Desi Arnaz Jr. began his journey in the entertainment world at just 13 years old, quickly making a name for himself as a beloved young talent. Desi Arnaz Jr. started gaining attention early on with appearances in several notable films. One of his first roles came in “Murderers’ Row” (1966), starring alongside Dean Martin, which marked the beginning of what would become a solid film career. Over the years, Desi Arnaz Jr. took on more diverse and compelling parts, including the dramatic film “Red Sky at Morning” (1971) with Richard Thomas and the adventure story “Marco” (1973). He also appeared in “Billy Two Hats” the same year, further showcasing his range.
In addition to his work in cinema, Desi Arnaz Jr. made a strong presence on television during his formative years. Fans got to see him regularly on “Here’s Lucy,” which aired on CBS from 1968 to 1974, giving him valuable exposure and experience. Later, he even stepped into the fast-paced world of live sketch comedy with an appearance on “Saturday Night Live” (NBC, 1975–), proving his versatility as a performer.
As the decades progressed, Desi Arnaz Jr. continued building his resume with steady roles throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Notable among these were the road thriller “Joyride” (1977), Robert Altman’s ensemble drama “A Wedding” (1978) featuring Carol Burnett, and the suspenseful “Fake-Out” (1982) co-starring Pia Zadora. He also lent his talents to the horror-comedy “House of the Long Shadows” (1982), sharing screen time with legendary actor Vincent Price—a memorable highlight in Desi Arnaz Jr.’s cinematic journey.
Later in his career, Desi Arnaz Jr. appeared in “The Mambo Kings” (1992), a vibrant musical drama starring Armand Assante, demonstrating that he could still captivate audiences even as tastes in entertainment evolved. His music also found renewed recognition when it was included in Michael Madsen’s action-packed “Hell Ride” (2008), introducing Desi Arnaz Jr.’s artistry to a new generation.
On the small screen, Desi Arnaz Jr. remained active, contributing to TV movies like “The Night the Bridge Fell Down” (NBC, 1982–83), a gripping made-for-television event. He also had a role in the short-lived but fondly remembered sci-fi series “Automan” (ABC, 1983–84), blending technology and storytelling in a way that felt ahead of its time.
Beyond his professional achievements, Desi Arnaz Jr. led a fulfilling personal life. He was married to Amy Arnaz, and together they raised two children, creating a stable family life away from the spotlight. His contributions to entertainment didn’t go unnoticed—back in 1971, Desi Arnaz Jr. earned a Golden Globe Award for New Star Of The Year - Actor, a significant milestone early in his career. Then, in 2002, he received further acclaim with a Primetime Emmy nomination in the category of Outstanding Special Class Program for his involvement in the nostalgic “I Love Lucy – 50th Anniversary Special.”
Throughout it all, Desi Arnaz Jr. has remained a respected figure in Hollywood, known not only for his performances but also for carrying on a celebrated legacy with grace and dedication.
Desi Arnaz Jr.’s most acclaimed film to date is Lucy and Desi (2022), which received widespread praise and recognition. On the other hand, his least favorably reviewed project is Being the Ricardos (2021), which didn’t quite resonate as strongly with audiences or critics. While Desi has been involved in various films throughout his career, these two stand out as the highlights—both in terms of critical reception and public attention. It’s interesting to see how different projects can be received so differently, even within the same actor’s filmography.