The lead character in I Love Lucy was wacky and goofy, but she wasn't stupid. Besides, I don't think Jessica Simpson is acting when she's playing dumb in her reality show.
I suppose you believe that Eminem is a street thug.
I have no idea how smart Jessica Simpson is I have only seen her on SNL once and some photographs.
I see nothing wrong with using a personna as an asset.
Segal, Arnold, Willis and that crowd's macho image
works well.
Nonsense. Ball had been around for 20 years before I Love Lucy (she was, after all, "queen of the B movies") and she was well known for being hard headed, a good business woman, a good draw, and practical. It was her presence on the show that got it's initial backing (along with the fact that she and Desi performed on stage in a traveling show for a year together to sell the concept, basically testing out the way the show would be run, pacing, gags, etc.)
The one who really shocked people was Desi Arnaz. He had a reputation of being a boozing playboy (partly deserved, and which eventually lead to the divorce...)but he was the real brains at DesiLu. Among other things, he insisted on shooting in front a live audiance, using film rather than the poor quality distribution techniques of early television, and personally selecting most of the major characters. He was also responsible for the followon Lucy Desi Comedy Hour and variety shows that came after I Love Lucy.
Growing up, my sister was an "I Love Lucy" and Lucille Ball fanatic - I learned far more about the subject area than I really care to admit...