Gary Morton Video | Stand-up Comedian

Gary Morton (December 19, 1924 – March 30, 1999) was the second husband of Lucille Ball. He was a stand-up comedian, whose primary venues were the hotels and resorts of the Borscht Belt in upstate New York. Morton was born Morton Goldaper in New York City of Jewish heritage. Morton had been previously married to actress Susan Morrow. In 1960, Morton met Lucille Ball in New York City a few months before she opened on Broadway in the musical Wildcat. Morton claimed he was always busy working nights, so had not seen the beloved series I Love Lucy. They were married on November 19, 1961 at... MORE

Gary Morton (December 19, 1924 – March 30, 1999) was the second husband of Lucille Ball. He was a stand-up comedian, whose primary venues were the hotels and resorts of the Borscht Belt in upstate New York. Morton was born Morton Goldaper in New York City of Jewish heritage. Morton had been previously married to actress Susan Morrow. In 1960, Morton met Lucille Ball in New York City a few months before she opened on Broadway in the musical Wildcat. Morton claimed he was always busy working nights, so had not seen the beloved series I Love Lucy. They were married on November 19, 1961 at the Marble Collegiate Church in New York. Morton signed a prenuptial agreement to stifle rumors that he was a gold digger. Morton was 13 years younger than Lucille Ball. Morton became closely involved in the management of his wife's career, from the time of their marriage in 1961 throughout the remainder of her career. During Ball's solo years as the titular head of Desilu Productions, Morton and his brother-in-law, Fred Ball, served on the studio's Board of Directors in various capacities. Morton's effectiveness in his duties has, in recent years, come under some scrutiny and criticism. Most notable LESS