Who was Desi Arnaz? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Also Known As: Desiderio Alberto Arnaz y de Acha III

Died At Age: 69

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Edith Mack Hirsch (m. 1963–1985), Lucille Ball (m. 1940–1960)

father: Desiderio Alberto Arnaz y de Alberni II

mother: Dolores de Acha

children: Desi Arnaz Jr., Lucie Arnaz

Born Country: Cuba

Actors T V & Movie Producers

Height: 5'10" (178 cm), 5'10" Males

Died on: December 2, 1986

place of death: Del Mar, California, United States

Ancestry: Cuban American

Diseases & Disabilities: Lung Cancer

Cause of Death: Lung Cancer

Founder/Co-Founder: Desi Arnaz Productions

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Childhood & Early Life

Desi Arnaz was born Desiderio Alberto Arnaz y de Acha III on March 2, 1917, in Santiago de Cuba, Republic of Cuba, to Desiderio Alberto Arnaz II, a Cuban politician, and Dolores de Acha.

He belonged to an affluent family that owned three ranches, a palatial home, and a vacation mansion situated on a private island in Santiago Bay, Cuba.

After the ‘Cuban Revolution’ in 1933, Alberto, his father, was imprisoned and his entire property was confiscated. When his father was released, the family escaped to Miami, Florida.

After reaching Florida, Desi took admission at ‘St. Patrick Catholic High School.’ In an attempt to improve his English, he attended ‘Saint Leo Prep,’ which is situated near Tampa, in 1934. At the same time, he also played guitar at the ‘Roney Plaza Hotel.’

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Career

When Xavier Cugat, a Spanish-American bandleader, discovered his musical potential, Desi received an offer to perform in Cugat’s orchestra. In December 1937, he formed his own band, the ‘Desi Arnaz Orchestra,’ in Miami Beach.

The band helped him gain popularity in the American music industry. Subsequently, he got an opportunity to audition for a Broadway musical titled ‘Too Many Girls’ in 1939. The following year, he went to Hollywood to act in the film adaptation of the musical.

Arnaz appeared in several movies, such as ‘Bataan’ in the 1940s.

In May 1943, he received his draft notice to serve in ‘World War II.’ As part of the army, he took the responsibility to direct ‘United Service Organization’ programs at a military hospital in San Fernando Valley.

After his discharge from the army, he organized a new orchestra that achieved immense success with live appearances and recordings. In 1946, he performed his single ‘Babalu’ which received critical acclaim.

In 1948, along with Lucille Ball, he started ‘Desilu Productions’ which organized their programs on stage, screen, and radio. In the next year, he played a crucial role in developing ‘I Love Lucy,’ a successful television series which the ‘CBS’ broadcast for six years.

In addition to ‘I Love Lucy,’ he executive produced ‘The Ann Sothern Show’ and ‘Those Whiting Girls.’ He also starred in other series like ‘The Untouchables,’ ‘Whirlybirds,’ and ‘Sheriff of Cochise / United States Marshal.’

He appeared as the bandleader in Bob Hope’s radio show. Later, he hosted a musical quiz show titled ‘Your Tropical Trip.’ His ‘Desilu Productions’ produced several shows like ‘The Andy Griffith Show,’ ‘The Dick Van Dyke Show,’ and ‘Star Trek.’

When Ball sold her share of the production house, Desi formed his own production company ‘Desi Arnaz Productions’ that produced the television sitcom ‘The Mothers-In-Law.’

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In the later part of 1970, he co-hosted shows alongside daytime host and producer Mike Douglas. He also made a guest appearance with his son Desi Jr. on ‘Saturday Night Live’ to promote his autobiography ‘A Book.’

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Major Works

He acted in ‘I Love Lucy,’ an American television situation comedy that was broadcast from October 15, 1951 to May 6, 1957 on ‘CBS.’ Its story depicts the life of Lucy Ricardo and her bandleader husband Ricky Ricardo. The show won five ‘Emmy Awards.’

Personal Life & Legacy

On November 30, 1940, he married actress Lucille Ball. Though they largely led an unhappy married life, they had two children, Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz Jr. Their children went on to become actors.

Ball divorced him in 1960, owing to his problems with alcohol and extra marital affairs. At that time, he was suffering from diverticulitis. On March 2, 1963, he married Edith Mack Hirsch.

Arnaz and his wife moved to Del Mar, California, where he spent the rest of his life in semi-retirement. He owned a horse-breeding farm in Corona, California, and raced thoroughbreds.

He also contributed to charitable and nonprofit organizations, including ‘San Diego State University.’

Desi Arnaz has two stars on ‘Hollywood Walk of Fame’ for his contribution towards motion pictures and television works.

He used to smoke four to five Cuban cigars a day. This habit of his made him suffer from lung cancer. His first wife Ball spent several hours with him before he went into a coma. He died on December 2, 1986, at the age of 69.

Trivia

While living in Cuba with his parents, this multi-talented personality ate cans of pork-and-beans to save money. At that time, he also used to clean bird cages to earn money.

In the film ‘The Mambo Kings’ (1992), he was portrayed by his real-life son, Desi Arnaz Jr.

In 1957, he opened the ‘Desi Arnaz West Hills Hotel,’ with 42 rooms and a restaurant featuring his own personal recipes.

He was an avid golfer, fisherman, and poker player. Interestingly, he was seen fishing, golfing, and playing poker in ‘I Love Lucy’ (1951).

1954	Best Situation Comedy	I Love Lucy (1951)
1953	Best Situation Comedy	I Love Lucy (1951)

Desi Arnaz Biography