Celebrity Info
Desi Arnaz was the charismatic man who introduced the conga to America, capturing the hearts of many as the charming bandleader married to the beloved redhead, Lucille Ball. Born as Anazderio Alberto Arnaz y de Acha III on March 2, 1917, in Santiago, Mexico, Desi hailed from a prominent family. His father was a pharmacology doctor who served as mayor of Santiago for nearly a decade, while his mother was renowned not only for her stunning beauty but also for her connection to the Bacardi rum dynasty.
However, Desi Arnaz was far from a spoiled, privileged child. He was a gifted entertainer with a natural ability to win over even the toughest critics. Life took a dramatic turn for the young Arnaz when a violent uprising forced him, his mother, and their trembling Chihuahua to flee under the cover of night. Their ranch was ablaze, and rebels were closing in. With quick thinking, Desi managed to escape by shouting “Viva la revolution!” to a group of rebel soldiers, allowing his terrified mother and himself to reach safety at his aunt’s home in Havana.
Meanwhile, Desi’s father was taking refuge at Morro Castle with the Cuban Senate. After this life-altering event, the once-wealthy family’s fortune was gone in an instant. Desi joined his father in Miami, while his mother stayed behind with her sister, waiting for funds to make the journey. In Miami, the 17-year-old found himself penniless and heartbroken, witnessing his once-distinguished father swatting rats in a rundown warehouse.
To make ends meet, Desi took on various menial jobs, starting with cleaning bird cages at a pet store and later driving a produce truck. His education at Colegio de Dolores in Santiago proved beneficial when he enrolled at St. Patrick’s High School, excelling in American History and English. Hard work and determination paid off, and Desi earned recognition as one of the most courteous students in his graduating class.
Two years after arriving in Miami, Desi heard that a local rumba band was looking for talent for a high-profile gig at Roney-Plaza. Dressed in a borrowed suit, he captivated the audience with his performance of “Babalu,” a traditional Afro-Cuban song. His talent landed him a job paying $50 a week, which he used to bring his mother to the U.S.
Despite his father’s remarriage to an American woman, Desi remained devoted to his mother. A brief tour with Xavier Cugat’s traveling show gave him more exposure, but he soon returned to Miami to start his own band. With only $10 in his pocket and press clippings from his time with Cugat, Desi boldly walked into Mother Kelly’s, ordered an extravagant meal, and convinced the manager to fund his Latin band. The Siboney Septet, though only five members strong, started the conga craze that swept the nation.
Desi’s success brought him to New York City, where he became the headliner at La Conga and later landed the lead role in the Broadway hit Too Many Girls. His charm and talent caught the attention of Lucille Ball, who was set to star in the film adaptation. The two met, and despite their differences, their chemistry was undeniable.
Their romance faced many challenges, including studio resistance and the demands of their careers, but Desi and Lucy eloped on November 30, 1940. Their marriage was passionate but turbulent, and they often clashed due to contrasting personalities. Nevertheless, they formed a successful vaudeville act and later brought their chemistry to television with I Love Lucy.
In 1950, Desi and Lucy founded Desilu Productions, which revolutionized television production. I Love Lucy, which premiered on October 5, 1951, became a massive hit, running for six years and setting new standards in television production. Desilu pioneered the use of 35mm film and multi-camera setups, innovations that shaped the future of TV.
After I Love Lucy, the couple continued working together on The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour, which ended in 1960, the same year they divorced. Desi’s later years were marked by a quieter life, occasional television appearances, and the publication of his memoir, A Book, in 1976. He passed away from lung cancer on December 2, 1986, at the age of 69, leaving behind a legacy that forever changed the entertainment world.
Desi Arnaz will always be remembered as the man who brought the conga to America, a charming bandleader, and a trailblazer in both music and television.
Desi Arnaz’s most acclaimed work in terms of ratings would be the 2022 documentary Lucy and Desi, which received widespread praise and recognition. On the other end of the spectrum, The Long, Long Trailer (1954), while still a notable film from his career, holds the distinction of being his least favorably reviewed project. Throughout his time in the spotlight, Desi consistently left a mark on audiences, but as with any long and varied career, not every project resonated the same way. While Lucy and Desi shines as a standout piece, reflecting the legacy of both Desi and Lucille Ball, The Long, Long Trailer serves more as a nostalgic artifact of its time. It’s interesting to see how different works from Desi Arnaz’s filmography have aged and how they continue to be viewed by fans and critics alike.
United States
