Desi Arnaz
Known for
Desi Arnaz was a Cuban-born bandleader who became a television producer almost by accident. He met Lucille Ball on the set of 'Too Many Girls' and, when CBS resisted casting a Cuban husband opposite her, the couple toured the act live to prove the audience existed. 'I Love Lucy' followed, with Arnaz playing Ricky Ricardo and, through their company Desilu, making decisions that shaped the industry: shooting on 35mm film before a live audience with three cameras, a method that created the rerun. Desilu later produced 'The Untouchables' and 'Star Trek'.
Desi Arnaz
13 Movies
7 Series
Desi Arnaz was a Cuban-born bandleader who became a television producer almost by accident. He met Lucille Ball on the set of 'Too Many Girls' and, when CBS resisted casting a Cuban husband opposite her, the couple toured the act live to prove the audience existed. 'I Love Lucy' followed, with Arnaz playing Ricky Ricardo and, through their company Desilu, making decisions that shaped the industry: shooting on 35mm film before a live audience with three cameras, a method that created the rerun. Desilu later produced 'The Untouchables' and 'Star Trek'.
Movies
Plays Nicholas Collini
The Long, Long Trailer
1954
Plays Mayor Leon Quiñones
The Escape Artist
1982
Plays Felix Ramirez
Bataan
1943
Plays Steve Sarto / King Stephan VIII of Aregal
Four Jacks and a Jill
1942
Plays Lorenzo Xavier Vega
Forever, Darling
1956
Plays Manuelito
Too Many Girls
1940
Plays Pat Tarriba
The Navy Comes Through
1942
Plays Carlos Bardez
Father Takes a Wife
1941
Plays Carlos Estrada
Holiday in Havana
1949
Latest Trailers
Watch Trailer
The Escape Artist
Full Filmography
The Escape Artist
Mayor Leon Quiñones
1982
Film
Alice
Ruth · 1 episode
1977–1978
TV
Ironside
Dr. Juan Domingo · 1 episode
1973–1974
TV
The Virginian
El Jefe · 1 episode
1970
TV
The Mothers-in-Law
Raphael Delgado · 4 episodes
1967–1968
TV
The Lucy–Desi Comedy Hour
Ricky Ricardo · 13 episodes
1957–
TV
What's My Line?
Self · 3 episodes
1950–1956
TV
The Bob Hope Chevy Show
Fred Mertz
1956
Film
Forever, Darling
Lorenzo Xavier Vega
1956
Film
Photos
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Desi Arnaz still alive?
Desi Arnaz passed away on December 2, 1986 at age 69.
What are the most famous roles of Desi Arnaz?
Desi Arnaz is best known for roles in The Long, Long Trailer, Bataan, The Escape Artist.
How many movies has Desi Arnaz been in?
Over a 46-year career (since 1940), Desi Arnaz has appeared in 11 movies and 6 TV shows.
What was Desi Arnaz's first movie?
The career of Desi Arnaz began with Too Many Girls (1940).
What is Desi Arnaz's most recent movie or series?
Desi Arnaz's most recent release is The Escape Artist, which premiered on May 28, 1982.
What TV shows has Desi Arnaz appeared in?
On television, Desi Arnaz has appeared in Saturday Night Live, I Love Lucy, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, Ironside.
Desi Arnaz
1917-03-02 · Santiago, Cuba
Desi Arnaz (March 2, 1917 – December 2, 1986) was a Cuban-born American musician, actor and television producer.
While he gained international renown for leading a Latin music band, the Desi Arnaz Orchestra, he is best known for his role as Ricky Ricardo on I Love Lucy, starring with then-wife Lucille Ball.