Desi Arnaz Biography: Net Worth, Career, Movies, Awards, Age, Siblings, Parents, Wife, Children, Pictures, Wikipedia

Desi Arnaz was a talented and versatile entertainer, known for his role as Ricky Ricardo in the beloved TV show I Love Lucy.

He was not only an actor but also a musician, producer, and bandleader, showcasing his wide range of talents.

His partnership with his wife Lucille Ball was iconic, and their chemistry on screen captivated audiences for years.

Despite passing away in 1986, Desi Arnaz‘s legacy continues to live on in the world of entertainment.

Profile

• Full Name: Desi Arnaz
• Stage Name: Desi Arnaz
• Born: 2 March 1917
• Died: 2 December 1986 (age 69 years)
• Birthplace: Santiago de Cuba, Cuba
• Nationality: Cuba
• Occupation: Actor
• Height: 1.77m
• Parents: Desiderio Alberto Arnaz II and Dolores de Acha
• Siblings: Connie Arnaz
• Spouses: 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 was a Cuban-born American actor, musician, and television producer. He was born on 2 March 1917 in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba.

Raised by his parents, Desiderio Alberto Arnaz II, a politician, and Dolores de Acha, a pianist, Arnaz grew up with his sister, Connie Arnaz. He attended high school and later moved to the United States to pursue a career in entertainment.

Career

Desi Arnaz was a trailblazing musician, known for his exceptional conga drumming skills and his leadership of the popular Desi Arnaz Orchestra.

His contributions to the world of Latin music were significant, as he played a major role in bringing this genre to the forefront of American culture and popularizing it for a wider audience.

Arnaz‘s talents and passion for music continue to be celebrated and remembered, making him a beloved figure in the history of music.

Desi Arnaz also had a significant impact behind the scenes as a pioneer in television production. He and his wife Lucille Ball formed 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 continue to be celebrated and remembered in the entertainment industry today.

Desi Arnaz was a visionary in the television industry. Along with Lucille Ball, he co-founded Desilu Productions, a groundbreaking production company that produced I Love Lucy and many other successful shows.

They also pioneered the concept of sitcom reruns, a practice that continues today and has helped to shape the television industry into what it is today.

Arnaz‘s innovative ideas and business strategies left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry and continue to influence the way television shows are produced and distributed.

Desi Arnaz was 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 didn’t stop there and also transitioned to acting in Hollywood films, showcasing his versatility and talent.

In the 1950s, Arnaz gained even more fame through his iconic role as Ricky Ricardo on the revolutionary sitcom I Love Lucy, where he starred alongside his real-life wife, Lucille Ball.

He also co-founded Desilu Productions, which became a major force in the television industry and produced many popular shows.

Desi Arnaz continued to make an impact in the entertainment industry long after I Love Lucy ended in the 1960s.

He went on to produce television shows with his company Desilu, and later as an independent producer. He remained dedicated to the industry and was a pioneer in shaping the television landscape for decades to come.

Awards and Nominations

Emmy Awards:

• Winner, Best Situation Comedy (1953, 1954) for I Love Lucy (shared with Jess Oppenheimer)
• Nominee, Best Comedy Show (1952) for I Love Lucy (shared with Jess Oppenheimer)
• Nominee, Best Situation Comedy Series (1955) for I Love Lucy (shared with Jess Oppenheimer)

Golden Globe Award:

• Winner, Best Television Achievement (1956)

Hollywood Walk of Fame:

• Inducted in 1960 for both Television and Motion Pictures

Social Media

Desi Arnaz does not have social media accounts.

Personal Life

Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball had a tumultuous relationship, despite their passionate love for each other.

They met in 1940 and were quickly married, but their marriage was plagued by Arnaz‘s alleged infidelity and his struggles with alcohol. This led to frequent arguments and even a brief divorce filing in 1944.

Despite their challenges, they ultimately reconciled and went on to have a successful career together as a comedic duo on the hit TV show I Love Lucy.

Despite his success and fame in show business, Desi Arnaz‘s personal life was marked by tragedy. He and his first wife, Lucille Ball, had two children together, Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz Jr., but their marriage ended in divorce in 1960.

In 1963, Arnaz married Edith Mack Hirsch, but their marriage was cut short when she passed away in 1985. This loss deeply affected Arnaz, causing him to largely retreat from show business and focus on his family.

Filmography

Early Films (1940s):

• Too Many Girls (1940)
• Father Takes a Wife (1941)
• Four Jacks and a Jill (1942)
• The Navy Comes Through (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)
• Jitterumba (1947) – Short film
• Holiday in Havana (1949) – Musical comedy film with Arnaz showcasing his musical talents.

I Love Lucy (1951-1957):

This iconic television sitcom is where Desi Arnaz gained superstardom alongside his then-wife Lucille Ball. He played Ricky Ricardo, Lucy’s husband, in all 181 episodes.

Other Television Appearances:

• What’s My Line? (1952, 1955) – Game show
• I Love Lucy: The Movie (1953) – Television movie compilation of I Love Lucy episodes
• The Long, Long Trailer (1954) – Film co-starring Lucille Ball
• Lucy’s Really Lost Moments (1956) – Television special
• I Love Lucy Christmas Show (1956) – Television special
• Forever, Darling (1956) – Film also starring Lucille Ball
• The Lucy–Desi Comedy Hour (1957-1960) – Television spin-off of I Love Lucy

Net Worth

Desi Arnaz was a highly successful Cuban-American musician, actor, and television producer.

Throughout his long and fruitful career, he was able to accumulate a net worth of $20 million. He achieved this primarily through his various professional endeavors, including his work in music, film, and television.