Lucille Ball, without question the undisputed sassy and silly redheaded queen of comedy, who helped create and crystallize (with then-husband Desi Arnaz) one of the most iconic situation comedies of all time in I Love Lucy, passed away 25 years ago today, April 26, 1989.

Almost a walking A to Z of comedic styles, there really wasn’t much Lucille Ball couldn’t do or accomplish in her craft. From slapstick, to one-liners, double takes to whip-smart timing, she had conquered it all, mastered it to such a degree that was in essence jaw dropping and the effortless ease in which she manifested it on I Love Lucy (along with a stellar supporting cast in Arnaz, Vivian Vance, and William Frawley) was absolutely spellbinding.

“Once in his life, every man is entitled to fall madly in love with a redhead.” — Lucille Ball

On August 6, 1911, Lucille Désirée Ball was born, and so was a star.

She would get into modeling at first and then eventually show business in 1933, and she would do plenty of uncredited work before moving into more substantial roles. But it wasn’t until 1951 when she and then husband of 11 years, Desi Arnaz, came into homes everywhere on I Love Lucy. The show would span six years and 181 episodes, and remains popular to this very day.