Lucille Ball's MAJOR Panic Attack On the Set on "I Love Lucy" While Filming! 

Rick, as someone who's experienced panic attacks, I can say that your description of them is 1000% accurate. You literally feel like you're going to die and it's absolute, sheer terror. I wouldn't wish the experience on anybody.

It just shows you how dedicated Lucille Ball was. This is a great episode, one of my favorites from season 5.

I experienced panic attacks when I was diagnosed diabetic. Shaking. Shortness of breath. Sweating. Sometimes no one was there to help me. It was horrible. I’m ok now.

I have severe anxiety disorder and can’t imagine how she was able to do this! Respect!!

Knowing how physically draining, and truly terrifying panic attacks can be, I'm even more impressed by Lucille Ball's professionalism. My panic attacks come from PTSD; I totally shut down from minutes to hours after onset. And, yes, you feel like you are going to die. All I can advise is, ride it out. These attacks do not define you as a person, and they can be treated. Knowing it's not a "character issue" makes them easier to bear. Just hold on.

Well, I for one found this extremely illuminating. Years ago my husband came home from work where he worked at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Los Angeles. He told me he had encountered Lucille Ball and complained about how rude and bitchy she was. He had gotten stuck between floors on the elevator with her and she was yelling at him to get her out until he turned to her and said “Look lady I’m stuck in here too you know.” Apparently, based on your reporting here she was just freaked out by being stuck in that confined space. Well bless her heart, and his too, for that matter, he’s gone now, but after all those years of thinking she was a terrible person, I’m sure had he known this then he would have been more sympathetic.

Started panic attacks while in nursing school. In my early thirties. Mine were so bad, the attack would wake me up.and be in a full blown panic attack. My husband would have to drive me to school, I couldn’t go into a store,or be in a crowd. This lasted a year. Then I got them under control some. Near 70 yrs now still once in a blue moon get them and they aren’t so bad now. I feel one coming on and I stop and talk to myself. OH! and I graduated nursing. 😊

Rick - thank you for pointing out the detrimental effects of anxiety and uncontrollable panic attacks, fear of tight spaces, and how they are shared by many people such as yourself. I, too, suffer from these problems, but you're right - as difficult as they can be, it is possible to thrive despite them and find a path forward!

Ricky came in while the doctor was singing by himself in the living room lol. That was hilarious

I’ve had panic attacks for many years. It’s the worst feeling ever!

I've dealt with major anxiety in the last few years and have definitely had my share of panic attacks. You're not alone Rick! Thanks for being so real.

I have panic disorder and those attacks are the worst thing in the world (to me). Therapists would ask 'What are you afraid of?' I replied 'Panic attacks." They never had a book-answer to that.

As someone who has panic attacks, and anxiety attacks frequently, my heart goes out to my favorite lady. That must have been absolutely awful to be stuck in there but what an absolute star for not showing the slightest hint of it and continuing on. They are no joke and really do feel like you are dying. I've had them while driving and almost fainted it got so bad. Lucy was a true badass.

As someone who lives with severe anxiety and has had multiple REAL panic attacks (I can barely type these words) in my adult years, I can tell you that it is the most frightening thing I've ever encountered! Don't get anxiety attack mixed up with panic attack, as they are very different. I've heard many folks say they felt like they were having a panic attack, when in reality, they were most likely having an anxiety attack. HUGE difference! A panic attack is truly like hell on Earth and feels like you are going to die, you can't control your thoughts, you need to talk to someone (anyone!), and there's nothing you can do other than pray it subsides and you don't have another one. A couple times, just the fear of possibly having one caused a full-blown attack for me. I once called my father while having one and I was in desperate need of help and he accused me of being on drugs. I don't do drugs at all. It's awful when you need someone's help so very much and they say over and over that you're on drugs and ask you, "What are you on?" I can't begin to describe how terrifying panic attacks are, but it is absolute torture! If you've never experienced one, please be eternally grateful. I can't imagine Lucy having a panic attack while locked in that trunk for so long. My God, the horror! I certainly feel for her whether it was a severe anxiety attack or actual panic attack. Either way, it's amazing she made it through, especially being on TV in front of an audience of people who had no idea! Thanks for reading my story, as few people in my life know the truth.

Hi Rick. It’s Randy K. I appreciate your vulnerability about your panic. I have had panic in claustrophobic ways also. While in planes , trains and snorkeling too far away from the boat in the ocean. I am a psychotherapist and work with anxiety daily. It’s a lifelong journey. Thanks again!

Oh god when Ricky walked in on that little man singing and dancing.and then he heard Lucy's voice. Ricky was so wonderful. I really laughed.

Gosh! How she was able to do that, being claustrophobic, is beyond me. I am a claustrophobic, as well, and even had to stop an MRI once due to feeling so closed in! Being stuck in that trunk for so long...no way I could do it! Talk about being a pro! She was amazing!

Love this episode! I, too, have had panic attacks pretty much my entire adult life. Mine are so severe that I would gladly give a pinky finger to never have one again. I have been diagnosed as having Panic Disorder. I'm on medication for mine as nothing I've done has helped. They are THE most frightening things I've ever experienced. I believe the most frightening is not being able to breath during the attack. That and my heart beating out of control. Thank you so much Rick for addressing this paralyzing problem. xoxo

Thank you, Rick! Pass-a-ports is one of my favorites! You just added a new twist to this episode! Wow, Lucy handled it so professionally!

I did not know that about Lucy. Brave lady doing that episode.

Hi Rick, Passports is one of my favorite episodes. The doctor was hilarious.

I take meds for anxiety. The attacks really are horrible!

This may be my favorite episode. I still roar when Ricky walks in to the Doctor singing and dancing to Flies in the Buttermilk.

Thank you for bringing Panic Attacks to everyone's attention. Mine mimicked heart attack and I was taken to the ER in an ambulance. Luckily it was determined quickly that it was anxiety. Like Lucy, I was aware that things were stressing me out but I was determined to steam right through. Be good to yourself, folks. Take things slower than you're capable of at full capacity because you're not a machine, you will reach the failure point eventually

I absolutely love this episode!!! I am very surprised to hear that Lucy had a panic attack during filming, she is such a professional that I've seen this episode a zillion times & still had no clue what she was going through. I too have experienced panic attacks & they can be terrifying, Rick, I'm sorry to hear that you have experienced them but I'm glad that you have overcome them. I want to thank you for sharing your issues & I hope that you realize how much you help people with your honesty & positive vibes & Be Hopeful message!! Thank you my friend!! 👍

That is shocking. She’s gets in the freezer,the laundry machine,the TV set,sorry I don’t know the names of the episodes.

I knew she was clostrophobic ...but as we all know.. NOTHING stopped Miss Ball from getting a laugh...I miss you Lucy💖

What a legend! As another person with anxiety and panic disorders, I can’t imagine putting myself in a position that I knew would put me in that mental space.

GREAT video, I truly enjoyed it and the information I never knew about one of my favorite shows, so I heartily Thank You...!!! As for what you asked, about your viewers who have had anxiety/panic attacks, you couldn't have said it more perfectly!!! It IS scary, you literally feel like your going to die and you have absolutely NO CONTROL over it... Unfortunately many of mine, happen either when I am driving, NOT FUN and adds to the scariness of the situation or am not home. It has happened when I am home, but not often, mostly when I am driving... It's not an easy thing to open up about, because people tend to think you do have some control over it and say things like, oh it's all in your head, or just relax or even you ARE in control, when in actuality, you're so not!!! Thank You Rick, for being open and honest and describing it as accurately as you did...!!!

I go through periods of anxiety, and I know where you are coming from. We'll stay strong together! Much love ❤

I have definitely had panic attacks and you are right, you feel like you are dying and your heart feels like it will come out of your chest! And you can’t breathe! It’s very scary! I’m thankful that I don’t have as many as I used to, but when they do happen, I do a lot of praying 🙏. Thank you for all of your informative videos. I always enjoy watching them! Take care and stay safe!🤩😄

I’m so surprised her feet didn’t go to sleep kneeling down that long .

I fly all over the world for work and the last 15 years I suffered from panic attacks as soon as the plane door closes. I now take a pill to relax 1/2 hour before my flight.

Once while being a Messenger in (1990) NYC, I was trapped in an elevator that got stuck. It was full of people and I had the same symptoms you described. My heart rate increased and I was breathing very fast. I felt that I had to get out as soon as possible but could not.. It was 15 mins before the elevator started to move and the doors opened.. It was stuck on the 40th floor.

Hi Rick, thank you so much for this video. Being a Lucy lover too (tattoos...lol) I never knew this and I know a lot about her. Also having had panic attacks myself I appreciate you sharing. Thanks 👍

Poor Lucy, I suffer panic attacks and that feeling is terrible.😓

Thank you for posting and sharing information about panic attacks. I have had some and did not understand what was wrong. Very good post.

I have suffered the last 12 years with panic attacks! Not fun. Glad to see this. You seem like a good man! Thank you.

As a person who has had panic attacks even thinking of Lucy in that trunk having one made me gasp for air. I had quite a few in my life until I learned to notice when one was coming on and sort of head it off at the pass before it took hold. I could do this by bringing myself out of my head by taking a shower, going outside for a walk, getting up out of bed and turning on the light and reading a book, making tea and sipping it, brushing my hair or if I was not alone, having someone scratch my back. The trick is the distraction, if done right at the moment you can feel it coming, will sort of flip a switch and turn it off.

I loved 2020 bc I didn’t “have” to be with other people. For once, I could be who I was without feeling like I had to apologize. I absolutely dread the end of the pandemic and social distancing

My coworker has such severe panic attacks she takes Xanax.

You are the sweetest to bring up this very serious issue, it makes me feel better to know that someone as inspirational as you suffered from panic attacks! And someone so talented and funny like Lucy suffered from it too. It gives me hope to know that even if they do not go away that I will still survive it! And just so you know whenever I watch I Love Lucy and any of your videos....I am always calm & always happy❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🥰 thank you from the bottom of my heart!!!!

Thankyou for sharing this video. Also, I am grateful that you shared your personal experiences concerning Panic Attacks. Back in Dec 2020, my Dr put me on Sertraline (25mg) because they were worried that my Panic Attacks would eventually trigger a Heart Attack. I wish you a long, happy, and healthy life.

Amazing. What guts it takes to subject herself to that. Thanks for sharing your personal experiences too Rick. You’re a real good guy. God Bless.

Keep up the good work Rick

Didn't know about this Rick hun well always learning rick didn't know about the panic attack thanks for sharing great video buddy👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

Hi Rick - another great video - thank you so much! I didn't know Lucy was claustrophobic. I could never get in something like that trunk as I am really claustrophobic too. And yes, panic attacks on and off for years. I even had to give up driving because of them. Have a great day - stay safe!

Wow Rick Awesome info, gotta say Lucy did look very stressed/uneasy when the truck was opened 🤔

As someone who has suffered from panic attacks, I can’t imagine what she went through. I don’t suffer from claustrophobia, but have seemingly random attacks, but it’s devastating. I definitely feel as if I’m going to die. I think that as a man, it’s even worse. We are expected to be fearless and not show emotion. It’s embarrassing which just adds to the situation.

Rick, I have been there. Thanks for sharing this story. Lucy really went above and beyond filming these shows. Even being pressed down in the vat of grapes and not being able to breathe was another close call for her. Thanks for sharing this interesting story.

Panic attacks are horrible. I used to have them at school during class, I just had to sit there while the teacher talked. Luckily now, I've switched to doing school on the computer. My heart would beat so fast, and I felt like I couldn't breathe. Sometimes I feel like I'm going to vomit or faint when I have them. Lucy is such a strong person to be able to have done that episode!

I have dealt with Panic attacks and it’s very scary. Thanks for sharing your story.

Rick, another brilliant video and so timely. I’ve experienced several panic/anxiety and they give you no notice when it’s gonna start or end. The only thing that gets me through it is simply saying to myself that this will end and that I’ll feel fine eventually.🥸

Excellent video as always. Passports is a favorite episode of mine. I knew Lucy has fear of birds but I did not know she was claustrophic. I've dealt with panic attacks infrequently myself. Thanks for a great video

she was in her mid 40’s during the filming of these ?? she was gorgeous, she looked like she was in her 20’s wow

Thank you, Rick! I’m a huuuge Lucy fan! I feel like I know everything about I Love Lucy and then you prove me wrong. Thanks for posting this video. Amazing! I learn something new every time 🇺🇸👏🏽😊

I've had panic attacks for 42 years ... since I was 19. After a few visits to the emergency room for chest pain, but each EKG showed a healthy heart, I learned how to live with it. Deep breathes, very slowly, concentrating on the breath, with a little smile, usually calms me down almost instantly.

No kidding… this is one of my favorite episodes! I can’t believe I missed a genuine panic attack. I thought her swaying was acting!

Hi shy girl here. I am shy lol 😂. New to you're channel never knew that about lucile Ball that she suffered from anxiety attacks. You learn something new each day. I to suffer from those myself and I had one just the other day. That runs along way back in my family anxiety attacks. My late mom and my late brother suffered from anxiety attacks as well as I do to this day. I sure hate them myself. They really do feel like you're dying. It first starts out with you feeling dizzy and week like you're gonna pass out and then you're heart is beating like crazy and then theirs the shakes and you have to sit or lay down and calm you're self down because if you don't you could end up really in the hospital that to has happened to me just from an anxiety attack. So I so feel you and anyone else who suffers from anxiety attacks. Loved these Lucile Ball shows and so did my late mom she was a fan of lucile Ball God bless my late moms soul and my brothers soul. Okay bye now and thanks for letting me know this about Lucile Ball she was a champ for doing this episode in the Lucile Ball show. I hate tight places to especially plane bathrooms and bus bathrooms. I don't stay to long in them when I travel okay peace out ☮️.

I never knew that about Lucille Ball but it’s amazing to hear because EVERY single time I’ve seen that episode since I was a child I always thought how I never would be able to be closed inside that box like that. I am very claustrophobic. I also hate to fly not because I’m afraid of crashing, but because I find airplane seats too cramped and the space too confined and I start to feel panicky.

Excellent subject and glad you brought it up. There are many various life events that can start panic attacks. It took a few years to finally shake them off with professional help and I stopped hiding my situation with family and freinds. It's very common, which I didn't know at that time.

That's my favorite song🎵 🎵Shoo fly shoo!🎵 Thanks Rick9g💜

I was diagnosed with Panic Disorder when I was 16. Ever since, I have ended up in the ER about 15-20 times, in agonising terror of experiencing a heart attack. I have learned to live with the crippling terror of imminent death, the ephemerality of being and constant anticipation that I will eventually die because of undiagnosed/unattended heart disease. I have daily chest pains that can be extremely intolerable and I have lost count of the amount of times I have cried myself to sleep, acting as the only reassurance to myself that I will, in fact, wake up alright. I sincerely hope no one experiences a panic attack in their lives, although the odds are much more for the possibility. Everything you described was accurate. The reaction is so severely damaging that you either feel like you’re spending your last minutes alive or that you’re going to lose your sanity.

I had a panic attack a few years ago.

Another informative video on a very private medical issue that I have not experienced but admire the courage of those who can speak of it; I imagine Lucy put comedic acting first thinking this would overcome and benefit all aspects of her life. Rick; thank you for sharing your experience; you are such a kind person!

I had major panic attacks while driving on the freeways. On one long bridge, I would lock my arms and drive straight ahead; and prayed that I would get to the other side. Then one day, my university had a therapist give a lecture. I went up to her after her speech, and told her about my panic attacks. I told her that I thought that they were logical to have because everyone drove so fast, and at any time someone could have a tire blow-up, or someone could have a heart-attack or any other of possible situations that could occur while driving. She listened and responded that I was totally logical in my fears that created my panic attacks. (That made me feel better.) Then she went on to say, "which was stronger, my panic-fears of driving on the highway or my desire to see my friend". He had moved far away and that required driving on the highway. With that thought in mind, I knew I had to over-come my logical panic attacks if I was to ever see him again. And I did.

I was flying and it the summer after 9/11. I remember sitting by a window and my mom kept asking if I was ok. I just kept taking deep breaths trying to calm myself down. The man Who was sitting next to us was in the military & I remember he took my hand and he just held my hand until I was ready to let go. Then he started talking about random things to get my mind off of flying. When we landed, I gave him a hug and said Thankyou. He said he’s been in my situation before and he then recommended bringing a fly buddy. So now when I fly I will bring a plush baymax toy to hug when while in the air. That was the best advice I have ever been given on a plane.

I was singing "Flies in the Buttermilk" at work last week because I was thinking of this episode and how funny it was. Skip to the lu my DARLING!

I got trapped in a sliding shelf about the size of Lucy’s suit case with my little sister. We were about 5 years old and 3 years old. This was back in about 1973. We were in there for a long time. The shelf was in a shed so no one could hear us yelling for help. I suggested we pray, so we did. Then I put my tiny finger in a small hole by the sliding door and tried to open it. It didn’t work. The air was hot and humid and was getting pretty thin. Then with one last prayer, I stuck my finger into the tiny hole by the sliding door. The door swung open as if someone from the outside slammed it aside. I was surprised myself. We then both got out of the shelf and the shed. We sprinted outside and fell onto the green grass breathing heavily. I will never forget it. Thus, claustrophobia began.

I pretty much have panic attacks DAILY. Sometimes more than one!! I am on anti-anxiety meds, but the PAs continue often. 🙁🙁🙁 Txs Rick for the encouragement. Many times I feel sooooo alone! And that NO one understands me. Candy

I love your videos. Thank you. ❤

March 8th was my 20th birthday.

Have had panic attacks for many many years and they are not fun. I still have an irrational fear of heights.

Rick, it's ok to have panic attacks. Your description was pretty candid. People have degrees of anxiety. Anxiety and pabicatta k are different. So is fear. If Lucy was claustrophobic and was in that box for a long time she did great.

Thank you...that was one of my fav I Love Lucy episodes especially building up to the comedy with her in the trunk (right up there with the one where she gets a loving cup stuck on her head...lol). Fascinating to hear about Lucille's bravery in doing the stunt...cheers :)

I've had panic attacks for over 40 years and I've had anxiety attacks this week! Yes, they are very scary. Sorry you've had them, too! Didn't know Lucy did! Thx for the video.

What a talent-the show must go on. Even though she was afraid, she did it for her fans.

Yep, I've had my share of panic attacks as well, so thank you so much for telling us about yours, and helping to remove the stigma. One thing that helped me tremendously was acupuncture! I've been getting treatments for almost 20 years now and it keeps me focused and my mood, as you can appreciate, wonderfully positive. Stay well Rick!

I know how bad the attacks get. I suffer from it. I have to grab a ice pack and go walk in the open air.

I'm claustrophobic and get mild panic attacks whenever my face gets covered-like a turtleneck getting stuck when trying to pull it off, or putting my face in the water at the pool - and I feel like I can't breathe. It's a scary feeling! I never learned to swim because of that. Thanks for all you do in getting these great videos out to us, Rick! I Love Lucy is my absolute favorite show!!

I never knew this about Lucy. I’ve had several panic attacks over the years. When I had the first one, I had no idea what it was and was afraid I was having a heart attack which, of course, fueled my anxiety and made things even worse.

At several points in my life I, too, suffered with debilitating panic attacks. At the time I thought it was just me -- I felt so helpless and hopeless. I no longer have them, thank goodness, but have great empathy for those who suffer from anxiety and panic attacks. I had no idea about Lucy. Thank you for the video ... and for sharing. 💜

Wow. I never knew that she was claustrophobic. Must have taken her a lot to be in that trunk take after take throughout the making of that episode. She’s a real pro for doing it, but I can only imagine what she was going through while in the trunk. This is really interesting to learn about Rick, keep up the great work!

The songs called "Skip to My Lou." It has seven verses!! Sang it all the time when I was kid!! Always loved it!!

OMG I've had probably about a thousand panic attacks. God bless her for getting through that one. I would have totally lost it .

Ive had panic attacks too. Horrible feeling!

That would be so tough to do if you were claustrophobic. Hats off to Lucy for being brave enough to do it. I have had panic attacks, they are dreadful. I love the look on Ricky’s face when he walks in and sees the doctor dancing and singing with the trunk! Thanks for this info, Rick and sharing your experience with us.

Rick this was very intetesting to know. I have had just a few panick attacks but they are disturbing. I had one so bad when trying to memorize a script for a play that i had to quit the show and i have been in theatre all my life.

I experience many panic attacks

What a credit to her craft! I had no idea she suffered from this! I do to! I also have EDS which means I can fold up into very small spaces and as a kid, I did! Especially for Hide n Seek games! BAD combo!!

That’s one of the sure signs of a panic attack is you think you’re dying!! I have had them many time mostly in my 20”s.

Wow!! I wasn't aware of this! My last panic attack was over 20 years ago. I haven't had one since then.

What's even scarier than a panic attack is if you have had one and then later on think you're having another one, but are actually having a heart attack. That happened to me. I had a panic attack with shortness of breath in my 30's, then 15 years later after a long day at work i had the same kind of shortness of breath, and sat there for a while trying to calm down and breathe in a bag etc.. it quickly got worse and luckily my family were there to call an ambulance, i had a massive heart attack, actually had no vitals in the ambulance, but was revived and subsequently had a triple bypass a week later. So my thinking i was having a panic attack at the start of it almost cost me my life as i wasted time in getting help. Lucky to be here now.

Very interesting Rick. I fairly recently found out that I am a distant relative of Lucille Ball on my father’s mother’s side. I, like Lucy, have suffered a few panic attacks and like you said, they are terrible snd feel like you’re going to die. I have experienced them while in heavy freeway traffic. - not a good place for one - and have had to exit freeways when experiencing one. Like Lucy, my father also suffered from claustrophobia but I don’t know if he ever had a panic attack. Lucy was definitely a trooper and consummate professional. She got the job done no matter what it took. Thanks for sharing!

I really love your channel & hard work ❤ Actually when you brought up panic attacks, yes they are real , upsetting 😢 but I'm grateful you happen to mention this . Having it myself many people I've met during my life Don't understand & are left confused 😐 Anyway thank you for shedding light on this topic . Stay healthy ... I truly appreciate your channel very much ❤ 🙏

Yes, I've had panic attacks, pains in my chest and couldn't breathe. Thought I was having a heart attack. That happened several times about 20 years ago. I changed jobs and the attacks stopped.

Having a panic attack feels like your lungs are compressed and it’s something ive had to live with this since i was 10

Thank you so much Rick for sharing this. Many years ago I too suffered from panic attacks and they are scary. I had no clue that Lucy was claustrophobic. I am too! Another wonderful vlog. :-)

All I can say is... I LOVE Lucy! So glad I found this channel. I’ve subscribed!

My worst panic attack came in the middle of the night. I got up to get a drink; felt a bit strange so took my bp and pulse rate, they were both a little high; but, that brought on a panic attack to where I was so sure I was dying that I insisted my wife call an ambulance. We both realized from my past episodes it was a panic attack and would go away, especially since I took a prescribed Xanax at the start of the attack. None the less I insisted the ambulance take me to a hospital E.R. at 2am. By the time the doctor came into see me I was feeling perfectly normal. But, when you’re having a full panic attack I believe it probably feels more like you’re dying than if you had been in an accident where you are actually dying. I rate it the worst feeling in the world.