Every once in a while, an interview reminds us why we fell in love with Lucille Ball — not just as the world’s funniest woman, but as a mother, a mentor, and a heart full of warmth.
In this viral clip from her interview with Joan Rivers, Lucy isn’t the wild redhead spilling chocolates or stomping grapes — she’s calm, glowing, and genuinely proud. The topic? Her children: Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz Jr. 💕
🎤 “They Were My Best Audience”
When Joan asks Lucy about her kids, you can see her whole face light up. Her voice softens, and her humor takes on a maternal glow.
“They were my best audience,” she says with that signature grin, “and my toughest critics.”
She laughs, but there’s a depth behind the smile — you can feel that being their mother was the greatest joy of her life.
Lucy talks about watching them grow up on studio sets, how they’d visit rehearsals, and how she always wanted them to have a normal life despite growing up in the world’s most famous TV family.
“I wanted them to know that laughter was work too — but that it came from love.”
Lucille Ball interview with Joan Rivers on “The Tonight Show”, November 1985:
💞 Comedy Royalty, but Always Mom First
Joan Rivers, known for her sharp wit, softens here too. There’s genuine admiration as she listens to Lucy — two comedy legends, mothers, and trailblazers sharing a rare, honest moment on television.
Lucy’s pride shines through as she talks about their accomplishments — Lucie following in her footsteps on stage, and Desi Jr. building a career of his own. But it’s clear that her pride isn’t about fame. It’s about family.
“They’re good kids,” she says simply. “That’s what matters.”
It’s the kind of humility and love that made Lucille Ball not only an icon, but a mother millions could relate to.
💃 Want more heart and laughter? Read about Lucy’s most hilarious on-screen disaster — The Vitameatavegamin Scene!
🌟 Why This Interview Still Captivates Fans
Fans can’t get enough of this clip because it shows something rare — Lucille Ball as herself. No script, no studio lights, just Lucy talking about the two people who meant everything to her.
It’s heartfelt, nostalgic, and as timeless as her comedy.
MORE PHOTOS BELOW
💫 Did You Know?
Lucy often said that having children later in life gave her “a second act” — one filled with just as much laughter, but a lot more heart.
Lucille Ball’s daughter, Lucie Arnaz, went on to perform in theater and television, carrying on her mother’s spirit and humor.
Her son, Desi Arnaz Jr., starred in films and even toured with a band — Lucy was known to attend their concerts proudly!
🌸 See her softer side again! Watch her last touching TV appearance before she passed — Full story here.
Why We’ll Never Forget This Moment
This interview captures something that’s often lost in celebrity life — gratitude, humility, and love.
Lucille Ball built an empire of laughter, but when it came down to it, she always said her children were her greatest production. ❤️
Even decades later, watching her beam with pride as she talks about Lucie and Desi Jr. reminds us that behind the laughter was a woman who loved deeply — and who taught the world that being funny and being loving were never mutually exclusive.
