Let’s talk about Carole Cook, a true Hollywood icon who dazzled audiences on shows like The Lucy Show and Here’s Lucy. Her unforgettable performances left an indelible mark on the entertainment world. Now, thanks to Mason McCulley—a dear friend and mentee of hers—her legacy is shining brighter than ever.

A Tribute to Carole Cook: A Solo Show Full of Heart and Humor

McCulley has created a heartfelt stage production called Carole Cook Died For My Sins, which premieres as a solo show at the Skylight Theater in Los Angeles. Running from October 20 through November 10, this production promises to be a celebration of Cook’s life, filled with laughter, personal stories, and inspiration drawn from their decades-long friendship. Carole passed away in January 2023 at the age of 93, but her spirit lives on in McCulley’s words and performances.

How It All Began: A Lifelong Friendship

Mason first met Carole when he was just 18 years old, and it all started with her iconic role in Hello, Dolly!. She originally made her mark as the second-ever Dolly Levi, following in the footsteps of Carol Channing. “I was absolutely mesmerized,” McCulley recalls in an exclusive interview with Closer. “Carole wasn’t just an inspiration; she became my friend, my mentor, and my guiding light through life.”

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Her magnetic personality and razor-sharp wit were honed under the guidance of none other than Lucille Ball. The two first connected when Ball, fresh off her divorce from Desi Arnaz, was looking for fresh talent for her Desilu Playhouse. A mutual acquaintance recommended Cook—then known as Mildred Francis Cook—for her impeccable comedic timing. Despite a rocky first audition, Carole won Ball over during dinner by simply being herself. That night sealed her fate, landing her a contract and a lifelong friendship with one of TV’s legends.

Lucille Ball: The Mentor Who Changed Everything

“Lucille Ball literally rolled on the floor laughing,” McCulley shares. “By the end of the night, Carole not only had a contract but also a new name inspired by Carole Lombard. Lucy believed she had the same ‘healthy disrespect for everything.’” Their bond grew stronger over the years, with Ball even serving as matron of honor at Cook’s wedding to actor Tom Troupe.

Carole often credited Lucille Ball with shaping both her career and her outlook on life. “Lucy taught me to love myself first,” Cook would say—a lesson she passed on to McCulley. “She’d tell me, ‘If you love yourself first, you can show up and be the great actor, friend, and person you are.’”

Ball also encouraged Cook to embrace her unique sense of humor. “Lucy was always fascinated by how Carole thought funny,” McCulley remembers. “She’d ask, ‘How do you come up with this stuff?’” This support helped Cook find her comedic voice, knowing she had the backing of one of television’s greatest legends. “Lucy’s advice was simple but powerful—‘Keep going, no matter what,’” McCulley says. “Carole lived by that until the very end.”

Turning Loss Into Art: The Making of the Play

This show wasn’t born out of joy alone—it came from a place of deep pain. After losing both Carole and his mother within months of each other, McCulley found himself at an emotional low point. But then he heard Carole’s voice in his head, urging him to “keep going.” That became the driving force behind his new play. “When my mom passed, I hit rock bottom,” McCulley admits. “But Carole’s voice kept reminding me to move forward, and that’s what inspired me to create this tribute.”

What would Carole think of McCulley’s heartfelt tribute? “She’d probably say, ‘It better not be shit!’” McCulley laughs. “But she’d also tell me, ‘Keep going, kid. Keep telling your truth.’ And that’s exactly what I’m doing.”