She made her first appearance on the stage with her sister Helen Western (1844–1868) as “change artist” at her father's theatre in Washington, D.C., and traveled extensively with her in the United States.
They were known as the “Star Sisters,” and their principal play was the “Three Fast Men.” In 1858 they appeared at the Old Bowery Theatre in New York City.
In 1859 or 1860 Lucille appeared at the Holliday Street Theatre in “East Lynne,” achieving her first success.
In 1861 to 1865 she traveled with a combination troupe, playing Nancy Sykes in “Oliver Twist,” with Edward L. Davenport as Bill Sykes and James W. Wallack, Jr., as Fagin.
Her younger sister, Helen Western was also an actress and at one time was the girlfriend of John Wilkes Booth.