Jess Oppenheimer (1913-1988), creator, producer, and head writer of I Love Lucy, had an extensive broadcast career that began in radio's "golden age." His association with Lucille Ball began in 1948, when he signed on as head writer, producer and director of her radio series, My Favorite Husband. When CBS made a deal with the legendary redhead, Lucy made it a condition that Oppenheimer be in charge of the venture. He remained as producer and head writer of I Love Lucy for five of its six seasons, writing the pilot and 153 episodes.