Just because Lucille was consumed with modeling, she did not give up on her acting career and tried to manage both of them together. She thought that she could maybe make it on Broadway as a chorus girl but Broadway wasn’t as enthusiastic about the idea. Once again, it turned out to be a complete failure for Ball, Lucille was fired from four different shows. Ball continued to be told by coaches and other acting teachers that she didn’t have what it takes to make it big. How wrong they were.
Although she continued to receive criticism, Lucille was a woman of great strength and determination and still did not let anybody decide for her what her fate would be. From the bottom of her heart, she felt like she was on the right path and this feeling kept her going. Instead of giving up, the criticism she received only motivated her more, and she continued to try until she forced her foot in the proverbial door.
Painstakingly Demure
You would never expect that this boisterous and energetic girl would freeze up on stage. But, that's exactly how Ball felt when she took to the stage. Her outgoing and charming personality didn't seem to shine on the stage in the same way that it did in her daily life. Her mentors at school started to notice and they weren't afraid to share their opinion with the to-be-star. “I was a tongue-tied teenager spellbound by the school’s star pupil, Bette Davis,” shared Ball. The school sent her mother a letter with some very discouraging news.
In the letter that her mother received, the school wrote that Lucy was wasting her time at the school. “Lucy’s wasting her time…and ours. She’s too shy and reticent to put her best foot forward.” Although this dispiriting letter could have shattered Lucille into pieces, even in the face of criticism, she was unwilling to let them ruin her dream of becoming a star.
Name Change
After Lucille received the tough criticism from her school, she decided to stay in New York and pursue a career as a model. She decided that along with her fresh start, she would need a new name. She changed her name to Diane Belmont, and was ready for her first big assignment. In 1927, she had her picture taken for fashion designer Hattie Carnegie. Lucille was young, she was stunning, and she belonged in front of the camera. That much was clear.
Despite her looks and her career starting to fall into place, all was not well with Ball's health. Towards the end of her teens, she started to suffer from Rheumatoid arthritis. Despite this health barrier, Ball did not let it come in the way of her career. She continued to model and became more confident in herself. She started to feel like she was slowly starting to take over the world. Shortly after, she decided that it was time for a physical change. She said goodbye to her natural chestnut colored brown hair and became a blonde.
A Two Year Break
Despite the continuation of people shutting doors in her face, Lucille was certain that she was meant to be a star and understood that the path would not be an easy one. With all her inner strength, the hustle was taking a toll on her body. After she tried her hardest to get modeling gigs with department stores and perfume ads, she decided that it was time for a much-needed break.
While Lucille wasn't feeling her best, she was motivated to get back up on her feet. After two years, she went back to New York. However, this time, she decided it was time to stop hiding behind the Diane Belmont mask. She once again re-branded herself, however this time, she went back to the one and only Lucille Ball. She experienced her first taste of success in the limelight and she had no intentions of quitting.
A Cigarette Girl
After returning from her hiatus, she decided to take up modeling again. She posed for some pictures and then, in 1932, she was offered the opportunity to become a cigarette girl for Chesterfield Cigarette's national advertising posters. Following the gig, she was finally presented with an opportunity that would change the course of her entire life and make her a star. She was offered her first role.
Though the role was small, it was the first one she landed. The year was 1933 and she was cast as a Goldwyn Girl in “Roman Scandals.” Finally! She had gotten the break she had been waiting for her whole life. She later landed a role as an extra in a Ritz Brother’s film “The Three Musketeers.” With stars in her eyes, she proved all the people wrong who had initially doubted her.