Arnaz, Desi (1917-1986), was a Cuban-born actor, musician, and bandleader. He was the husband of actress Lucille Ball and co-starred with her in one of the most popular series in television history, “I Love Lucy” (1951-1957). In the series, Arnaz played Ricky Ricardo, the husband of the zany Lucy. Arnaz was the first Hispanic American to co-star on a network TV series.
Arnaz was born in Santiago, Cuba, on March 2, 1917. His real name was Desiderio Alberto Arnaz y de Acha. He moved to the United States at the age of 16 and joined a Cuban music combo. He eventually formed his own band, singing in an exuberant style and playing the bongo drums. Arnaz made his motion-picture debut in Too Many Girls (1940), co-starring Lucille Ball. They married in 1940. Arnaz appeared in several other movie musicals during the 1940’s and co-starred with Ball in two film comedies, The Long Long Trailer (1954) and Forever Darling (1956).
In 1950, Arnaz and Ball formed Desilu Productions, which produced “I Love Lucy” and many other TV shows. They were divorced in 1960. Ball bought out Arnaz’s share of Desilu Productions, and he became an independent television producer. Arnaz and Ball had two children, Lucie and Desi, Jr. Both developed successful careers in movies and television. Arnaz wrote an autobiography, A Book (1976). He died on Dec. 2, 1986.
