Desi Arnaz
Biography
A Cuban-American actor, musician, bandleader and producer, Desi Arnaz was born in Santiago de Cuba and joined the Siboney Septet after high school before Xavier Cugat hired him to play conga and sing in his touring orchestra. He formed the Desi Arnaz Orchestra and is credited with introducing conga line dancing to the United States. Rodgers and Hart cast him in the 1939 Broadway musical Too Many Girls, and he went to Hollywood for its film version. His screen work included Bataan (1943), where his Felix Ramirez drew praise from critic Bosley Crowther. He played Ricky Ricardo on I Love Lucy from 1951 and, with Lucille Ball, founded Desilu Productions, helping develop the multiple-camera setup and syndicated reruns. He executive produced The Ann Sothern Show, The Untouchables and Forever, Darling (1956), and his last acting role was in The Escape Artist (1982). He won a 1956 Golden Globe and two Emmy Awards as a producer.
69years old at death
- Born Santiago de Cuba
- Died Del Mar
- Star sign: PiscesThe sign runs February 19 to March 20
- Desiderio Alberto Arnaz y de Acha III (birth name)Also credited as Desi Arnaz, Sr.
Movie Career
- Films
- 8
- Career span
- 80 years1942 to 2022
Genres
- Comedy50%, 4 films
- Drama38%, 3 films
- Documentary25%, 2 films
- War25%, 2 films
- Action13%, 1 film
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Behind the camera
With Ball, Arnaz founded Desilu Productions in 1950. Arnaz and his cameraman Karl Freund have been credited with developing the multiple-camera setup, which used side-by-side sets before a live audience and became the standard for later situation comedies.
Big break
After seeing Arnaz perform in Miami, Xavier Cugat hired him for his touring orchestra to play conga drum and sing, which encouraged Arnaz to start his own band.
First role
In 1939, Rodgers and Hart gave Arnaz a role in their Broadway musical Too Many Girls. The production became a hit, and RKO Pictures purchased the movie rights.
Desi Arnaz movies on Netflix
Best known for
The films on Netflix they are best known for, with the part played in each.
Most often with
Lucille Ball appears in four of them, more than any other actor. Pick a number on the chart or a name in the list to see the films they share.
Films together
Lucille Ball's page
Bob Hope's page
Carol Burnett's page
Milton Berle's page
Johnny Carson's page
George Murphy's page
Also two films together2 more actors
- Alan CharofLucy and Desi (2022) and Joys (1976)
- Vivian VanceLucy and Desi (2022) and CBS Salutes Lucy: The First 25 Years (1976)
When several people share the same number of films, the ones with the most films on Netflix are in the chart.
Awards
Three awards and honors.
| Year | Award | Film | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other honors | |||
| 1960 | Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame | Honored | |
| American Campaign Medal | Won | ||
| World War II Victory Medal | Won | ||
Online
Official profiles and reference pages.