Desi Arnaz, born in Santiago de Cuba in 1917, began his career in entertainment as a child prodigy on the violin. He moved to Miami with his family at the age of six, where he was introduced to the world of music and show business. Arnaz’s talent was evident early on, and he started performing professionally in his teens, playing in orchestras and on radio shows.

In the 1940s, Arnaz moved to New York City to pursue a career in music. He formed his own band, “Desi Arnaz and His Orchestra,” and they gained popularity playing Latin music in nightclubs and on radio broadcasts. Arnaz’s charisma and talent caught the attention of Hollywood, leading to a series of film and television appearances. It was during this time that he met and married Lucille Ball, a union that would significantly shape both of their careers.

Desi Arnaz’s Current Net Worth (2025)

As of 2025, Desi Arnaz’s net worth is estimated to be around $20 million. This figure is a reflection of his successful career in entertainment and his savvy business acumen.

Career

Desi Arnaz, born in Santiago de Cuba, rose to fame as a musician and actor. He is best known for his role as Ricky Ricardo in the iconic television series “I Love Lucy”. Arnaz also made significant contributions to the music industry, earning him the title “Father of the Latin Music Boom”.

Other Ventures

Arnaz’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to found Desilu Productions, one of the first film and television production companies to be owned by a woman, his wife Lucille Ball. The company produced many successful shows, including “Star Trek”.

Assets

Arnaz’s assets include his share in Desilu Productions, his music catalog, and various real estate properties. His most notable property is the former Desilu Studios, now known as the CBS Studio Center, which he co-owned with Lucille Ball.

Annual Income

While it’s challenging to pinpoint Arnaz’s exact annual income due to his diverse revenue streams and the passage of time, it’s estimated that at the height of his career, he was earning around $1 million annually from his acting, music, and production ventures. This figure, however, does not account for inflation or his post-career earnings.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Desi Arnaz

Frequently Asked Questions: Desi Arnaz Net Worth

1. What was Desi Arnaz’s net worth?

Desi Arnaz’s net worth was estimated to be around $20 million at the time of his death.

2. How did Desi Arnaz make his money?

Desi Arnaz made his fortune through his successful career in entertainment. He was an actor, musician, and television producer, best known for his role in the sitcom “I Love Lucy” and for co-creating and producing the show.

3. What was Desi Arnaz’s role in “I Love Lucy”?

Desi Arnaz played the role of Ricky Ricardo, the bandleader and husband of Lucy Ricardo, played by his real-life wife Lucille Ball, in the sitcom “I Love Lucy”.

4. How long did “I Love Lucy” run?

“I Love Lucy” aired from 1951 to 1957, consisting of a total of 180 episodes.

5. What was Desi Arnaz’s ethnicity?

Desi Arnaz was of Cuban descent. He was born in Santiago de Cuba and moved to the United States with his family as a child.

6. What was Desi Arnaz’s musical background?

Desi Arnaz was a talented musician and bandleader. He was the leader of the Desi Arnaz Orchestra, which was popular in the 1940s and 1950s. He was also known for his skill in playing the bongos.

7. Did Desi Arnaz have any children?

Yes, Desi Arnaz had two children with his first wife, Lucille Ball. They had a son, Desi Arnaz Jr., and a daughter, Lucie Arnaz.

8. When did Desi Arnaz pass away?

Desi Arnaz passed away on December 2, 1986, at the age of 69.

9. What was Desi Arnaz’s cause of death?

Desi Arnaz died of lung cancer.

10. What was Desi Arnaz’s impact on television?

Desi Arnaz is considered one of the pioneers of television. He co-created and produced “I Love Lucy”, which was one of the most popular and influential sitcoms of all time. He also helped to develop the multi-camera setup and the laugh track, which are still used in television production today.