Lucille Ball’s 2nd Husband Made This Legal Move Before Their Marriage ‘Without My Knowledge’
Comedy legend Lucille Ball went through a highly publicized divorce when her 20-year marriage to Desi Arnaz ended in 1960. The I Love Lucy star shared two kids – Lucie and Desi Jr. – with Arnaz and planned on remaining single after their split. Her mindset changed when she met comedian Gary Morton and soon found out he truly married her for love.
Lucille Ball was drawn to Gary Morton’s strong sense of self
Ball kept busy following her divorce from Arnaz in 1960, and met Morton through friends in December that year. The standup comedian made an immediate impression on Ball. Despite being in the limelight, Morton lacked the self-doubt that usually envelops actors and stage personas.
“There is an acceptance and balance about him,” Ball wrote in “Love, Lucy“. “And unlike so many of us in show business, he isn’t plagued by dozens of insecurities.”
The famous redhead credited Morton for his confidence and ability to find Ball’s sensitivity underneath her tough surface.
“He gives his best and seems naturally resistant to the kind of doubt that eats away at so many other performers,” she remarked. “I guess it didn’t take Gary long to realize that beneath my rather brassy exterior, I’m very soft and dependent.”
Gary Morton didn’t care about Lucille Ball’s money
Though Ball vowed never to tie the knot again after her split from Arnaz, she realized that her relationship with Morton brought her a sense of calm. Their healthy relationship prompted her to say yes when Morton proposed.
“When I divorced Desi I had no intention of ever marrying again,” Ball admitted. “But this guy did seem too good to let get away. … So, after I’d known Gary for 11 months, I decided to take the big step.”
Ball discovered that Morton truly had no interest in her money. Prior to walking down the aisle, he had arranged for Ball to legally have the sole rights to her finances once they were married.
“Before our marriage, Gary spoke with my lawyers without my knowledge and offered to sign away any interest in my money,” Ball wrote. “He always made an excellent living, and we keep our bank accounts separate.”
Lucille Ball ‘had no qualms’ after making her choice
The comedy icon pointed out how her relationship with Morton differed from her first marriage to Arnaz.
“When I fell in love with Desi, it was at first sight,” Ball revealed, according to the book Desilu: The Story of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz by Coyne Steven Sanders and Tom Gilbert. “My love for Gary was slow growth. I liked him before I loved him.”
Once Ball said “yes” to Morton’s proposal, she felt free to enjoy the next step in their relationship. She explained why she felt this marriage would be more successful than her first.
“From that moment on, I had no qualms, no apprehension,” Ball shared. “We liked each other before we loved each other. We approve of each other; neither of us is trying to change the other. Gary has a maturity I admire.”
Ball and Morton said their “I do’s” in November 1961 and remained married until her death in 1989.
