Gary Morton
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Image:Lucy&gary.jpg Gary Morton (December 19, 1924 - March 30, 1999) was the second husband of Lucille Ball. He was born Morton Goldaper in New York City, and was twelve years Ball's junior.
He was a stand-up comedian, whose primary venues were the hotels and resorts of upper New York State's famous Borscht Belt. At the time of the Ball-Morton marriage, he claimed he was always busy working nights, so had not seen I Love Lucy.
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.
He served as executive producer of Ball's third series Here's Lucy (1968-1974), and was a co-executive producer of her ill-fated 1986 series Life With Lucy. Aside from producing tasks, he warmed up Ball's audiences before her entrance. He also played bit parts in Ball's various series, and acted in occasional films.
He died of cancer at the age of 74 in Palm Springs, California.