LUCILLE BALL - LUCILLE BALL TOPS THE HONOUR ROLL AT TV LAND AWARDS

Beloved US TV comedienne LUCILLE BALL was among those honoured at the TV Land Awards in Santa Monica, California on Saturday (14Apr07). TV shows The Brady Bunch and Taxi and 1970s miniseries Roots were also among the recipients of special mentions at the event, staged by the bosses of US cable channel TV Land. Lucille Ball's children Desi Arnaz Jr. and Lucie Arnaz accepted the Legacy of Laughter Award on behalf of their late mother, who died 18 years ago (87). John Amos, Todd Bridges, LeVar Burton, Cicely Tyson, Leslie Uggams and Ben Vereen took to the stage to claim the Anniversary Award, which was presented to the cast of Roots. The Brady Bunch received the Pop Culture Award, and Danny DeVito, Judd Hirsch, Tony Danza and Jeff Conaway were on hand to claim the Medallion Award for beloved sitcom Taxi. New show Heroes was also honoured with the Future Classic Award. The night's musical highlight came when country act The Judds reformed for a tribute to beloved variety show Hee Haw. Willie Nelson also performed a tribute to the programme. The TV Land Awards are designed to honour classic stars and shows.