Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz first crossed paths on the set of the film adaptation of “Too Many Girls.” Ball was the star of the show, and Arnaz was immediately captivated by her charm and fell in love with her.
Their love blossomed quickly, leading them to tie the knot in 1940. However, their busy work schedules and Arnaz’s enlistment in the army during World War II kept them apart for much of their marriage. Despite the challenges, Ball was determined to start a family. In order to please Arnaz’s mother, she converted to Catholicism. The couple faced two heartbreaking miscarriages before finally welcoming their daughter, Lucie Arnaz, followed by their son, Desi Jr., two years later.
Throughout their marriage, Ball and Arnaz worked together on the iconic show “I Love Lucy” and also co-owned the successful TV production company Desilu Studios. However, Arnaz’s reputation for excessive drinking, womanizing, and gambling put a strain on their relationship, and Ball found it difficult to shield their children from his destructive behavior.
Eventually, Ball decided to divorce Arnaz in 1960, just before they filmed their final scenes together for “I Love Lucy.” Coping with her children’s questions about their father and protecting his image proved to be challenging for Ball. She later admitted that she had come to realize their marriage was a lost cause.
Despite the divorce, the two never completely got over each other. They maintained contact during family occasions and would talk on the phone regularly. After Arnaz was diagnosed with lung cancer in 1986, Ball visited him and they watched old episodes of “I Love Lucy” together, reminiscing about their past. Arnaz passed away with Ball by his side, and she later died in 1989 from an abdominal aortic aneurysm after undergoing surgery.
Their daughter Lucie Arnaz worked hard to preserve their legacies and followed in their footsteps, pursuing a successful career in the entertainment industry. Desi Jr., after battling substance abuse and personal struggles, eventually turned his life around, married his wife Amy, and settled in Nevada, where they pursued their passion for animal activism.
Over the years, the Arnaz family faced numerous losses, including the passing of Desiree S. Anzalone, Desi Jr.’s granddaughter, from stage 4 breast cancer at a young age.
Now at 70 years old, Desi Jr. chooses to live a private life, unlike his sister Lucie, who remains in the public eye. Despite the challenges and losses, the Arnaz family continues to support and love each other, preserving the memory of their iconic parents, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz.
