The first most popular couple of Television was the married Lucielle Ball and Desi Arnez. Despite their contrasting differences they fell in love and eloped off together in 1940. Not unlike other marriages they had their struggles. With Lucy starring in the movies and Desi working side jobs in Los Angeles it was obvious that she was the more successful one.
When a TV show was considered for Lucy she wanted to work with her husband. The studio could not comprehend such a move and put their faith in Lucy. The rest is history. Though it ended in divorce their marriage was an inspiration to the US and even the world.
The most touching moment I have ever seen on television was when Lucy told Desi about their new baby. Rumor has it, he did not even know about the news, in order to have a genuine reaction.
The next one I wish to cover is Clark Gable and Carole Lombard. Both had been in previous marriages before their own marriage in 1939. In 1942 Carole was killed in a tragic airplane accident with the other passengers including her mother. Clark was devastated and left the screen for three years to fight in the Air Force.
Eventually when he passed away in 1961 he was buried in the shrine he had built for Carole and his mother.
Now I would like to cover one of my favorite couples of all time, George Burns and Gracie Allen. George started in Vaudeville and was quite successful. Before their marriage in 1926 they had already become partners. Here is were George realized he wasn't getting as many laughs as her. So he flipped the routine making her the funny-man and for the fist time ever him the straight-man.
The audiences loved it and he said of it himself:
"The audience realized I had a talent. They were right. I did have a talent—and I was married to her for 38 years."
A year before his death in 1996 he mentioned that he looks forward to death since he will be with Gracie again in heaven. When he was buried the crypt was changed to "Gracie Allen & George Burns - Together Again," in contrast to their Burns & Allen partnership title. He wanted her to have 'top billing.'
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