Born into a wealthy Cuban family, Desi Arnaz experienced a privileged childhood in Cuba. When the family fled to the United States after the Batista revolution in 19333, his world changed drastically as the family lived in poverty. Arnaz’s musical talent came to the fore when Desi was discovered by bandleader Xavier Cugat and Desi movied to New York City to pursue a career in the arts.
Desi was soon starring in the Broadway musical, Too Many Girls and in 1940 he was sent to Hollywood to star in the movie of the musical. It was on the set of the movie that Desi met and fell in love with his co-star, Lucille Ball. They were married soon after.
Desi had to put his film career on hold while he served in the army during WWII. After the war he started a sucessful recording career and a few movie roles before moving into television. As head of Desilu Productions, Desi was responsible for many television classics, including I Love Lucy, December Bride, Our Miss Brooks, Desilu Playhouse, Make Room for Daddy, the Untouchables and the Twilight Zone.
