a name that still brings a smile to millions of faces, decades after I Love Lucy first graced our screens.
But while the world continues to adore the red-haired comedy icon, the 2021 biopic about her life, Being The Ricardos, has stirred up a whole new round of controversy—thanks in no small part to Lucille’s own daughter, Lucie Arnaz.
At a recent Hollywood event, Lucie, now 73, didn’t mince words about Aaron Sorkin’s Oscar-nominated film. She called out several scenes as 'a crock of p***,' reigniting debates about the film’s accuracy and the way it portrayed her famous parents and their colleagues.
Fact or Fiction? Lucie Arnaz Sets the Record Straight
Being The Ricardos, starring Nicole Kidman as Lucille Ball and Javier Bardem as Desi Arnaz, takes viewers behind the scenes during a particularly fraught week in the couple’s lives. The film explores Ball’s battle with Communist accusations, her fears about Desi’s fidelity, and the supposed tensions among the I Love Lucy cast and crew.
But according to Lucie, the film took more than a few creative liberties. She was especially upset by the way Sorkin depicted her mother’s relationship with her writing team, as well as the supposed animosity between co-stars Vivian Vance and William Frawley.
'She adored those people,' Lucie insisted. 'They got along so well; none of that backstabbing, crazy, insulting stuff.' She also revealed that, despite her role as an executive producer, her attempts to correct the script’s inaccuracies were brushed aside. Sorkin reportedly told her, 'Well, what do you know? You were 15 months old.'
Lucie’s frustration is understandable. After all, who better to defend Lucille Ball’s legacy than her own daughter? And it’s not the first time Hollywood has been accused of sacrificing truth for drama.
The Real Lucille Ball: More Than Just Lucy Ricardo
Lucille Ball’s journey from B-list movie actress to comedy legend is the stuff of showbiz legend. I Love Lucy, which premiered in 1951, broke new ground in television and made Ball a household name. But as Lucille herself once said, 'What I am is brave. I have never been scared. And there was a lot to be scared about. We were innovators.'
Related story: Nicole Kidman drops nepotism bombshell on red carpet, sparking conversations!
Ball’s courage extended beyond the screen. She fought to have her real-life husband, Desi Arnaz, cast as Ricky Ricardo, and later insisted that her real pregnancy be written into the show—a move that was considered scandalous at the time. The episode where Lucy gives birth drew a staggering 44 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched TV moments of its era.
For Ball, that episode was more than just a ratings triumph. 'Because I was really having a baby [son Desi Arnaz Jr.] and it was my last show before I had the baby, so it was real and it was the most exciting thing in my life,' she recalled in a 1984 interview.
Casting Controversies: Kidman and Bardem Under Fire
Even before the film’s release, Being The Ricardos faced criticism over its casting choices. Some fans questioned why Nicole Kidman, not known for comedy, was chosen to play Ball, while others objected to Spanish actor Javier Bardem portraying the Cuban-born Desi Arnaz.
Also read: ‘For our Mumma’: The emotional portrait of a Hollywood star left fans in tears
Bardem himself addressed the backlash, pointing out the double standards in Hollywood casting. 'If we want to open that can of worms, let’s open it for everyone … we should all start not allowing anybody to play Hamlet unless they were born in Denmark,' he quipped.
Lucie Arnaz, for her part, defended the actors, reminding fans that the film was not a remake of I Love Lucy, but a behind-the-scenes look at her parents’ real lives. 'No one has to impersonate Lucy Ricardo or do any of the silly things. It’s the story of Lucille Ball, my actual mother—not Lucy Ricardo—and her husband, Desi Arnaz, my dad—not Ricky Ricardo,' she explained.
Nicole Kidman’s Nerves and Dedication
The pressure of playing such an iconic figure wasn’t lost on Kidman. She admitted to feeling overwhelmed by the responsibility, even considering backing out. 'When the reality of playing her hit me, I went, ‘What have I said yes to?’' she confessed. 'Everyone thinks I’m not right, so I’m going to try to sidestep this.'
But Kidman threw herself into the role, watching endless reruns, taking dialect lessons, and working with a movement coach to capture Ball’s unique physical comedy—especially for the famous grape-stomping scene. 'She’s Mount Everest. Just one of the most talented people to ever roam the earth,' Kidman said of Ball.
Source: Prime Video / Youtube.
Celebrating Lucille Ball’s Enduring Legacy
Despite the drama, one thing is clear: Lucille Ball’s legacy is as strong as ever. If you’re feeling nostalgic, there’s never been a better time to revisit her classic work. Streaming services like Tubi are now offering a treasure trove of Ball’s shows and specials, including:
You might like: Friday Funnies: I Love Lucy: Lucy Takes Ballet Lessons | Lucille Ball
Did you watch Being The Ricardos? What did you think of Kidman and Bardem’s performances? Do you agree with Lucie Arnaz’s criticisms, or do you think Hollywood should be allowed a little creative license? And most importantly—what’s your favourite Lucille Ball moment? Share your thoughts and memories in the comments below. Let’s celebrate the real Lucy together!
But while the world continues to adore the red-haired comedy icon, the 2021 biopic about her life, Being The Ricardos, has stirred up a whole new round of controversy—thanks in no small part to Lucille’s own daughter, Lucie Arnaz.
At a recent Hollywood event, Lucie, now 73, didn’t mince words about Aaron Sorkin’s Oscar-nominated film. She called out several scenes as 'a crock of p***,' reigniting debates about the film’s accuracy and the way it portrayed her famous parents and their colleagues.
Fact or Fiction? Lucie Arnaz Sets the Record Straight
Being The Ricardos, starring Nicole Kidman as Lucille Ball and Javier Bardem as Desi Arnaz, takes viewers behind the scenes during a particularly fraught week in the couple’s lives. The film explores Ball’s battle with Communist accusations, her fears about Desi’s fidelity, and the supposed tensions among the I Love Lucy cast and crew.
But according to Lucie, the film took more than a few creative liberties. She was especially upset by the way Sorkin depicted her mother’s relationship with her writing team, as well as the supposed animosity between co-stars Vivian Vance and William Frawley.
Lucille Ball’s daughter, Lucie Arnaz, has criticised Aaron Sorkin’s biopic Being The Ricardos, calling some scenes 'a crock of p*** and arguing that her mother’s relationship with her writing team was misrepresented. Image source: Grunge and Prime Video / Youtube.
'She adored those people,' Lucie insisted. 'They got along so well; none of that backstabbing, crazy, insulting stuff.' She also revealed that, despite her role as an executive producer, her attempts to correct the script’s inaccuracies were brushed aside. Sorkin reportedly told her, 'Well, what do you know? You were 15 months old.'
Lucie’s frustration is understandable. After all, who better to defend Lucille Ball’s legacy than her own daughter? And it’s not the first time Hollywood has been accused of sacrificing truth for drama.
The Real Lucille Ball: More Than Just Lucy Ricardo
Lucille Ball’s journey from B-list movie actress to comedy legend is the stuff of showbiz legend. I Love Lucy, which premiered in 1951, broke new ground in television and made Ball a household name. But as Lucille herself once said, 'What I am is brave. I have never been scared. And there was a lot to be scared about. We were innovators.'
Related story: Nicole Kidman drops nepotism bombshell on red carpet, sparking conversations!
Ball’s courage extended beyond the screen. She fought to have her real-life husband, Desi Arnaz, cast as Ricky Ricardo, and later insisted that her real pregnancy be written into the show—a move that was considered scandalous at the time. The episode where Lucy gives birth drew a staggering 44 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched TV moments of its era.
Lucie, who was an executive producer on the film, claimed her concerns about factual inaccuracies were dismissed by Sorkin, particularly regarding Ball’s relationship with her co-stars and writers. Image source: FoundationINTERVIEWS / Youtube.
For Ball, that episode was more than just a ratings triumph. 'Because I was really having a baby [son Desi Arnaz Jr.] and it was my last show before I had the baby, so it was real and it was the most exciting thing in my life,' she recalled in a 1984 interview.
Casting Controversies: Kidman and Bardem Under Fire
Even before the film’s release, Being The Ricardos faced criticism over its casting choices. Some fans questioned why Nicole Kidman, not known for comedy, was chosen to play Ball, while others objected to Spanish actor Javier Bardem portraying the Cuban-born Desi Arnaz.
Also read: ‘For our Mumma’: The emotional portrait of a Hollywood star left fans in tears
Bardem himself addressed the backlash, pointing out the double standards in Hollywood casting. 'If we want to open that can of worms, let’s open it for everyone … we should all start not allowing anybody to play Hamlet unless they were born in Denmark,' he quipped.
Lucie Arnaz, for her part, defended the actors, reminding fans that the film was not a remake of I Love Lucy, but a behind-the-scenes look at her parents’ real lives. 'No one has to impersonate Lucy Ricardo or do any of the silly things. It’s the story of Lucille Ball, my actual mother—not Lucy Ricardo—and her husband, Desi Arnaz, my dad—not Ricky Ricardo,' she explained.
Nicole Kidman’s Nerves and Dedication
The pressure of playing such an iconic figure wasn’t lost on Kidman. She admitted to feeling overwhelmed by the responsibility, even considering backing out. 'When the reality of playing her hit me, I went, ‘What have I said yes to?’' she confessed. 'Everyone thinks I’m not right, so I’m going to try to sidestep this.'
But Kidman threw herself into the role, watching endless reruns, taking dialect lessons, and working with a movement coach to capture Ball’s unique physical comedy—especially for the famous grape-stomping scene. 'She’s Mount Everest. Just one of the most talented people to ever roam the earth,' Kidman said of Ball.
Source: Prime Video / Youtube.
Celebrating Lucille Ball’s Enduring Legacy
Despite the drama, one thing is clear: Lucille Ball’s legacy is as strong as ever. If you’re feeling nostalgic, there’s never been a better time to revisit her classic work. Streaming services like Tubi are now offering a treasure trove of Ball’s shows and specials, including:
- The Lucy Show: Ball stars as a widow navigating life with her best friend Vivian, in this follow-up to I Love Lucy.
- Funny World Of Lucy: A two-part documentary exploring Ball’s early and later years.
- Lucy-Desi Westinghouse Special: The Lost Show: A restored, behind-the-scenes look at Ball and Arnaz during their I Love Lucy days.
You might like: Friday Funnies: I Love Lucy: Lucy Takes Ballet Lessons | Lucille Ball
Did you watch Being The Ricardos? What did you think of Kidman and Bardem’s performances? Do you agree with Lucie Arnaz’s criticisms, or do you think Hollywood should be allowed a little creative license? And most importantly—what’s your favourite Lucille Ball moment? Share your thoughts and memories in the comments below. Let’s celebrate the real Lucy together!
