Desi Arnaz is a talented and versatile entertainer best known for his role as Ricky Ricardo in the much-loved TV series I love Lucy.
Not only is he an actor, he is also a musician, producer, and bandleader, showcasing his wide range of talents.
His partnership with wife Lucille Ball was iconic, and their on-screen chemistry has captivated audiences for years.
Although Desi Arnaz passed away in 1986, his legacy continues to live on in the entertainment industry.
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- Full name: Desi Arnaz
- Stage name: Desi Arnaz
- Date of birth: March 2, 1917
- Date of death: December 2, 1986 (age 69)
- Birthplace: Santiago de Cuba
- Nationality: Cuba
- Occupation: Actor
- Height: 1.77 m
- Parents: Desiderio Alberto Arnaz II and Dolores de Acha
- Siblings: Connie Arnaz
- Spouse: Lucille Ball and Edith Mack Hirsch
- Children: Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz Jr.
- Relationship: Married
- Net worth: $20 million
Early life and education
Desi Arnaz is a Cuban-American actor, musician and television producer. He was born on March 2, 1917 in Santiago, Cuba.
Arnaz was raised by his parents, Desiderio Alberto Arnaz II (a politician) and Dolores de Acha (a pianist), and he grew up with his sister, Connie Arnaz. He moved to the United States after high school to pursue a career in entertainment.
Profession
Desi Arnaz is a trailblazing musician known for his exceptional conga drumming skills and leadership of the popular Desi Arnaz Orchestra.
His contribution to the Latin music scene is immense as he played a major role in bringing the genre to the forefront of American culture and making it popular with a wider audience.
Arnaz’s talent and passion for music continue to be celebrated and remembered, making him a beloved figure in music history.
A pioneer in television production, Desi Arnaz also made a significant impact behind the scenes. He and his wife Lucille Ball founded Desilu Productions, which became one of the most successful production companies in Hollywood.
As a Cuban immigrant, Arnaz faced discrimination and challenges in the entertainment industry, but he persevered and left a lasting legacy as a talented actor, producer, and advocate for diversity and representation in media. His contributions are still celebrated and remembered in the entertainment industry today.
Desi Arnaz is a visionary in the television industry. He co-founded Desilu Productions, a groundbreaking production company with Lucille Ball, that produces I love Lucy and many other successful performances.
They also pioneered the concept of sitcom reruns, a practice that continues to this day and helped shape the television industry into what it is today.
Arnaz’s innovative ideas and business strategies have had a lasting impact on the entertainment industry and continue to influence the way television programming is produced and distributed.
Desi Arnaz is a multi-talented artist who first achieved success as a musician. He formed his own band and became known for his Latin music, earning him recognition and success in the music industry.
However, he did not stop there and transitioned to starring in Hollywood movies, showcasing his versatility and talent.
Arnaz rose to fame in the 1950s with his iconic role as Ricky Ricardo on the revolutionary sitcom I love Lucyin which he starred alongside his real-life wife Lucille Ball.
He also co-founded Desilu Productions, which became a major force in the television industry, producing many hit shows.
Desi Arnaz continues to make an impact in the entertainment industry after a long time I love Lucy The 1960s ended.
He later went on to produce television shows with his own company, Desilu, and later became an independent producer. He remained committed to the industry and became a pioneer in shaping the television landscape for decades to come.
Awards and nominations
Emmy Awards:
- Best Situation Comedy (1953, 1954) I love Lucy (Shared with Jess Oppenheimer)
- Nominated for Best Comedy Program (1952) I love Lucy (Shared with Jess Oppenheimer)
- Nominated for Best Situation Comedy Series (1955) I love Lucy (Shared with Jess Oppenheimer)
Golden Globe Award:
- Best Television Achievement Award (1956)
Hollywood Walk of Fame:
- Inducted for Television and Film in 1960
social media
Desi Arnaz does not have any social media accounts.
personal life
Although Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball were passionately in love with each other, their relationship was not smooth.
They met in 1940 and quickly married, but Arnaz’s infidelity and alcoholism plagued their marriage. This led to frequent arguments and they even briefly filed for divorce in 1944.
Despite the challenges, they eventually reconciled and went on to have a successful career together as a comedy duo on the hit TV show I love Lucy.
Despite his success and fame in show business, Desi Arnaz’s personal life was fraught with tragedy. He and his first wife, Lucille Ball, had two children, Lucy Arnaz and Desi Arnaz Jr., but their marriage ended in divorce in 1960.
In 1963, Arnaz married Edith Mack Hirsch, but their marriage was forced to end due to Edith Mack Hirsch’s death in 1985. Edith’s death had a great impact on Arnaz, causing him to basically retire from the entertainment industry and focus on his family.
Filmography
Early films (1940s):
- Too many girls (1940)
- Father marries wife (1941)
- Four Jacks and a Jill (1942)
- Naval advance (1942)
- Bataan (1943) – A biographical war film about the American defense of the Bataan Peninsula in the Philippines during World War II.
Later films (1940s-1950s):
- Cuban Pete (1946)
- Gitlumba (1947) – short film
- Havana Holidays (1949) – musical comedy film in which Arnaz showcases his musical talents.
I Love Lucy (1951-1957):
The iconic TV sitcom that launched Desi Arnaz and his then-wife Lucille Ball to superstardom, with him playing Lucy’s husband Rich Ricardo in all 181 episodes.
Other TV shows:
- What’s my line? (1952, 1955) – Game Show
- I Love Lucy: The Movie (1953) – TV Movie Collection I love Lucy Episodes
- Extra long trailer (1954) – co-starring Lucille Ball
- The moment when Lucy is truly lost (1956) – TV special
- I Love Lucy Christmas Show (1956) – TV special
- Forever dear (1956) – a film starring Lucille Ball
- Lucy – Desi Comedy Hour (1957-1960) – Television spin-off I love Lucy
net worth
Desi Arnaz is a very successful Cuban-American musician, actor, and television producer.
Over the course of his long and fruitful career, he has amassed a net worth of $20 million. He has achieved this primarily through his various professional endeavors, including work in music, film, and television.
