Debra Messing was given the chance to step into the shoes of one of the greatest comedy legends, Lucille Ball. During an episode of Will & Grace, Debra recreated some of Ball’s most memorable moments. This moment became even more memorable because it also included Lucie Arnaz, Ball’s daughter.
Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz’s daughter, Lucie Arnaz has always fiercely protected her mother’s work, she made an exception for Will & Grace, allowing the show to adapt original I Love Lucy scripts for this special episode.
What was the episode Debra Messing impersonated Lucille Ball on?
The Will & Grace episode “We Love Lucy” was a tribute to I Love Lucy. Messing played Lucy Ricardo, originally played by Lucille Ball, while Megan Mullally played Ethel Mertz, and Sean Hayes played Fred Mertz in drag. Eric McCormack also appeared as Ricky Ricardo.
The episode featured recreations of three classic I Love Lucy scenes: the hilarious grape-stomping scene from Lucy’s Italian Movie, the chocolate factory chaos in Job Switching, and the Vitameatavegamin commercial skit in Lucy Does a TV Commercial. Lucie Arnaz even made a cameo appearance in the episode, making it even more special.
Lucie Arnaz cried after seeing Debra Messing impersonate her Lucille Ball
Debra Messing explained in an interview that Arnaz was on set when she entered wearing a full costume, and her reaction was immediate. They embraced and both became teary-eyed as Lucie cried, hugging Debra and calling her mom. Messing stated that the experience was highly personal, as if Lucille Ball had been there for a moment through the tribute.
In another interview, Arnaz admitted that she usually avoids participating in literal reenactments of I Love Lucy. However, she had enjoyed the script for “We Love Lucy” so much that she couldn’t refuse. Seeing Messing’s performance only reaffirmed how much care and respect had been given to her mother’s legacy.