Lucille Ball's early environment played a crucial role in shaping her career as an actress and comedian. Growing up in a working-class family, Ball faced many challenges, including her father's early death and her mother's struggles. Her experience in drama classes and community theater fostered her love for performance, while her work as a model opened doors in the entertainment industry. The hardships she encountered instilled in her a resilient work ethic and a desire to entertain, ultimately leading to the creation of her iconic show, I Love Lucy.