Tag: Frank Gorey

Lucille Ball’s Nu-Trex Wig Cleaner

Categorized under unique and unusual is this empty tin quart of Nu-Trex Wig Cleaner once owned and used by Lucille Ball. Since 1947, Nu-Trex has created shampoos, conditioners and cleaners for hair industry professionals, including products for synthetic and real wigs.

Lucy famously wore many wigs starting in 1960’s so she and longtime hairstylist Imra Kusely most likely went through many bottles of this product. The tin was part of a collection of pieces Frank Gorey kept as he assisted the estate of cleaning and clearing out items from the Beverly Hills home, after Lucille’s passing. Frank was the Ball/Arnaz/Morton family’s majordomo for over three decades.

by Categories: I Love Lucy, Irma Kusely, Lucille Ball, Max Factor, Personal, Television, WigTags: , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Appreciative handwritten notecard from Lucille Ball to Frank Gorey

The Ball/Arnaz families were very loyal and generous to those close to them. These people were more like extended family, there for decades, through the good times and bad. One such person was Frank Gorey. He first started working with the Arnazes in 1959 as a chauffeur. After the divorce he stayed with Lucille Ball for the next 30 years, becoming the majordomo of the households.

An example of her admiration for ‘Francis’ is written in this note which included a check:

“Frank dear – I do appreciate how thoughtful and helpful you have been these last few months – which have been really so difficult for me – I never expected to fall apart as I have – Please buy your camera or whatever you want – Greatfully Lucy”

Frank was kind-hearted and loved to tell stories about his days with the redhead. He remained close to the family, as well as friends and loved ones met along the way until his passing in 2019.

by Categories: Autograph, Card, Desi Arnaz, Desilu, Gifts, Handwritten, Letter, Lucille Ball, PersonalTags: , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Life With Lucy Prototype Members Only Jacket

Lucille Ball and company began a new weekly series on ABC in the Fall of 1986 called “Life With Lucy.” Her return to TV in a sitcom was well publicized and highly anticipated with fans getting to see another version of the “Lucy” character they all love.

This black satin members only jacket is believed to be a prototype, the only one created, as a possible gift to cast and crew. Featuring the Al Hirschfeld caricature and her signature ‘Love Lucy’ embroidered in hot pink and light blue on the chest, this jacket was given to Lucille’s cheauffeur and majordomo, Frank Gorey. Frank wore it to appearances at Lucy Conventions in the late 1990’s.

by Categories: Al Hirschfeld, Gifts, Life With Lucy, Lucille Ball, Personal, TelevisionTags: , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Lucille Ball & Gary Morton Gifted Jewelry Box/Book Safe

Lucy and Gary often gave useful gifts to colleagues and those close to them. This affectionately inscribed jewelry box or book safe was given to Frank Gorey. Made by the Perma Plaque Corporation, this item was acquired directly from the Frank Gorey Estate. Mr. Gorey was the majordomo for the Ball/Arnaz/Morton family from the late 50’s to the early 90’s.

by Categories: Gifts, Lucille Ball, PersonalTags: , , , , 1 Comment