TV Land Awards 2007

“Our honorees embody what Boomers really love about television – the best of comedy, drama and music,” stated Larry W. Jones, President, TV Land. “From a screwball red-head to a gripping family saga to great musical performances, TV Land will celebrate the extraordinary accomplishments of this very diverse group of talented entertainers.”

Among the stars scheduled to appear include: John Amos (Roots), Desi Arnaz, Jr. & Lucie Arnaz (Lucille Ball), Todd Bridges (Roots), Carol Burnett (Presenter), LeVar Burton (Roots), Roy Clark (Hee Haw), Jeff Conaway (Taxi), Tony Danza (Taxi), Ann B. Davis (Brady Bunch), Danny DeVito (Taxi), Louis Gossett, Jr. (Roots), Florence Henderson (Brady Bunch), Judd Hirsch (Taxi), Christopher Knight (Brady Bunch ), Mike Lookinland (Brady Bunch), Maureen McCormick (Brady Bunch), Susan Olsen (Brady Bunch), Cicely Tyson (Roots), Leslie Uggams (Roots), Ben Vereen (Roots), Barry Williams (Brady Bunch).

THE LEGACY OF LAUGHTER AWARD
This award is presented to honor an entertainer whose awe-inspiring work continues to serve as an inspiration and a guiding force: Lucille Ball. Her comedy always delivered, from the broadest slapstick to the most nuanced verbal reaction. Her gift is indeed a legacy. It serves as both an ideal for those who have followed her, and also in and of itself – timelessly providing the invigorating,

Named by TV Guide as the “Greatest TV Star of All Time”, Lucille Ball’s groundbreaking work in film and television continues to touch the funny bone of viewers all over the world. Lucille Ball was born in Jamestown, NY in 1911 and always wanted to make her mark in entertainment. She entered a New York City drama school and later landed a coveted RKO contract which brought her roles in Top Hat, The Big Street and Too Many Girls – the motion picture where she met and fell in love with her husband and I Love Lucy co-star Desi Arnaz. Today, I Love Lucy is one of the most successful and longest running programs in television syndication. Lucy was not only a comedy genius but a power to be

reckoned with behind the camera. With her business prowess she laid the groundwork for many of today’s innovative television production methods. In 1951, she became the first woman to run her own production company – Desilu -- that produced such television hits as Star Trek, The Andy Griffith Show, Mission Impossible and Mannix. From shooting I Love Lucy on film with three cameras to the creation of re-runs during her real-life pregnancy to starting a successful syndication model, she was truly one of television’s first major players.