JAMESTOWN, N.Y. — Jamestown's Lucille Ball is one of comedy's most beloved figures.

As part of Women's History Month, Spectrum News is taking a look back at her life, legacy, and the laughter that made her America's favorite redhead. Her groundbreaking achievements made her a pioneer in the entertainment industry.

"It's so fitting that during Women's History Month we're talking about what Lucille Ball's legacy meant then, but really means now," said Journey Gunderson, executive director of the National Comedy Center.

It's a legacy that has stood the test of time, includes a career that spanned decades, and serves as an inspiration to women everywhere.

While Lucille Ball had a gift for making audiences laugh, the beloved queen of comedy was not born into Hollywood royalty.

"She came from very humble beginnings. Her story is one of not just talent, but perseverance and professionalism and never giving up," Gunderson said.

Lucy was born August 6, 1911, at what was WCA Hospital in Jamestown. She spent part of her childhood in nearby Celeron, and in the park there that now bears her name and immortalizes her stature in the community.

"Lucille Ball's story is not one of privilege by any means and so everything she achieved was only by the way of the grit and tenacity that she brought to every day of her life," Gunderson said.

Lucy went on to drama school in New York City at 15, and found work as a model and then on Broadway before moving to Hollywood in the early 1930s. There, she landed small movie roles and met her husband, Cuban-American actor Desi Arnaz.

In 1951, Lucy starred opposite Desi in "I Love Lucy," the first groundbreaking sitcom to film before a live studio audience, use the three-camera technique, and feature a woman who was pregnant on TV.

Later in her career, she also became the first woman to own a major movie studio, Desilu Productions, after Desi sold his half to her when the couple split.

"Lucille Ball wasn't just a talented comedic actress. She revolutionized the entertainment industry. She more than broke the glass ceiling for women, but she also did something that really changed the game for artists," said Gunderson.

In addition to her many roles on the small screen, Ball went on to star in a long list of feature films, part of a relatively new exhibit at the museum called "Lucy at the Movies."

In 1956, Lucy brought Desi to Jamestown for the world premiere of "Forever Darling," and had her helicopter land in the field behind Jamestown High School.

"And we're proud now to tell that part of the story here at the Lucy Desi Museum here in 'Lucy-Desi,' a reverent tribute to the lives and careers of the first couple of comedy and all that Lucille Ball did for this world," said Gunderson.

While Lucy lived under the bright lights of Hollywood, America's favorite redhead never forgot her roots or lost sight of her vision for Jamestown.

In addition to the Lucy-Desi Museum and all it has to offer, celebrating its 25th anniversary, the National Comedy Center stands as a symbol of an industry Lucy had wanted to spotlight in her hometown.

"To establish it as a destination for the celebration of all comedy beyond just Lucy's legacy speaks to not just her selflessnes,s but her business savvy," Gunderson said.

Lucille Ball died April 26, 1989, and is buried in Lakeview Cemetery in Jamestown alongside other members of her family.