Desi Arnaz
Desi Arnaz (Desiderio Alberto Arnaz y de Acha III) was born on March 2nd, 1917. Desi passed away December 2nd, 1986 at 69 years old. Desi Arnaz was born in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba.
Desi Arnaz was a Cuban-American actor, producer, bandleader, and musician, best known for his role as Ricky Ricardo in the iconic sitcom
I Love Lucy, where he co-starred with his wife, Lucille Ball. Together, Arnaz and Ball co-founded Desilu Productions, a television production company, which was instrumental in marketing
I Love Lucy to various television networks. Arnaz went on to produce several other successful television series, including
The Untouchables and
The Ann Sothern Show, continuing his work independently after initially producing under Desilu.
In addition to his television career, Arnaz was a talented musician who led the Desi Arnaz Orchestra. He became well-known for playing the conga drums and popularized the conga line in the U.S. During World War II, Arnaz served for over two years in the Army's 9th Service Command and was awarded the Army Good Conduct Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, and the American Campaign Medal for his service.
Arnaz also revolutionized television production by developing the three-camera filming technique, which became a standard in the industry. His efforts in blending his passion for music and acting led him to success in both fields. In 1945, he formed a new orchestra that earned widespread popularity through live performances and recordings. To stay active in entertainment, he even hosted a game show on CBS Radio, which was a motivating factor for his and Ball's continued presence in radio.
In his memoir,
A Book, Arnaz shares the fascinating story of his life, including his portrayal of Ricky Ricardo and his deep love for Lucille Ball. The book begins with a recount of his childhood in Cuba and the drastic changes his family faced after fleeing to Miami during the Cuban Revolution. He details his journey from a life of wealth to working various jobs in Miami, eventually finding fame as an actor and bandleader.
Arnaz candidly reflects on his marriage to Lucille Ball, their time on
I Love Lucy, and the personal and professional challenges they faced. He also offers insights into his innovative contributions to television, such as the creation of the three-camera filming technique. His memoir is full of personal anecdotes about his life in Cuba and the U.S., his military service, and his time entertaining troops in hospitals. His storytelling is unfiltered, offering an authentic look at his experiences and the lessons he learned along the way.
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Desi Arnaz: F.A.Q
When was Desi Arnaz Born?
Desi Arnaz was born on March 2nd, 1917.
When did Desi Arnaz die?
Desi Arnaz died on December 2nd, 1986 at 69 years old.
Where was Desi Arnaz Born?
Desi Arnaz was born in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba.
What was the first book Desi Arnaz wrote?
The first book written by Desi Arnaz was A Book, published in 1976.
What was the most recent book Desi Arnaz wrote?
His most recently released work was A Book on January 1st, 1976.
How many books has Desi Arnaz written?
Desi Arnaz has written 1 book. All of his books are Non-Fiction Books.