In a repeat on an event first held at the Bay Theatre in Seal Beach, Lucie Arnaz and local resisent Raji Ahsan has held a similiar event two weeks ago at the famed Paramount Studios theatre in Los Angeles.
On Thursday, June 5, Lucie Arnaz, with her husband Larry Luckinbill, and Ahsan returned to Paramount Studios for Lucie on the Lot: The Dr. Sam Fundraiser. This was the very same lot where Lucie grew up under its Desilu reign, indeed the very same lot where her parents met as contract players at RKO Pictures in 1940, said Ahsan.
Coincidentally, he noted that 2025 is the 75th anniversary of the Desilu company, having incorporated in 1950.
Ahsan, a native of Los Al and resident of Seal Beach, co-produced and hosted the event, raising finishing funds for his film Dr. Sam, directed by Danielle Beckmann, featuring Arnaz. Ahsan said ten percent of proceeds were donated to The New Life Beginnings Shelter in Long Beach, CA.
Keith Thibodeaux, I Love Lucy’s Little Ricky, surprised Lucie Arnaz and was invited on stage during the Q&A portion of the program after the documentary film “Lucy & Desi” was shown in the spacious Paramount Studios Theatre.
Lucie asked Keith, point blank, “What was it like being in our home as a child,” having just watched the Lucy & Desi documentary, an intimate portrait of the triumphs and trials of the Ball-Arnaz marriage. Keith answered honestly, “I was always a little scared to go to the Arnaz home,” as he spent weekends and vacations with the Arnaz family.
Lucie explained the fear that filled the home as her parents would often erupt, seemingly out of nowhere. Lucie turned to the audience and said, “How many of you grew up in homes where your parents would act out?” Many raised their hands proving that, no matter how famous or wealthy you are, we all want one thing: safety. It was a healing evening.
Ahsan is still raising funds for his film. Just $3,100.00 short of completing post production, you can make a tax-deductible donation at rajiahsan.com/sam to support this Seal Beach local.