archytele The Vault

Desi Arnaz

Acting Born Mar 2, 1917 Santiago, Cuba 24 credits

Biography

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.

Ask the Vault

Ask anything about Desi Arnaz.

Full filmography

  • The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962) as Self
  • Saturday Night Live (1975) as Self - Host & Musical Guest
  • The Mike Douglas Show (1961) as Self
  • Ironside (1967) as Dr. Juan Domingo
  • Tony Awards (1956) as Self - Performer
  • The Virginian (1962) as El Jefe
  • Alice (1976) as Ruth
  • I Love Lucy (1951) as Ricky Ricardo
  • The Red Skelton Show (1951) as Self
  • What's My Line? (1950) as Self
  • The Ed Sullivan Show (1948) as Self
  • MGM Parade (1955) as Self
  • The Bob Hope Show (1950) as Self
  • Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In (1968) as Self (uncredited)
  • Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In (1968) as Self
  • Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse (1958)
  • December Bride (1954) as Self
  • Donny & Marie (1976) as Self
  • The Mothers-in-Law (1967) as Raphael Delgado
  • The Lucy–Desi Comedy Hour (1957) as Ricky Ricardo
  • The Emmy Awards (1949) as Self
  • NBC Sunday Showcase (1959) as Ricky Ricardo
  • The Ed Wynn Show (1949) as Self
  • Ladies & Gentlemen... 50 Years of SNL Music (2025) as Self (archive footage)