Desi Arnaz Picture
STARmeter
SEE RANK
Down 156 this week

Desi Arnaz (1917–1986)

Producer | Actor | Production Manager

Desiderio Alberto Arnaz ye de Acha the Third was born in Santiago, Cuba on March 2, 1917. His father was the mayor of Santiago. The 1933 revolution led by Fulgencio Batista had landed his father in jail and stripped the family of its wealth, property and power. His father was released because of the intercession of U.S... See full bio »

Born:

Desiderio Alberto Arnaz y De Acha III
in Santiago, Cuba

Died:

(age 69) in Del Mar, California, USA
Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz C. 1952 Lucille Ball & Desi Arnaz Lucille Ball & Desi Arnaz At home in Chatsworth, CA. Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz and Elizabeth Taylor on the set of Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball in Pioneers of Television Lucille Ball with Desi Arnaz on the Desilu set, c. 1957.
25 photos | 102 videos | 110 news articles »

Quick Links:

Related News

You'll Never Guess Who This Beauty Is
4 April 2013 5:22 AM, PDT | Huffington Post
TV Guide Magazine's 60th Anniversary: How Desi Arnaz Jr. Became Our First Cover Star
3 April 2013 4:00 AM, PDT | TVGuide - Breaking News
TV’s All-Time Top 10 Secondary Couples
12 February 2013 9:33 PM, PST | Scott Feinberg
See all 110 related articles »
Create a list  »

Related Lists

image of name
funniest people ever
a list of 200 people by smith-d-c created 29 Sep 2010
 
image of name
List Of Famous Hispanic/Latinos
a list of 193 people by MFHewes created 30 Jan 2011
 
image of name
Great comics that i've forgot first time
a list of 29 people by Kekkisguitars created 02 Oct 2011
 
image of name
Hollywood Conservatives/Libertarians
a list of 109 people by pghopper created 10 months ago
 
image of name
Actors that have worked with Vincente Minnelli
a list of 160 people by jimmy_hamill-997-495389 created 3 months ago
 
See all related lists »

Do you have a demo reel?

Add it to your IMDbPage

My Demo Reel -- Includes clips from GLORY DAZE, COMMUNITY and horror film URBAN EXPLORER.

My Demo Reel

Francine Locke Film Reel -- Family Law (Best Actress, Gideon), Stealing Home (Best Supporting Actress-nom.) 168 Project, True Tale Monster (Albert P. Weisman Award), The Discarded (2011 Feature Release).

Francine Locke Film Reel

Melanie Molnar - Reel -- No description provided.

Melanie Molnar - Reel

David H. Lawrence, XVII - Drama -- On-camera drama reel featuring David H. Lawrence XVII, in scenes from Heroes, The Unit, LOST, and more

David H. Lawrence, XVII - Drama

Franklin Ojeda Smith - -- "...back in the day the 'barb wire' was more visible" and early on I chose baseball over acting; then academia and not baseball. Now,"...the kids are grown, the dog is dead and now that I may, I choose acting." Please take a look: 1)Boardwalk Empire - Deacon Cuffy 2)Murder Incorporated - Sam Christenson 3)Cayman Went - Aniston Turnkey 4)Letting Go -Therapist 5)Footsteps in the Sand - Jim. Thank You! Franklin

Franklin Ojeda Smith -


Find out more at IMDbPro »

Connect with IMDb

Take The Quiz!

Test your knowledge of Desi Arnaz.
Won Golden Globe. Another 2 wins See more awards »

Known For


Show Show all  | 
Show by:
Edit

Filmography

Hide HideProducer (16 titles)
1967-1969 The Mothers-In-Law (TV series) (executive producer - 56 episodes)
– The Not-So-Grand Opera (1969) (executive producer)
– The Charge of the Wife Brigade (1969) (executive producer)
– Show Business Is No Business (1969) (executive producer)
– Take Her, He's Mine (1969) (executive producer)
– Two on the Aisle (1969) (executive producer)
See all 56 episodes »
 
1968 Land's End (TV movie) (producer)
 
1966 The Carol Channing Show (TV movie) (producer)
 
1961-1962 The Untouchables (TV series) (executive producer - 3 episodes)
– The Eddie O'Gara Story (1962) (executive producer - uncredited)
– Arsenal (1962) (executive producer - uncredited)
– Stranglehold (1961) (executive producer - uncredited)
 
1962 The Lucy Show (TV series) (executive producer - 3 episodes)
– Lucy Misplaces $2,000 (1962) (executive producer)
– Lucy Digs Up a Date (1962) (executive producer)
– Lucy Waits Up for Chris (1962) (executive producer)
 
1958-1961 The Ann Sothern Show (TV series) (executive producer - 77 episodes)
– Vamp 'Til Ready (1961) (executive producer)
– Pandora (1961) (executive producer)
– Two's Company (1961) (executive producer)
– Always April (1961) (executive producer)
– The Royal Visit (1961) (executive producer)
See all 77 episodes »
 
1960 New Comedy Showcase (TV series) (executive producer)
 
1957-1960 The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour (TV series) (executive producer - 13 episodes)
– Lucy Meets the Mustache (1960) (executive producer)
– The Ricardos Go to Japan (1959) (executive producer)
– Milton Berle Hides at the Ricardos (1959) (executive producer)
– Lucy's Summer Vacation (1959) (executive producer)
– Lucy Wants a Career (1959) (executive producer)
See all 13 episodes »
 
1958 The Texan (TV series) (executive producer)
 
1958 The Fountain of Youth (TV short) (executive producer)
 
I Love Lucy (TV series) (executive producer - 131 episodes, 1952-1956) (producer - 26 episodes, 1956-1957) (co-producer - 1 episode, 1956)
– The Ricardos Dedicate a Statue (1957) (producer)
– Lucy Raises Tulips (1957) (producer)
– Country Club Dance (1957) (producer)
– Building a Bar-B-Q (1957) (producer)
– Housewarming (1957) (producer)
See all 158 episodes »
 
1956 I Love Lucy Christmas Show (TV movie) (producer)
 
1956 Forever, Darling (producer)
 
1955 Those Whiting Girls (TV series) (executive producer)
 
1954-1955 Willy (TV series) (executive producer - 39 episodes)
– Willy and Hurricane Harvey (1955) (executive producer)
– Willy and Eccentric Henrietta (1955) (executive producer)
– Willy and El Flamenco (1955) (executive producer)
– Franklin's Shoe Business (1955) (executive producer)
– Willy's Painting (1955) (executive producer)
See all 39 episodes »
 
1953 I Love Lucy (executive producer)
 
Show ShowActor (23 titles)
1982 The Escape Artist
Mayor Leon Quiñones (as Desiderio Arnaz)
 
1978 Alice (TV series)
Paco
– The Cuban Connection (1978) … Paco
 
1974 Ironside (TV series)
Dr. Juan Domingo
– Riddle at 24,000 (1974) … Dr. Juan Domingo
 
1970 The Virginian (TV series)
El Jefe
– The Best Man (1970) … El Jefe
 
1967-1968 The Mothers-In-Law (TV series)
Raphael del Gado
– The Matador Makes a Movie (1968) … Raphael del Gado
– The Hombre Who Came to Dinner: Part 2 (1968) … Raphael del Gado
– The Hombre Who Came to Dinner: Part 1 (1968) … Raphael del Gado
– A Night to Forget (1967) … Raphael del Gado
 
1968 Land's End (TV movie)
Guest Wanting to Cash Check (uncredited)
 
1961 The Red Skelton Hour (TV series)
Guest / Introduction
– Pantomime Concert (1961) … Guest/Introduction
 
1957-1960 The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour (TV series)
Ricky Ricardo
– Lucy Meets the Mustache (1960) … Ricky Ricardo
– The Ricardos Go to Japan (1959) … Ricky Ricardo
– Milton Berle Hides at the Ricardos (1959) … Ricky Ricardo
– Lucy's Summer Vacation (1959) … Ricky Ricardo
– Lucy Wants a Career (1959) … Ricky Ricardo
See all 13 episodes »
 
1959-1960 Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse (TV series)
Ricky Ricardo / Chris Hunter / Luis Martinez
– Thunder in the Night (1960) … Chris Hunter
– So Tender, So Profane (1959) … Luis Martinez
– Lucy Goes to Alaska (1959) … Ricky Ricardo
– Lucy Wants a Career (1959) … Ricky Ricardo
 
1959 Sunday Showcase (TV series)
Ricky Ricardo
– The Milton Berle Special (1959) … Ricky Ricardo
 
1959 Make Room for Daddy (TV series)
Ricky Ricardo
– Lucy Upsets the Williams Household (1959) … Ricky Ricardo
 
1951-1957 I Love Lucy (TV series)
Ricky Ricardo
– The Ricardos Dedicate a Statue (1957) … Ricky Ricardo
– Lucy Raises Tulips (1957) … Ricky Ricardo
– Country Club Dance (1957) … Ricky Ricardo
– Building a Bar-B-Q (1957) … Ricky Ricardo
– Housewarming (1957) … Ricky Ricardo
See all 181 episodes »
 
1956 I Love Lucy Christmas Show (TV movie)
Ricky Ricardo
 
1956 Forever, Darling
Lorenzo Xavier Vega
 
1953 The Long, Long Trailer
Nicholas 'Nicky' Collini
 
1953 I Love Lucy
Ricky Ricardo / Himself
 
1949 Holiday in Havana
Carlos Estrada
 
1947 Jitterumba (short)
Band Leader
 
1943 Bataan
Felix Ramirez
 
1942 The Navy Comes Through
Pat Tarriba
 
1942 Four Jacks and a Jill
Steve Sarto/King Stephan VIII of Aregal
 
1941 Father Takes a Wife
Carlos Bardez
 
1940 Too Many Girls
Manuelito
 
Show ShowProduction Manager (3 titles)
1958-1960 Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse (TV series) (in charge of production - 54 episodes)
– Murder Is a Private Affair (1960) (in charge of production)
– City in Bondage (1960) (in charge of production)
– The Man in the Funny Suit (1960) (in charge of production)
– Circle of Evil (1960) (in charge of production)
– Thunder in the Night (1960) (in charge of production)
See all 54 episodes »
 
1959 The Scarface Mob (TV movie) (executive in charge of production)
 
1958 The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour (TV series) (in charge of production - 1 episode)
– Lucy Goes to Mexico (1958) (in charge of production)
 
Show ShowDirector (5 titles)
Show ShowSoundtrack (11 titles)
2004 30 Days Until I'm Famous (TV movie) (performer: "Straw Hat Song")
 
2001 I Love Lucy's 50th Anniversary Special (TV documentary) (performer: "California, Here I Come", "Babalu Babalú")
 
1958 The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour (TV series)
– Lucy Wins a Race Horse (1958) (performer: "The Bayamo")
 
1951-1956 I Love Lucy (TV series)
– Lucy and Bob Hope (1956) (performer: "Nobody Loves the Ump" - uncredited)
– Ricky's European Booking (1955) (performer: "Forever, Darling" - uncredited)
– The Club Election (1953) (music: "Cuban Cabby" - uncredited / lyrics: "Cuban Cabby" - uncredited)
– Ricky Loses His Voice (1952) (performer: "Sweet and Lovely" - uncredited)
– Cuban Pals (1952) (performer: "The Lady in Red", "Similau")
See all 12 episodes »
 
1956 Forever, Darling (performer: "Forever, Darling" reprise)
 
1953 I Love Lucy (performer: "Down Argentine Way")
 
1949 Holiday in Havana (writer: "Holiday In Havana", "The Arnaz Jam")
 
1946 Desi Arnaz and His Orchestra (short) (performer: "Guadalajara" - uncredited, "Babalu Babalú" - uncredited, "Tabu Tabú" - uncredited, "Pin Marin" - uncredited)
 
1942 Four Jacks and a Jill ("Boogie Woogie Conga" - uncredited)
 
1941 Father Takes a Wife (performer: "Perfidia" 1939 - uncredited, "Mi amor" 1941 - uncredited)
 
1940 Too Many Girls (performer: "'Cause We Got Cake" 1939 - uncredited, "Spic 'n' Spanish" 1939 - uncredited, "You're Nearer" 1939 - uncredited, "Conga" 1939 - uncredited)
 
Show ShowWriter (2 titles)
1968 Land's End (TV movie) (creator)
 
1959 Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse (TV series)
– Ballad for a Bad Man (1959) (writer)
 
Show ShowMusic Department (1 title)
1968 Land's End (TV movie) (composer: theme music "I Love You")
 
Show ShowSelf (34 titles)
1983 Late Night with David Letterman (TV series)
Himself
– Episode dated 23 May 1983 (1983) … Himself
 
1976 CBS Salutes Lucy: The First 25 Years (TV documentary)
Himself
 
1976 Donny and Marie (TV series)
Himself
– Episode #2.1 (1976) … Himself
 
1976 Salsa (documentary)
Himself
 
1976 Joys (TV special)
Himself
 
1971-1976 The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (TV series)
Himself
– Episode dated 4 March 1976 (1976) … Himself
– Episode dated 21 April 1972 (1972) … Himself
– Episode dated 2 August 1971 (1971) … Himself
 
1976 Saturday Night Live (TV series)
Himself - Host / Musical Guest / Various
– Desi Arnaz/Desi Arnaz, Jr. (1976) … Himself - Host/Musical Guest/Various
 
1974 California My Way (TV movie)
Himself
 
1972 The Hollywood Squares (TV series)
Himself
– Episode dated 24 July 1972 (1972) … Himself
– Episode dated 17 July 1972 (1972) … Himself
– Episode dated 3 April 1972 (1972) … Himself
– Episode dated 31 January 1972 (1972) … Himself
 
1972 The 26th Annual Tony Awards (TV movie)
Himself - Performer
 
1972 The David Frost Show (TV series)
Himself
– Episode #4.115 (1972) … Himself
 
1971 The Andy Williams Show (TV series)
Himself
– Episode dated 6 March 1971 (1971) … Himself
 
1970 Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In (TV series)
Himself - Guest Performer
– Episode #4.11 (1970) … Himself - Guest Performer
 
1970 The Merv Griffin Show (TV series)
Himself - Guest
– Episode dated 17 February 1970 (1970) … Himself - Guest
 
1970 The Kraft Music Hall (TV series)
Himself - Host
– Kraft Presents Desi Arnaz (1970) … Himself - Host
 
1968 The Joey Bishop Show (TV series)
Himself
– Episode #2.87 (1968) … Himself
– Episode #2.78 (1968) … Himself
 
1954-1960 The Ed Sullivan Show (TV series)
Himself
– Episode #14.12 (1960) … Himself
– Episode #10.2 (1956) … Himself
– Episode #9.40 (1956) … Himself
– Episode #9.20 (1956) … Himself
– Episode #9.2 (1955) … Himself
See all 7 episodes »
 
1958-1960 Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse (TV series)
Himself - Host / Himself
– Murder Is a Private Affair (1960) … Himself - Host
– The Man in the Funny Suit (1960) … Himself - Host
– Circle of Evil (1960) … Himself - Host
– Meeting at Appalachia (1960) … Himself - Host
– Change of Heart (1960) … Himself - Host
See all 48 episodes »
 
1957 The Jackie Gleason Show (TV series)
Himself
– At Sixty-Five (1957) … Himself
 
1956 The Bob Hope Show (TV series)
Himself
– Episode dated 28 December 1956 (1956) … Himself
– Episode dated 8 October 1956 (1956) … Himself
 
1956 December Bride (TV series)
Himself
– Sunken Den (1956) … Himself
 
1956 I've Got a Secret (TV series)
Himself
– Episode dated 9 February 1956 (1956) … Himself
– Episode dated 8 February 1956 (1956) … Himself
 
1952-1956 What's My Line? (TV series)
Himself - Mystery Guest / Himself - Guest Panelist
– Episode dated 5 February 1956 (1956) … Himself - Guest Panelist
– Episode dated 2 October 1955 (1955) … Himself - Mystery Guest
– Episode dated 2 November 1952 (1952) … Himself - Mystery Guest
 
1956 MGM Parade (TV series)
Himself
– Episode #1.22 (1956) … Himself
 
1955 Our Miss Brooks (TV series)
Himself
– The King and Brooks (1955) … Himself
 
1954 A Star Is Born World Premiere (TV short)
Himself
 
1952 Stars in the Eye (TV movie)
Himself
 
1952 All Star Revue (TV series)
Himself - Guest Actor / Vocalist
– Episode #2.35 (1952) … Himself - Guest Actor/Vocalist
 
1949 The Ed Wynn Show (TV series)
Himself
– Episode #1.14 (1949) … Himself
 
1946 Desi Arnaz and His Orchestra (short)
Himself
 
1946 Cuban Pete
Himself
 
1943 Screen Snapshots Series 23, No. 1: Hollywood in Uniform (documentary short)
Himself
 
1941 Hedda Hopper's Hollywood No. 2 (documentary short)
Himself - at Mocambo (uncredited)
 
1941 Meet the Stars #6: Stars at Play (documentary short)
Himself
 
Show ShowArchive Footage (27 titles)
2012 10 Things You Don't Know About (TV series)
 
2011 Pioneers of Television (TV mini-series documentary)
 
2010 A Star Is Born: Special Features (video)
 
2010 Frontline (TV series documentary)
 
2005 Great Performances (TV series)
 
2005 E! True Hollywood Story (TV series documentary)
 
2004 TV Land Moguls (TV mini-series documentary)
 
1995-2004 American Masters (TV series documentary)
 
2004 TV in Black: The First Fifty Years (video documentary)
 
2003 The Desilu Story (TV documentary)
Himself
 
2003 Lucy! TV's Comedy Queen (TV documentary)
 
2002 The Bronze Screen: 100 Years of the Latino Image in American Cinema (documentary)
Himself
 
2001 I Love Lucy's 50th Anniversary Special (TV documentary)
Himself
 
2001 The Nightclub Years (TV special documentary)
Himself
 
1999 ABC 2000: The Millennium (TV documentary)
 
1998 Junket Whore (documentary)
Himself
 
1997 Judy Garland's Hollywood (video documentary)
 
1997 Off the Menu: The Last Days of Chasen's (documentary)
Himself (with Lucy) (uncredited)
 
1996 Bob Hope: Hollywood's Brightest Star (video documentary)
Himself
 
1995 Ed Sullivan All-Star Comedy Special (TV documentary)
Himself
 
1993 Lucy and Desi: A Home Movie (TV documentary)
Himself
 
1990 I Love Lucy: The Very First Show (TV movie)
Ricky Ricardo/Himself
 
Biography (TV series documentary)
 
1984 Roots of Rhythm (TV movie)
Himself
 
1983 Hollywood Out-takes and Rare Footage (documentary)
Himself (uncredited)
 
1958 The Ed Sullivan Show (TV series)
 
1954 Screen Snapshots: Memories in Uniform (documentary short)
Himself
 

Related Videos

I Love Lucy: Season 5: Episode 24 -- Lucy is not allowed to cross the French-Italian border because she can't find her passport. Forever, Darling -- Trailer for this comedy starring Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz I Love Lucy: Season 3: Episode 23 -- Lucy and Ethel argue over the ownership of a "bonus buck," that's worth $300 from newspaper contest.
See all 102 »
Edit

Personal Details

Other Works:

CD: Desi Arnaz & Chico Marx - Big Bands of Hollywood/Laserlight Records, 1992. See more »

Publicity Listings:

1 Biographical Movie  | 5 Print Biographies  | 1 Article  | 3 Magazine Cover Photos  | See more »

Alternate Names:

Desiderio Arnaz

Height:

5' 11½" (1.82 m)
Edit

Did You Know?

Personal Quote:

Failure is the most terrible thing in our business. When we fail, the whole world knows about it. See more »

Trivia:

For many years during their marriage, Desi and Lucille Ball hid the fact that she was six years older then he by splitting the difference in their ages. She (born in 1911) said she was born in 1914 and he (born in 1917) also said he was born in 1914. See more »

Trademark:

Distinctive laugh. See more »

Star Sign:

Pisces