Behind every legendary star lies an unsung hero who keeps their world spinning—and for comedy icon Lucille Ball, that hero was Wanda Clark, whose unwavering loyalty spanned nearly three decades until Ball's final curtain call.
Wanda Clark, the devoted personal assistant who stood by Lucille Ball's side for an extraordinary 26 years, passed away this past Sunday in Langley, Oklahoma, at the remarkable age of 87. Her death marks the end of an era for those who knew the inner workings of one of television's most beloved figures.
Clark's journey to becoming Ball's right-hand woman reads like something straight out of Hollywood's golden age playbook. While employed as a secretary at the prestigious Look magazine, she formed what would become a life-changing friendship with a woman named Cleo Smith. When Clark decided to leave her position to pursue a role as a travel assistant for the television game show "Queen for a Day," she couldn't have predicted that the show would be cancelled almost immediately after her arrival.
But here's where it gets interesting—and where fate seemed to intervene. Smith, who happened to be Lucille Ball's cousin, learned of an opening at Ball's production company, Desilu Productions. In what might seem unthinkable by today's hiring standards, the "I Love Lucy" star brought Clark aboard in 1963 without conducting a single interview, relying entirely on Smith's personal recommendation. This leap of faith would prove to be one of the most enduring professional relationships in entertainment history, lasting until Ball's passing in April 1989 at age 77.
The depth of their bond extended far beyond typical employer-employee boundaries. Lucie Arnaz, daughter of Ball and Desi Arnaz, recently shared heartfelt memories on social media, revealing that she was just 11 years old when Clark first entered their family's orbit. The relationship became so intimate that Clark served as matron of honor at Lucie's first wedding to actor Phil Menegaux in 1971—a role typically reserved for family members or closest friends.
"She traveled across the globe to catch any performance of mine or my brother's [Desi Arnaz Jr.] that she could get to, including attending our daughter's wedding," Arnaz wrote in her touching tribute. "She had a memory like an elephant and a heart the same size. Everyone she met loved her."
And this is the part most people miss about the entertainment industry—the profound impact of those working behind the scenes. Arnaz continued, "She and our late amanuensis, Frank Gorey (who also knew me since I was four feet tall), stayed in my brother's and my life for decades after my mother passed. She was my North Star. Wanda and Frank's spirit of joy and pure kindness are responsible for most of anything good in me."
Wanda Lou Clark entered the world on March 19, 1938, in the small town of Vandervoort, Arkansas. Her early years were spent in Idabel, Oklahoma, before her family relocated to Oklahoma City in 1951. She completed her education at U.S. Grant High School, graduating in 1956 with dreams that would eventually lead her far from the plains of Oklahoma.
For six years, Clark worked diligently at an insurance company in Oklahoma City, but destiny called when she accompanied her sister Bonnie and brother-in-law Ross to California. Ross was stationed at what was then known as Vandenberg Air Force Base, and while the couple eventually returned to Oklahoma in 1962, Wanda made a bold decision that would change her life forever—she chose to stay and make Los Angeles her new home.
Michael Z. Stern, who chronicled his experiences with Ball in his 2016 book "I Had a Ball: My Friendship With Lucille Ball," painted a vivid picture of Clark's exceptional capabilities. "With her efficiency and thoroughness, Wanda always saw to it that every task was done in an exceptional way," Stern wrote. "She handled everything so effortlessly, balanced it all with such sharpness and clarity. I really don't know how she did it."
Clark's dedication to Ball even extended to occasional on-screen appearances, including a memorable 1969 episode of "Here's Lucy" where she played—quite fittingly—a secretary. This cameo serves as a charming reminder of how deeply integrated she was into Ball's professional world.
Following Ball's death, Clark's reputation for excellence opened doors to other high-profile positions. She went on to work for philanthropist Barbara Davis, actresses Victoria Principal and Melody Thomas Scott, talent agent Roger Vorce, and producer Ray Stark—a testament to her skills and the respect she commanded in Hollywood circles.
But here's where it gets controversial—in an industry often criticized for its disposable relationships and cutthroat nature, Clark's story raises important questions about loyalty and genuine human connection. Was her decades-long devotion to Ball and the Arnaz family a beautiful example of authentic friendship transcending professional boundaries, or does it highlight something troubling about the power dynamics between celebrities and their staff?
Clark's commitment to preserving Ball's legacy extended beyond her working years. She became a founding board member of the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center in Jamestown, New York, ensuring that future generations would understand and appreciate the comedic genius she served so faithfully. Her personal passions included a deep love for animals, particularly poodles, revealing the tender heart that so many came to cherish.
Clark leaves behind her sisters Marian and Beverly, brothers-in-law Robert and Dan, nephew Scott, and niece Shelley—a family who undoubtedly understood that they shared their beloved Wanda with a much larger Hollywood family.
As we reflect on Wanda Clark's remarkable life, it begs the question: In today's fast-paced, constantly changing entertainment landscape, are we losing something precious about the deep, lasting relationships that once defined Hollywood's golden age? What do you think—was Clark's unwavering loyalty a beautiful testament to friendship, or does her story reveal something more complex about the nature of celebrity relationships? Share your thoughts below.
