LUCIE:  Yes.  This is the Lucie Arnaz who is Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz' daughter!!!!!!!  How REAL she is I don't know.  But, I have a wonderful new therapist, named Maida, who's been very helpful lately!

Omigosh, I can't believe I'm actually writing to you!!  Well anyway, I have some questions for you.  The first one is: Can you remember living at the Desilu ranch at all, and if so, what do you remember most about it?  Also, would you ever consider coming to Maine (my home state) and doing a show or something in Portland?  I think that would be really cool since I can't get to New York or L.A. or anywhere else to see you on stage.

LUCIE:  I mostly remember our Chatsworth, CA. ranch house (which my folks nicknamed DESILU) from photos and the wonderful 16mm color home movies that my folks took each year.  It was a beautiful, serene, private little spot in the middle of vast nothingness on the outskirts of the San Fernando Valley- an oasis. (On that same spot today, you can't look twelve feet in any direction without seeing 1,000 rooftops, chimneys and telephone poles.....and lots and lots of smog!)

I have only a few vague memories of being there as a child, actually.  One was of going out back to play in THE LONG LONG TRAILER, the actual one from the film of the same name that my parents had been in together.  It was parked at the back of the property, beyond a grape arbor, behind a white picket fence and it had the same doorbell from that movie that made some very silly sound that went on too long.  For a time, my mother and dad's pal, the actress June Havoc (of Baby June/GYPSY fame) lived out there.

I remember that when my parents sold it to move into Beverly Hills, another ell known actress, Jane Withers, bought it. Then someone else bought it from her a few years after that. I remember that when I was about 19 or 20, I took my (then) fiancé', Phil Vandervort, out to see it. I remember that I rang the doorbell, introduced myself to the woman who answered and said she was the present owner and asked if she would mind terribly if we just took a very quick peek inside, see the backyard and find out if any of it seemed familiar, (since I hadn't seen any of it since I left at age 4).  I said we would only be there about 10 minutes and that I hoped that wouldn't be too much trouble.  I remember exactly her response.  She looked right at both of us without a second's hesitation and said, "NO!" and slammed the door in my face!  So much for posterity.

LUCIE:  Dear Carol, NO!  I was never married to Marvin Hamlisch.  I did romance his alter ego, Vernon Gersch, in my first original Broadway musical role as Sonia Walsk in They're Playing Our Song, however.  And we did "date" for about an hour and a half during that time. But, no, Marvin was seeing many other lovely and talented ladies as well, not the least of which was his live-in lyricist, Carole Bayer Sager.  It was their relationship (or lack of) that inspired Neil Simon to pen TPOS in the first place.  As you point out, I was destined to meet and fall madly in love soon after that with my husband of 20 (count 'em!!!) years, Larry Luckinbill. But, I was always thrilled to admit to having been one of Marvin's ladies.  He's a fine catch, as his wife of umpteen years, Terre, can testify today.  We ALL love Marvin!!

It's wonderful what you are doing to keep us all informed in the wide world of Lucie (and Lucy for that matter). Just a quick question. Are there any other books we should skip reading besides Lucy in the Afternoon?

Thanks,
Kaitlyn

LUCIE:  Actually, Lucy In The Afternoon, had the most glaring mistakes and fictitious entries.  But, Kathleen Brady's biography on my mother was also full of "almost truths" and factual errors.  I was sorry for anyone trying to just get some names and dates straight about my mom, because there wasn't anything out there with all of the right information.  That's one of the reasons that I decided to make the documentary (LUCY AND DESI: A HOME MOVIE) and to release the book we found that my mother had written and "shelved" before her death (LOVE LUCY), so that there would be SOME accurate record out there for the future.  I have found that it's important to cross-check facts in all unauthorised biographies.

First of all I must say Lucy was and still is the best, but Desi deserves credit as well for bringing everything together and giving us the most endearing and funniest show of the century.  I was wondering, did you keep in touch with Mary Jane Croft after Here's Lucy and was she friends with your family away from work?  Also give television a try again we need an intelligent and attractive women like yourself on a quality weekly series.

LUCIE:  Henry, I did keep in touch with our dear and darling Mary Jane Croft for years and years after Here's Lucy.  She and my other Here's Lucy pal, Mary Wickes, lived in my old apartment building in Century City and quite often, when I'd come out to LA for work, Mary or Mary Jane would give an old fashioned "tea party" for me, with some of the gang from those days-Wanda Clark, (my mother's secretary), Frank Gorey, (our long-time friend and driver) Madelyn Davis, (one of the original I LOVE LUCY writers), and whomever else she could dig up in a hurry! She was a lovely, witty and warm friend to all of us, an absolute joy to be around and a phenomenally talented actress.  I prepared a video and voice over for her memorial service, as well (as I was working and unable to attend).  She had a vibrant, selfless, indomitable spirit and she is sorely missed.
 

LUCIE:  Julie, my brother, Desi Arnaz Jr., is writing music these days with his long-time pal and ex DINO, DESI and BILLY member, Billy Hinsche, and has started rehearsing their new band called RICKY, DESI and BILLY, with Dino Martin, Jr.'s younger brother, Ricky Martin (not that Ricky Martin!).  He has been married to a wonderful lady, named Amy, for about ten years and they have one gorgeous daughter, named Haley.  They live, very quietly, in a small town and run a Theatre and a Dance Academy.  Desi and I also manage DESILU, too LLC together, which handles all of the licensing to our parent's estates. It's a big job and not something either one of us imagined we'd ever be doing.  But, as they say, "If not us, then who????"  He's trim, smart, gorgeous, SOBER for years and my dearest and most trusted friend.

Currently, I am in London wrapping up a year's stint in WITCHES OF EASTWICK, a new musical comedy based on the movie and the John Updike novel of the same name.  Living here with my family has been GREAT FUN!

I guess I would have to say that all of our kids are leaning towards being in the ARTS.  (a party producer/graphic designer, a sculptor/painter, a drummer, a film maker, and a possible singer/writer/producer/actress. All of my parent's grandchildren and my husband's and my children (Haley, Nick, Ben, Simon, Joe and Kate) are headstrong and talented.  But, in that respect one could say that they take after ALL of their grandparents, on my husband's side AND on mine!!!!

You are a very significant role model in my life, as I am an aspiring actress. However, my aspirations have been discouraged by many obstacles, lately. I have 'reduced' my goals to more realistic goals, as I will be going into journalism and television instead of film or professional acting.  I understand that these obstacles are not easy to overcome, however, I was wondering if you could possibly give this aspiring actress some advice. Is show-business really a healthy, proficient and beneficial area, or should I start with television, broadcasting and journalism?

LUCIE:  Dear Rosie, It's hard to tell from your question what your specific "obstacles" were.  Show Business CAN BE a very "healthy" business to be in.  Bringing joy and entertainment to millions is healing and cathartic.  "Proficient"?  I don't know what you mean by that word as you use it here.  I know that, doing what I do, you can "sometimes make a fortune, but, you can't always make a living"!   "Beneficial"?  As opposed to what? By these questions, it sounds to me like you are very "left brained".  You need to have lots of security in what you do.  If that's the case, honey, Show Biz is NOT for you. It's TOTAL chance and luck and even tons of talent doesn't always matter.  I know more talented people out of work in this business than you can imagine.  But, they do it because it's what they do. They really wouldn't be happy doing anything else, so they roll with the uncertainties and take what they can and they try to survive.  It doesn't sound to me like
you really have "the bug", Rosie.  Those of us who are in this business (happily) for the long haul are in it because, even IF there were other more "proficient and beneficial" occupations out there, we cannot imagine doing anything else.  It's a calling. You gotta love it.  But, it CAN feel a bit like missionary work sometimes.  But, Rosie, IS THERE a "perfect" occupation other than the one that makes you happy to get up and go to every day?

Hope THIS was "beneficial" for you.   :-)

I would first, like to commend you on the success of "Lucy & Desi- A Home Movie".  This is absolutely the best documentary that has ever been compiled.  You and Larry did a wonderful job!  I have a question though. Can you tell me if the Desilu Ranch in Chatsworth is still standing?  If not, what happened to it?  I'd also like to know if you know where all of the props (such as the couch, beds, phone, and pictures) from the "I Love Lucy" set are today?

LUCIE:  Thank you, Sherry.  It makes me very happy that you enjoyed LUCY AND DESI: A HOME MOVIE.

See question #3 for starters.  I believe it's still out there, somewhere, hidden behind these huge, ugly "development" walls.

As far as I know, the props from the ILL show disappeared long ago, before anyone realised that they would become priceless memorabilia one day.  Sorry.

LUCIE:  Thank you, Libby.  I am not a film buff who can answer that question about my father's work properly.  Maybe you could E-mail Greg Oppenheimer at LUCYLIBRARY.com or contact Stuart Shostak at SHOKUS video in Chatsworth CA.  They are much more the LUCY & DESI experts.  It IS possible that some have never been released for sale.  I know we had a tough time securing clips from them for the documentary.  I certainly have never seen any in stores.  Tom Watson at LUCYFAN.com would be another good source of information.  I am sorry that I am not of more help, but, this is not my area of expertise (.....is there one?)

I have two questions for you.  First, which parent were you closer to? I have a closer relationship with my mother than my father and I was wondering if the same was true for you. Second, which parent do you think you resemble more? I see qualities of both of your parents in you, but I think you look more like your mother.

LUCIE:  This was probably the hardest question to answer of the whole batch.  I was very close to BOTH of my parents and "estranged" from each of them, emotionally. There was great need and great passion on all sides, but, that doesn't always equal closeness.  Ours was never a simple relationship.  They were BOTH very complicated and complex people...as am I.  I adored them and never got enough of them, I'm sure. I would hate to think that I was actually "closer" to one than the other.  I feel they are both even closer to me now.

And I don't really look like either of them.  Intonations and certain expressions can come out a "dead ringer" depending on what I am doing (playing a comedy scene, singing a ballad or disciplining a child).  It's all mixed up in there together.  And generally, I am pretty happy with the mix.

Thank you so much for answering all of these great questions. That is so kind and generous of you. I have enjoyed reading all of them.  I would like to know what kinds of books do you like to read? Do you have a favorite one that has stuck with your through the years or helped you get
through difficult times? and what was your favorite book as a child?

Thanks!

LUCIE:  I am fairly ashamed to admit that I am NOT a voracious reader, at least not of books.  I read a lot, but, most of the time it's articles, newspapers, scripts or recipes!!.  I was never a good reader in school. For years I don't think I read much other than all of the Nancy Drew Mysteries and some Teen magazines. As my folks were divorced, I lived with my mother and very rarely saw her read anything other than the Daily Variety (one of our show biz trade publications).  My father, apparently, was quite well read, (a self taught man) but, since I usually only spent time with him on weekends, (where he was making an effort to spend most of his spare time entertaining me), I never actually witnessed HIM reading much either...(except the Racing Form...I learned how to read and decipher THAT at a very young age!)  I think it really makes a big difference if a kid SEES people around him reading. They grow up thinking this is a natural option of how to spend your time.  As it is, I still feel a little bit "guilty" if I sit down in the middle of my day (even if I have the time) and read for pleasure.  There is always that nagging thought that I should be DOING something!!!!!  And, God knows, after having three kids, there is ALWAYS something you could/should be doing other than reading for pleasure. And, by the time I get into bed most nights, I am always so beat that I fall asleep after reading about a page and a half.

The best time for me is on long flights or on a beach on vacation somewhere warm and quiet. Then my FAVORITE thing to do is ton get several good books, lather up the sun screen and settle into a great long read.  My choices are usually autobiographies or biographies of people who have done what I want to do or those whose works have inspired millions. 

The most fun I have had reading in decades, though, was finishing the four part series of Harry Potter books as I just did recently.  WHAT FUN!!!  If you are saying, "Oh, God, that's just for kids", you obviously haven't read any of them, yet.  Everyone in my theatre is hooked on them now.  They have awakened the child in me- the one we all need to BE AWAKE to survive.  READ HARRY POTTER!!!!!

LUCIE:  Patti, thanks! Yes, I have moved the entire clan (save for my college student) over here.  The kids go to school here and my husband has been a huge big help in "holding down the fort" as they say, so that I can do this 8 shows week theatre schedule that I have to do. He had to postpone many of the one man shows he usually has booked around the globe and has concentrated on writing in the meantime.  We have taken a flat (see how English I have become) for the 15 months we had to be here and have LOVED every minute of this new adventure.  And miss good coffee?????  Hell, there's a Starbuck's on practically every corner here in London!!!  (Grande- decaf- skinny- latte, please!)

LUCIE:  Thanks for asking, Daniel.  I loved Viv as much as you did.  I am sure that anything she chose to appear in, on stage, would be a treat to undertake, because, she always had great taste.  I've just never been asked.  Plus, I tend to choose parts because they suit ME, not because someone I admire once played them.

I don't believe that I have anything personal of Viv's either.....except the second part of a letter that she obviously had written to my mother and her undying and unconditional love and support for everything I ever did in the theatre.  I also have millions of miles of memories of one of the best "Auntie Mames" you could ever want.  I guess that has always been plenty for me.