In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, we continue to recognize the economic, cultural, political, and social contributions of notable immigrants and refugees who’ve helped shape America’s vibrant tapestry. Today, we spotlight Cuban American Desi Arnaz, a trailblazing figure in the entertainment industry.
Desi Arnaz was born in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba, in 1917. At 16, following the dangerous Cuban Revolution in 1933, he and his family fled Cuba. They immigrated to the United States and settled in Florida.
Initially working a handful of odd jobs after graduating high school, Arnaz’s musical talents soon led him to join the Siboney Septet, where he began to make a name for himself across Miami. His performances with the Septet caught the attention of famed band leader, Xavier Cugat, who recruited him to play in his own touring orchestra. The opportunity earned Arnaz the spotlight and reputation he needed to launch his own band, appropriately named the Desi Arnaz Orchestra.
Arnaz and his orchestra quickly became a main feature in New York City’s bustling club scene. In 1939, he was cast in the hit Broadway musical Too Many Girls, where he met his co-star, Lucille Ball. One year later, the two eloped and began a decades-long relationship that would change perceptions of marriage among the American public. Arnaz also served for two years in the Army during World War II, where he entertained the troops. After his discharge, he went on to serve as orchestral leader on Bob Hope’s radio show through 1947.
Beginning in 1951, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz co-produced and starred in the smash hit CBS sitcom I Love Lucy, portraying fictionalized versions of themselves as they navigated the everyday obstacles of married life. During their time on the show, they became two of the most successful and recognizable faces on television.
I Love Lucy’s depiction of mixed marriage between Arnaz, an immigrant, and American-born Ball was one of the first seen on television. The couple was praised for their honest and affectionate relationship on screen as the show became the most-watched in the U.S. for four of its six seasons. I Love Lucy’s immense popularity paved the way for Arnaz and Ball’s shared production company, Desilu, which played a significant role in the creation of many CBS sitcoms that followed, as well as non-comedy programs such as Star Trek, Mission: Impossible, and Mannix.
Although Arnaz and Ball divorced in 1960, the two maintained a close relationship both professionally and personally as they continued to work together off-screen.
Desi Arnaz passed away from cancer in 1986, and is remembered for his legacy as an iconic, innovative musician, actor, and producer. He was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame in 1991.
Others we are celebrating in honor of Hispanic American Heritage Month:
2025
Jaime Escalante, trailblazing Bolivian American educator
Tom Araya, award-winning Chilean American musician
