Few entertainers have left as lasting an impression on Hollywood as Lucille Ball — and for acclaimed choreographer and dancer Anita Mann, the iconic redhead was more than a comedy legend. She was a mentor, a friend, and an unshakable source of wisdom during some of the most formative years of Mann’s career. In a recent sit-down interview celebrating her decades in the entertainment industry, Anita Mann shared heartfelt stories about her friendship with Ball and the life-changing lessons she learned from her.
Anita Mann’s connection with Lucille Ball began when she was cast as a dancer on The Lucy Show in the 1960s. At the time, Mann was a rising talent — energetic, determined, and eager to learn. But nothing could have prepared her for the profound impact working alongside Lucille Ball would have on her life. “Lucille wasn’t just funny — she was fierce,” Mann recalls. “She was meticulous, professional, and expected excellence from everyone around her. But she also cared deeply. She saw potential in me that I didn’t even see in myself.”
Over the years, Mann worked on multiple projects involving Ball, and their friendship blossomed beyond the set. Mann remembers late-night conversations, laughter between rehearsals, and the small gestures that revealed Ball’s generous spirit. “She had this incredible ability to make everyone feel like they mattered,” Mann says. “Whether you were a dancer, a cameraman, or a guest star — she looked you in the eye and made you feel seen.”
The most valuable lesson Mann says she learned from Ball was about perseverance. “Lucille always told me, ‘Don’t ever let them tell you no. Make them see why you belong in the room.’ That advice has stayed with me my whole life,” she says. Mann would go on to become one of the most respected choreographers in the business, working with legends like Elvis Presley, The Jacksons, and Cher. “Lucille taught me the importance of preparation — of being ready when opportunity knocks,” she adds. “That’s the difference between luck and longevity.”
Despite her demanding schedule, Ball often took time to mentor young performers — particularly women — in an era when the industry was still dominated by men. Mann recalls that Lucille led by example: “She didn’t preach about empowerment. She lived it. She was the boss before anyone called women bosses.”
Even decades after Ball’s passing, her influence remains present in Mann’s work. “Every time I step on a stage or direct a number, I hear her voice reminding me to keep it real, keep it funny, and keep it human,” Mann reflects. “Lucille believed that great comedy — and great art — comes from truth.”
Today, as Anita Mann looks back on a career spanning more than 50 years, she continues to carry those lessons forward. Her current dance projects often feature young performers, and she says mentoring them feels like paying forward what Lucille gave her. “I tell them what Lucy told me: be brave, be prepared, and never lose your joy.”
Her tribute to Lucille Ball isn’t just nostalgia — it’s a testament to the power of mentorship and friendship in shaping creative lives. “Lucille Ball changed my life,” Mann concludes softly. “Not because she was famous, but because she cared enough to teach.”
