Desi Arnaz was a Cuban-American entertainer best known for his role as Ricky Ricardo on the iconic sitcom "I Love Lucy." Alongside his wife, Lucille Ball, he revolutionized television with the concept of syndicated reruns, cementing "I Love Lucy" as a television classic. Beyond acting, Arnaz was a skilled musician, producer, and bandleader.
March 2, 1917: Birth of Desi Arnaz
Desi Arnaz, Cuban-American actor, musician, and producer, best known for his role as Ricky Ricardo on "I Love Lucy," was born on March 2, 1917.
1933: Cuban Revolution Forces Arnaz Family to Flee
The Cuban Revolution of 1933 brought turmoil to the Arnaz family, leading to the loss of their possessions and their escape from Cuba. Desi Arnaz narrowly escaped an attack and his father was imprisoned, highlighting the upheaval and danger of the revolution.
1934: Desi Arnaz Works Odd Jobs and Attends Saint Leo Prep
In 1934, Desi Arnaz worked various jobs to support himself, including positions at Woolworth's and cleaning canary cages, reflecting his family's financial struggles after fleeing Cuba. He also attended Saint Leo Prep to improve his English, demonstrating his determination to adapt and build a new life.
1939: Desi Arnaz Cast in Broadway Musical "Too Many Girls"
Desi Arnaz's career got a significant boost in 1939 when he was cast in the Rodgers and Hart Broadway musical "Too Many Girls." This marked a turning point in his career, propelling him toward Hollywood and future success.
November 30, 1940: Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball Elope
Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball eloped on November 30, 1940, marking the beginning of their personal and professional partnership. Their relationship would become a cornerstone of television history.
April 27, 1943: Desi Arnaz Receives Draft Notice
Desi Arnaz's life took a turn on April 27, 1943, when he received his draft notice, signaling his impending service in World War II.
May 23, 1943: Desi Arnaz Enlists in the US Army
Desi Arnaz officially enlisted in the US Army on May 23, 1943, beginning his military service during World War II.
1943: Desi Arnaz Receives Critical Acclaim for Role in "Bataan"
Desi Arnaz garnered positive reviews for his performance as Felix Ramirez in the 1943 war film "Bataan." His portrayal of a soldier was recognized for its authenticity and contributed to his growing reputation in Hollywood.
September 1944: Ball Files for Divorce from Arnaz
In September 1944, Lucille Ball filed for divorce from Desi Arnaz, citing his infidelity and alcohol use.
October 1944: Divorce Decree Declared Null and Void
Despite filing for divorce, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz spent time together, which, according to California law at the time, nullified the divorce decree in October 1944.
September 30, 1945: Desi Arnaz Discharged from the Army
After serving in the US Army during World War II, Desi Arnaz was honorably discharged on September 30, 1945, marking his return to civilian life and the resumption of his entertainment career.
December 1, 1945: Desi Arnaz Forms New Orchestra
Desi Arnaz formed a new orchestra on December 1, 1945, which achieved both live performance and recording success. This marked a return to his musical roots and further solidified his standing in the entertainment industry.
1946: Desi Arnaz Leads Band on Bob Hope's Radio Show
In 1946, Desi Arnaz's orchestra was featured on Bob Hope's popular radio show, "The Pepsodent Show," providing valuable national exposure and further boosting his career.
1950: Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball Found Desilu Productions
Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball established Desilu Productions in 1950, a pioneering television production company. Through Desilu, they revolutionized sitcom production with innovations like the multiple-camera setup and the concept of syndication, shaping the future of television.
1950: Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball Develop Vaudeville Act
Facing initial resistance to their on-screen pairing, Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball developed a vaudeville act in 1950, proving their chemistry and winning over audiences. This strategic move helped pave the way for the success of "I Love Lucy."
January 1951: Desi Arnaz Hosts CBS Radio Game Show "Your Tropical Trip"
Desi Arnaz hosted the CBS Radio game show "Your Tropical Trip" starting in January 1951. This opportunity showcased his versatility as an entertainer and helped solidify his and Lucille Ball's relationship with CBS.
October 15, 1951: Premiere of "I Love Lucy"
The groundbreaking sitcom "I Love Lucy," starring Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball, premiered on October 15, 1951. This marked a pivotal moment in television history, forever changing the landscape of sitcoms and establishing Arnaz and Ball as television icons.
1951: Lucie Arnaz is Born
Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz welcomed their daughter, Lucie Arnaz, in 1951.
1953: Desi Arnaz Jr. is Born
Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz's second child, Desi Arnaz Jr., was born in 1953.
1956: Golden Globe Win for Television Achievement
In 1956, Desi Arnaz received a Golden Globe Award for Best Television Achievement. The award recognized his significant contributions to shaping American comedy through his work both in front of and behind the camera on the iconic sitcom "I Love Lucy."
1956: Desi Arnaz Produces and Stars in "Forever, Darling"
In 1956, Desi Arnaz showcased his production skills and starred alongside Lucille Ball in the feature film "Forever, Darling." This demonstrated his multifaceted talents and his continued influence in the entertainment industry.
1959: Arnaz Arrested for Intoxication
Desi Arnaz was arrested in 1959 on charges of public intoxication while walking on Hollywood Blvd.
March 2, 1960: Ball and Arnaz Divorce
After years of struggling with Desi Arnaz's infidelity, gambling, and alcohol abuse, Lucille Ball divorced him on March 2, 1960, which was also his birthday. Following the divorce, Ball bought out Arnaz's share of Desilu Productions.
1960: Ball and Arnaz Maintain Friendship After Divorce
Despite divorcing in 1960 and both remarrying, Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball remained friends. In later years, their bond grew stronger.
1962: Arnaz Sells Desilu Share, Forms New Company
In 1962, Desi Arnaz sold his share of Desilu Productions to Lucille Ball after their divorce. He then formed his own company, Desi Arnaz Productions.
March 2, 1963: Arnaz Marries Edith Mack Hirsch
On March 2, 1963, his 46th birthday, Desi Arnaz married Edith Mack Hirsch. After the wedding, he significantly decreased his involvement in show business.
1966: Arnaz Arrested for Assault
In 1966, Desi Arnaz faced an arrest and charges of assault with a deadly weapon. This incident stemmed from an altercation with young people parking near his residence, who were allegedly disturbing his daughter Lucie and her friend.
1967: "The Mothers-In-Law" Premieres
Desi Arnaz's new sitcom, "The Mothers-In-Law," premiered in 1967. The show was produced by his company and aired on NBC.
1969: "The Mothers-In-Law" Ends
After two seasons, Desi Arnaz's sitcom "The Mothers-In-Law" concluded in 1969.
1971: Arnaz Faces Health Challenges, Works on New Projects
In 1971, Desi Arnaz experienced a serious case of diverticulitis, requiring surgery and a multi-year recovery. During this time, he worked with Universal Studios, developing two shows: "Dr. Domingo" and "Chairman of the Board."
1972: Arnaz Supports Nixon, Works as Roving Ambassador
As a staunch Republican, Desi Arnaz actively supported Richard Nixon. In 1972, he was part of the Spanish-Speaking Committee for the Re-Election of the President. Nixon later appointed Arnaz as the U.S. roving ambassador to Latin America.
May 31, 1973: Death of Desi Arnaz's Father
On May 31, 1973, Desi Arnaz's father, Desiderio Alberto Arnaz y de Alberni II, passed away.
February 21, 1976: Arnaz Guests on "Saturday Night Live"
On February 21, 1976, Desi Arnaz guest-hosted "Saturday Night Live" to promote his autobiography. His son, Desi Jr., also appeared. The show included parodies of "I Love Lucy" and "The Untouchables."
1976: Ball and Arnaz Reunite for "CBS Salutes Lucy"
In 1976, Lucille Ball was honored with a two-hour special, "CBS Salutes Lucy: The First 25 Years." This marked the first time Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball appeared together on screen since their divorce 16 years earlier.
1978: Arnaz Guest Stars on "Alice"
Desi Arnaz made a guest appearance on the TV series "Alice," starring Linda Lavin, in 1978. The show was produced by "I Love Lucy" co-creators Madelyn Pugh and Bob Carroll, Jr.
1980: Arnaz Supports Reagan, Advocates for Hispanic Community
Continuing his political involvement, Desi Arnaz supported Ronald Reagan, speaking at campaign events, including one organized by the National Republican Hispanic Assembly in 1980. He also encouraged the Hispanic community to participate in the 1980 census, aiming to secure more federal funding for these communities.
March 1982: Arnaz Performs at Carnival Miami
In March 1982, Desi Arnaz was the guest of honor at Carnival Miami. He delivered a performance with his children, Lucie and Desi Jr., for an audience of 35,000.
1982: Arnaz's Final Acting Role
Desi Arnaz took on his last acting role as Mayor Leon Quiñones in the 1982 film "The Escape Artist."
March 23, 1985: Edith Mack Hirsch Passes Away
After 22 years of marriage, Desi Arnaz's second wife, Edith Mack Hirsch, passed away from cancer on March 23, 1985.
1985: Arnaz Seeks Treatment for Alcohol Addiction
Following the death of his second wife, Edith, in 1985, Desi Arnaz's children encouraged him to address his long-standing battle with alcohol addiction, which had significantly affected his health. His daughter, Lucie, shared her pride in him for acknowledging his alcoholism.
November 30, 1986: Final Phone Call and Wedding Anniversary
On November 30, 1986, Desi Arnaz, in declining health, received a heartfelt phone call from his former wife, Lucille Ball. During the call, which coincided with their 46th wedding anniversary, Ball expressed her love and wished him well. This poignant conversation marked one of Arnaz's last interactions before his passing.
December 2, 1986: Death of Desi Arnaz
Desi Arnaz passed away on December 2, 1986. He is remembered for his significant contributions to television, including his pioneering work in syndication and the development of the multiple-camera sitcom format.
1986: Arnaz Diagnosed with Lung Cancer
In 1986, Desi Arnaz received a diagnosis of lung cancer and started treatment. During this period, Lucille Ball visited him in the hospital, and together they watched recordings of "I Love Lucy." His daughter, Lucie, stayed by his side throughout his final days.
1986: Arnaz Pens Posthumous Message for Ball
When Lucille Ball was honored at the Kennedy Center Honors in 1986, Desi Arnaz wrote a heartfelt message for her. Due to Arnaz's passing, Robert Stack read the message, which concluded with, "P.S. I Love Lucy was never just a title."
October 24, 1988: Death of Desi Arnaz's Mother
Dolores "Lolita" de Acha y de Socias, mother of Desi Arnaz, passed away on October 24, 1988.
1989: Literary Inspiration for "The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love"
Desi Arnaz became a character in Oscar Hijuelos's 1989 novel, "The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love." This fictionalized portrayal introduced Arnaz to a new generation of readers and cemented his influence on literature.
1991: Portrayal by Maurice Benard in "Lucy & Desi: Before the Laughter"
In 1991, actor Maurice Benard portrayed Desi Arnaz in the television film "Lucy & Desi: Before the Laughter." The film explored the early relationship between Arnaz and Lucille Ball before they rose to fame.
1992: Posthumous Portrayal in "The Mambo Kings" Film
In the 1992 film adaptation of "The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love," Desi Arnaz was portrayed by his son, Desi Arnaz Jr. This casting choice added a personal touch to the film and allowed Arnaz's legacy to be represented by his own family.
2003: Portrayal by Danny Pino in "Lucy"
Actor Danny Pino took on the role of Desi Arnaz in the 2003 television film "Lucy." The film focused on Lucille Ball's life and career, with Arnaz playing a significant part in her story.
July 12, 2018: Premiere of "I Love Lucy: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom"
"I Love Lucy: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom," a comedic play about the creation of "I Love Lucy," premiered on July 12, 2018. Oscar Nuñez portrayed Desi Arnaz, showcasing the behind-the-scenes struggles and triumphs of bringing the iconic sitcom to life.
March 2, 2019: Google Doodle Commemoration
On March 2, 2019, Google honored Desi Arnaz's would-be 102nd birthday with a Google Doodle. This global recognition highlighted his enduring impact on entertainment and introduced him to a new generation.
August 2020: BBC Radio Broadcast of "Lucy Loves Desi: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom"
In August 2020, BBC Radio 4 broadcasted a serialized version of the play, titled "Lucy Loves Desi: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom." Wilmer Valderrama played Desi Arnaz, further cementing Arnaz's presence in British entertainment.
2021: Javier Bardem's Oscar-Nominated Portrayal in "Being the Ricardos"
Javier Bardem portrayed Desi Arnaz in the 2021 biographical film "Being the Ricardos," directed by Aaron Sorkin. His performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, bringing renewed attention to Arnaz's complex life and legacy.