LUCILLE BALL REMEMBERED ON HER 100TH BIRTHDAY

Happy birthday, Lucy -- we love you!

The world is toasting America's favorite fiery redhead Lucille Ball, who would have turned 100 Saturday. Born in Jamestown, N.Y. on August 6, 1911, Ball is hands-down the most influential comic actress of all time -- and indeed paved the way for generations of Hollywood women to come.

When Desi Arnaz and Ball (who was almost six years his senior) tied the knot in 1940, it was socially unacceptable for an older woman to marry a younger man. To avoid controversy, they both listed 1914 as their birthdate. (They divorced in 1960. After being diagnosed with lung cancer, Arnaz passed away on Dec. 2, 1986 at the age of 69.)