Desi Arnaz.

Desiderio Alberto Arnaz y de Acha III

Desi Arnaz — Actor

Born 2 Mar 1917 Santiago, Cuba

Died 2 Dec 1986 Del Mar, USA

Citizenship United States

Would Be 109 yr If Living

15 min read

Reading time

2,890

Words

Jun 5, 2026

Published

55

Film credits

1

Book

3

Awards

TL;DR

Desi Arnaz pioneered the multi-camera sitcom as co-founder of Desilu Productions and star of I Love Lucy, alongside wife Lucille Ball. Escaping Cuba after the 1933 revolution, he launched the conga craze, met Ball on the set of Too Many Girls in 1940, and built a television empire that purchased RKO Studios in 1957. His innovations — including live audiences, warm-up acts, and reruns — became industry standards. Arnaz died of lung cancer on December 2, 1986 at age 69.

Identity & family.

KIN · 4

Names, aliases, and relatives of Desi Arnaz — birth name, kin, and personal ties.

Birth Name Desiderio Alberto Arnaz y de Acha III

Aliases Desiderio Arnaz

PARENTS: Desiderio Alberto Arnaz II
SPOUSES: Edith Eyre Skimming Mack Hirsch Lucille Ball
CHILDREN: Lucie Arnaz

At a glance.

STATS

Desi Arnaz by the numbers — life, work, and family.

69 Years lived

55 Film credits

1 Book

3 Awards

2 Marriages

1 Child

Who was Desi Arnaz?

BIOGRAPHY

Desi Arnaz — early life, career, personal life, and legacy.

Early life

The 1933 revolution led by Fulgencio Batista upended the life of Desi Arnaz, born March 2, 1917 in Santiago, Cuba, where his father, Desiderio Alberto Arnaz II, served as mayor. His father was jailed, and the family lost its wealth and property. After U.S. officials interceded for his father’s release, the Arnazes fled to Miami, Florida.

In America, Arnaz took odd jobs, including cleaning canary cages. But music was his escape. He formed his own small band and was soon hired by Xavier Cugat, the king of Latin music. Arnaz left Cugat to form his own Latin band, igniting the conga craze across the United States.

Career

In 1939, Arnaz was cast in the Broadway play Too Many Girls, which brought him to Hollywood for the film version. On set in 1940, he met Lucille Ball, and they married later that year. In 1950, the couple formed Desilu Productions with $5,000, naming it after their Chatsworth ranch. Their sitcom I Love Lucy premiered in 1951, with Arnaz playing bandleader Ricky Ricardo.

Arnaz revolutionized television production: he insisted on filming before a live audience, using multiple cameras, and including a warm-up act. He also convinced CBS to allow reruns, creating a new revenue model. In 1957, Desilu purchased the former RKO Studios for $6.15 million, making the Arnazes millionaires. He executive produced The Untouchables 1959 and sold his Desilu interest to Ball in 1962 for $3 million.

Personal life

Arnaz married Lucille Ball on November 30, 1940. Together they had two children: Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz Jr. To hide Ball’s six-year seniority, the couple falsified their ages, both claiming to be born in 1914. The pressures of work and Arnaz’s infidelities and alcoholism strained the marriage, and they divorced on May 16, 1961. Arnaz later married Edith Eyre Skimming Mack Hirsch on March 2, 1963; they divorced in 1985.

Arnaz wrote a candid autobiography, A Book, detailing his struggles. He was an avid golfer, fisherman, and poker player, often incorporating these hobbies into I Love Lucy episodes. His last conversation was with Lucille Ball on what would have been their 46th wedding anniversary, shortly before his death.

Legacy

Desi Arnaz’s innovations in sitcom production became standard for the industry: multi-camera filming, live studio audiences, warm-up acts, and reruns. His work on I Love Lucy influenced countless shows and performers. Comedian Eddie Murphy frequently imitated Arnaz’s distinctive laugh in his stand-up routines. Arnaz was awarded two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame — one for motion pictures and one for television. On March 2, 2019, Google honored him with a Google Doodle on what would have been his 102nd birthday. In 1992, he was portrayed by his son, Desi Arnaz Jr., in the film The Mambo Kings. He is remembered as the co-founder of Desilu and as Ricky Ricardo.

Filmography.

FILMS · 55

Browse the complete filmography of Desi Arnaz — every film, TV show, and documentary credit, ranked by popularity.

TV

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson

1962
TV

Saturday Night Live

1975
TV

The Mike Douglas Show

1961
TV

Ironside

1967
TV

The Virginian

1962
TV

Alice

1976
TV

I Love Lucy

1951
TV

The Red Skelton Show

1951
TV

Tony Awards

1956
TV

What's My Line?

1950
TV

The Ed Sullivan Show

1948
TV

Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse

1958
TV

MGM Parade

1955
TV

The Bob Hope Show

1950

Could not load more credits.

Awards & honors.

AWARDS · 3

Every award, honor, and recognition received by Desi Arnaz — Grammys, hall-of-fame inductions, civic honors, lifetime achievements.

American Campaign Medal
World War II Victory Medal
star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Bibliography.

BOOKS · 1

Desi Arnaz's bibliography — every authored, edited, and co-written book, ranked by edition count.

Amazon Goodreads

A Book

by Desi Arnaz

Notable quotes.

QUOTES · 18

A wall of memorable lines from Desi Arnaz — lyrics, interviews, and off-the-cuff remarks captured over a lifetime.

If You Don’t Know What to Do, Don’t Do Anything.
Failure Is the Most Terrible Thing in Our Business. When We Fail, the Whole World Knows About It.
On Lucille Ball: I Loved Her Very Much And, in My Own and Perhaps Peculiar Way, I Will Always Love Her. “
On Lucille Ball: She’s Not Someone I Am Likely to Forget. I Love Her and Will Continue Loving Her Till the Day I Die.
On Meeting Lucille Ball: I Fell in Love with Those Big Beautiful Blue Eyes When I Met Her. It Was Unnatural How I Could Fall in Love so Fast
Lucy Had a Quality Which Was Rare; You Can Count the Women Who Have Had It on the Fingers of One Hand. While Doing the Wild Antics of a Clown, Disheveled, Rain Soaked, Disregarding How She Looked Even with Mud All Over Her, Could Make You Laugh, and yet at the Same Time Make You Want to Go to Bed with Her.
One of the Big Reasons for the Show’s Success Is Lucy. She Is the Greatest.
Lucy, She Has No Idea How Happy She’s Made Me. She’s Wonderful. I Adore Her with All of My Heart. She’s Given Me Everything I Could Ask For. No Pun Intended, I Love Lucy.
We Had Been Married for Nine Years, but When I Saw Her Coming Down the Aisle with Her Bouquet and Wedding Dress and Hat, I Got as Much of a Thrill as the First Time, Perhaps Even More.
I Love Lucy Was Never a Title. I Don’t Care What Her Present Husband Thinks, I Still Love Lucy. Yes Very Much. She Knows That I Will Do Anything for Her. All She Has to Do Is Ask.
Though We Are Not Together Anymore, I Still Love Her. I Always Will. Lucy Is My Soulmate, My World. I Can’t Imagine My Life Without Her. I Love Lucy Was Never Just a Title.
They Were Gorgeous. Her Eyes Very Blue. One of the Many Things I Absolutely Love About Her. She Was Mine and I Was Hers. the Way It Should Have Been.
Twelve Years Ago, I Was Enjoying Recognition in New York Play Too Many Girls and RKO Studios Wanted to Film It. They Took Me Along with the Deal and I Went to Hollywood. Working as the Star of That Picture Was the Most Beautiful, Wonderful, Bright, Happy Person I’d Ever Met in My Life, Lucille Ball. and How You Said It. It Was Love at First Sight.
I’m Really Enjoying Life with My Golf and Horses.
The First Time I Saw Lucy Was in Hollywood Studio Lunchroom. Lovely, Dazzling Lucille Ball Was to Be One of the Stars of Too Many Girls. I Was Eager to Meet Her. Then She Walked In. She Had a Black Eye, Frowzy Hair and Was Wearing a Too Tight Dress with a Rip in It. She Had Been Playing a Dance Hall Floozy in a Free for All Fight Scene. I Groaned ‘Oh No.’ That Afternoon When She Showed up on the Set Where I Was Working, I Said ‘Oh Yes.’ She Had Fixed Her Hair and Make up and Put on a Sweater and Skirt. She Was a Dream. I Took One Look and Fell in Love.
The Most Important Thing of All Was That, We Now Had Our Daughter, Our Son, and Two People Couldn’t Have Been More in Love and Happier Than We Were.
I’m Convinced That the Reason That We Survived the Constant Arguing, Fighting and Accusations for so Many Years, Was Because We Had Something Extra Special Going for Us. We Were Very Much in Love with Each Other, and We Were Able to Be Together, Our Sexual Relationship Was Heavenly. Also, and Perhaps Even More Important. We Had a Good Sense of Humor. We Are Able to Laugh at Ourselves and at Our Sometimes Absurd and Stupid Arguments.
When We Got Married, Nobody Gave It More Than Two Weeks. There Were Bets All Over the Country, with Astronomical Odds Against Us.

Did you know?

FACTS · 38

Little-known facts about Desi Arnaz — origins, oddities, and behind-the-scenes details from a public life.

Sitcom techniques now taken for granted, such as multi-camera filming, warm-up acts, live audiences, and reruns, were invented by Desi Arnaz.
Lucille Ball was the last person he talked to before his death, on what would have been their 46th wedding anniversary.
In 1950, along with wife Lucille Ball, Arnaz formed a production company with $5,000 of their own money, naming it Desilu after their ranch in Chatsworth, California. He remained president until selling his interest to his ex-wife in 1962 for $3 million.
For many years during their marriage, Arnaz and Lucille Ball hid the fact that she was six years older by splitting the difference in their ages: she claimed 1914, he also claimed 1914.
In 1957, to expand Desilu, Arnaz sold CBS his and Ball’s rights to 179 I Love Lucy 30-minute shows for $4,500,000. They also sold rights to December Bride for $500,000, and CBS got exclusive rights to their public appearances for 10 years for an additional $1,000,000. With these profits, Desilu purchased RKO Studios for $6,125,000.
After their divorce, Arnaz produced Lucy’s hit musical Wildcat on Broadway.
According to Mafia boss turned government informant Jimmy The Weasel Fratianno, several top Chicago Mafia members were furious about the portrayal of Italians in The Untouchables, of which Arnaz was executive producer, and put out a contract on his life. Hitmen waited outside his house but Arnaz never came home, and the plot was called off.
Arnaz grew up being best friends with Albert Francis Sonny Capone, son of Al Capone.
He was instrumental in the creation of numerous classic TV series, in particular The Untouchables 1959.
In the film The Mambo Kings 1992, he was portrayed by his real-life son, Desi Arnaz Jr.
In 1953, with I Love Lucy the #1 show in America, sponsor Philip Morris agreed to sponsor the show for 2.5 more years for $8 million, $5 million of which went directly to the Arnazes and their company.
In 1945, after his Army service, Arnaz found himself $30,000 in debt, mostly from back taxes. Lucille Ball helped him pay it off, but he considered it a loan and kept strict account.
In 1957, Arnaz opened the Desi Arnaz West Hills Hotel with 42 rooms and a restaurant featuring his own recipes in Indian Wells. He and Ball built a home on the 17th fairway at Thunderbird Golf Club on land he won in a poker game.
In 1957, recognizing the need for expansion, he purchased the former RKO Studios, home of Ball’s former employer. The industry balked at the $6,150,000 price, but it made both millionaires.
In his 1985 will, Arnaz left a $250,000 trust fund for his mother, who survived him.
In 1953, Desilu was valued at $10 million, with gross business of $6 million and net profit of $600,000 before taxes, plus $500,000 from I Love Lucy merchandise.
Arnaz was an avid golfer, fisherman, and poker player, all of which he was seen doing on I Love Lucy.
His ashes were scattered at sea.
He authored the candid autobiography A Book, detailing his alcoholism and infidelities. A sequel was planned called Another Book.
Arnaz was awarded 2 Stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame: for Motion Pictures at 6325 Hollywood Boulevard and for Television at 6254 Hollywood Boulevard.
In December 1958, to raise revenue, Desilu went public on the NYSE at $10 per share. Arnaz and Ball each retained 25% of stock. After paying gambling debts and expenses, he realized $70,000 to $80,000.
He was father of daughter Lucie Arnaz and son Desi Arnaz Jr., with Lucille Ball.
Arnaz once worked as a bird-cage cleaner.
He died three months before his 70th birthday on March 2, 1987.
Ironically, the radio show on which I Love Lucy was based, My Favorite Husband, was itself based on a book entitled Mr. and Mrs. Cugat. Arnaz had worked for Xavier Cugat.
A Republican, Arnaz supported the elections of Dwight D. Eisenhower, Richard Nixon, and Ronald Reagan.
His distinctive laugh was perfectly imitated by Eddie Murphy many times during his stand-up comedy routine.
In the early seventies, Arnaz taught film and production at San Diego State University.
On March 2, 2019, he was honored with a Google Doodle on what would have been his 102nd birthday.
Arnaz had a younger paternal half-sister, Connie, from his father’s second marriage.
His mother Dolores de Acha died on October 24, 1988 at age 92.
He graduated from St. Patrick Catholic High School in Miami Beach, Florida.
Arnaz died three days after Cary Grant, who died on November 29, 1986.
After high school, Arnaz joined the band the Siboney Septet. The group’s success led him to start his own Desi Arnaz Orchestra.
He is portrayed by Maurice Benard in Lucy & Desi: Before the Laughter 1991.
Biography in: The Scribner Encyclopedia of American Lives, Volume Two, 1986-1990, pages 32-34; and in ‘Who’s Who in Comedy’ by Ronald L. Smith, pages 25-26.
He was brother-in-law of Fred Ball.
Arnaz was linked to Ginger Rogers, Cesar Romero, and Lana Turner.

You wanted to know.

FAQ · 35

Quick answers to the questions readers ask most about Desi Arnaz.

When was Desi Arnaz born?

Desi Arnaz was born on March 2, 1917 in Santiago, Cuba. His full birth name was Desiderio Alberto Arnaz y de Acha III.
Where was Desi Arnaz born?

He was born in Santiago, Cuba. His father served as mayor of the city before the 1933 revolution forced the family to flee.
When did Desi Arnaz die?

Desi Arnaz died on December 2, 1986 at age 69. He passed away in Del Mar, California from lung cancer.
How old was Desi Arnaz when he died?

He was 69 years old at the time of his death. He died three months before his 70th birthday.
Where did Desi Arnaz die?

He died in Del Mar, California, USA. His ashes were later scattered at sea.
How did Desi Arnaz die?

Desi Arnaz died of lung cancer. He was diagnosed in 1986 and died on December 2 of that year.
What was Desi Arnaz's real name?

His birth name was Desiderio Alberto Arnaz y de Acha III. He shortened it to Desi Arnaz professionally.
What did Desi Arnaz do for a living?

He worked as a producer, actor, and production manager. He is best known for co-founding Desilu Productions and starring in I Love Lucy.
What nationality was Desi Arnaz?

Desi Arnaz was a United States citizen. He was born in Cuba but fled to America with his family after the 1933 revolution.
What language did Desi Arnaz speak?

His native language was Spanish. He spoke English fluently and used both languages in his career.
Who were Desi Arnaz's parents?

His father was Desiderio Alberto Arnaz II, the mayor of Santiago. His mother was Dolores de Acha. He also had a younger paternal half-sister named Connie.
Who was Desi Arnaz married to?

He was married twice: first to Lucille Ball from November 30, 1940 to May 16, 1961, and then to Edith Eyre Skimming Mack Hirsch from March 2, 1963 to March 23, 1985.
Did Desi Arnaz have children?

Yes, he had two children with Lucille Ball: daughter Lucie Arnaz and son Desi Arnaz Jr..
Where did Desi Arnaz go to school?

He attended Saint Leo University and Miami High School. He also graduated from St. Patrick Catholic High School in Miami Beach.
What awards did Desi Arnaz win?

He received the American Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame actually two stars, one for motion pictures and one for television.
What is Desi Arnaz best known for?

He is best known for playing Ricky Ricardo on I Love Lucy and co-founding Desilu Productions with Lucille Ball. He also revolutionized sitcom production.
How tall was Desi Arnaz?

Desi Arnaz stood 5 feet 10 inches 1.77 m tall.
What alias did Desi Arnaz use?

He sometimes used the alias Desiderio Arnaz, a shortened version of his full birth name.
When did Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball meet?

They met on the set of the film Too Many Girls in 1940 and married later that year.
What innovations did Desi Arnaz bring to television?

He pioneered the use of multiple cameras, live studio audiences, warm-up acts, and the rerun of episodes in sitcoms, starting with I Love Lucy.
What was Desilu Productions?

Desilu Productions was a production company founded by Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball in 1950 with $5,000. It produced I Love Lucy and later purchased RKO Studios.
How did Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball hide their age difference?

Ball was six years older than Arnaz. They both claimed to be born in 1914, splitting the difference.
Did Desi Arnaz serve in the military?

Yes, he served in the Army during World War II and received the American Campaign Medal and World War II Victory Medal.
What was the conga craze?

Desi Arnaz launched the conga craze in America by forming his own Latin band and popularizing the dance in the 1940s.
How much did Desilu purchase RKO Studios for?

Desilu purchased the former RKO Studios for $6,125,000 in 1957, making Arnaz and Ball millionaires.
What was Desi Arnaz's autobiography called?

He wrote a candid autobiography titled A Book, detailing his alcoholism and infidelities. He planned a sequel called Another Book.
Who imitated Desi Arnaz's laugh?

Comedian Eddie Murphy frequently imitated Arnaz’s distinctive laugh during his stand-up routines.
Was Desi Arnaz involved in any Mafia threats?

According to mob informant Jimmy Fratianno, the Chicago Mafia put a contract on Arnaz’s life due to The Untouchables, but the hit never occurred.
When was the Google Doodle for Desi Arnaz?

Google honored him with a Doodle on March 2, 2019, what would have been his 102nd birthday.
How many stars does Desi Arnaz have on the Hollywood Walk of Fame?

He has two stars: one for motion pictures at 6325 Hollywood Boulevard and one for television at 6254 Hollywood Boulevard.
Did Desi Arnaz teach at a university?

In the early 1970s, he taught film and production at San Diego State University.
What was Desi Arnaz's first job in America?

One of his first jobs was cleaning canary cages. He also worked as a bird-cage cleaner.
Who portrayed Desi Arnaz in a film?

He was portrayed by his son Desi Arnaz Jr. in the 1992 film The Mambo Kings. Maurice Benard also played him in Lucy & Desi: Before the Laughter 1991.
What political affiliation did Desi Arnaz have?

He was a Republican and supported Dwight D. Eisenhower, Richard Nixon, and Ronald Reagan.
What was Desi Arnaz's relationship with Al Capone's son?

He grew up as best friends with Albert Francis Sonny Capone, Al Capone’s son.

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Audited & updated by

Emma has 8 years of editorial experience and a very clear idea of what a good biography looks like. At Famousy, she runs the editorial operation and decides what meets the bar and what doesn't. She's the kind of editor who remembers the profiles she pushed back on more clearly than the ones she approved. That's not a complaint. That's exactly why the site reads the way it does.

Published on June 5, 2026

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