The replacement statue, referred to as New Lucy by its creator, Carolyn Palmer, was unveiled at a ceremony … on what would have been the comedian’s 105th birthday.
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“You can’t please everybody”, Palmer said by phone from her New Jersey studio, where she was putting the finishing touches on the bronze sculpture she began nine months ago.
Poulin said he ended up receiving hundreds of angry emails and even death threats for his donated piece, which depicted Ball from the famous “I Love Lucy” episode in which she auditions for a “Vitameatavegamin” health tonic ad. Critics blasted its disturbingly wide-eyed and even zombie-like face.
Celoron, New York, previously tried to honor Ball with a statue in 2009, and it went over about as well as Lucy’s stint in the candy factory. “I pretty much put my all in her and I am very happy”.
Palmer also hired models to pose in 1950s-style dresses, she said.
In 1954’s comedy titled, The Long, Long Trailer, Lucille Ball plays alongside her I Love Lucy co-star and former husband, Desi Arnaz. This was a horrifying, grimacing Lucy with Chiclet teeth, a smashed nose and eyes that made her look as if she’d just caught Ethel making out with Ricky.
Although the old “scary” statue became a tourist attraction, many residents wanted it removed from the park, saying the “ugly” likeness did not do justice to the beloved star.
An unflattering version by another artist was banished after detractors started a Facebook campaign named, “We Love Lucy!”.
“Lucille Ball was one of the most talented, beautiful, amusing women who ever appeared on television; a pioneer, a giant of television”.
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But Scary Lucy isn’t going anywhere. It will remain at the park with its newer counterpart.
