TV celebrity Lucille Ball reportedly learned the comic use of props from Buster Keaton on the MGM backlot in 1942 after she was signed by MGM with the intent of grooming her as a musical performer. Lucy, in turn, influenced many stars of the following generations with her comic technique. Such TV sitcom stars as Penny Marshall, Ellen DeGeneris, and Robin Williams have all traced their comedic styles back to Lucille Ball.