Desi Arnaz

Desi Arnaz was an actor, musician and television producer best known for playing Ricky Ricardo on I Love Lucy and cofounding Desilu Productions. Arnaz came from a prominent family that lost its wealth during the Cuban Revolution. His family fled to Miami, where Arnaz attended St. Patrick Catholic High School. He briefly studied at Saint Leo College Prep before pursuing music full time.

Arnaz began his career as a musician, performing with Xavier Cugat’s band before starting his own group, the Desi Arnaz Orchestra. He first gained attention for popularizing the conga line in the United States. After starring in the Broadway production, he was cast in the 1940 film Too Many Girls, where he met future wife Lucille Ball. After several roles on the big screen, Arnaz transitioned to television and became a household name in 1951 on I Love Lucy, which he also produced.

Arnaz revolutionized television production by cocreating Desilu Productions, which pioneered techniques like multi-camera filming and live audience taping. Desilu went on to produce hit series including The Untouchables and Star Trek. Arnaz also appeared in The Lucy–Desi Comedy Hour, Four Jacks and a Jill (1942) and the film Holiday in Havana. He received two Emmy nominations during his career.

Arnaz tied the knot with Ball in 1940. They welcomed children Lucie Arnaz (born in 1951) and Desi Arnaz Jr. (born in 1953) before divorcing in 1960. Arnaz later married Edith Mack Hirsch in 1963 and remained with her until her death in 1985.

He died on December 2, 1986, at age 69.