Lucille Ball's Children: Lucie & Desi Jr. Then And Now
Ever wondered what it was like to grow up in the spotlight, the child of television royalty? For Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz Jr., the children of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, it was a life lived both in the glow of Hollywood and under the intense scrutiny of the public eye.
Lucille Ball, the iconic comedienne whose face, immortalized as Lucy Ricardo on "I Love Lucy," is said to have been seen by more people worldwide than any other, and Desi Arnaz, the Cuban-American actor, musician, and television producer, were a powerhouse couple. Their children, Lucie and Desi Jr., were inevitably drawn into their world, experiencing both the privileges and the pressures that came with being the offspring of such celebrated figures. The world watched as they arrived at London Airport with their parents on June 10th, 1959, a snapshot forever etched in the collective memory.
| Category | Lucie Arnaz | Desi Arnaz Jr. |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Lucie Dsire Arnaz | Desiderio Alberto Arnaz IV (Desi Arnaz Jr.) |
| Date of Birth | July 17, 1951 | January 19, 1953 |
| Place of Birth | Los Angeles, California | Los Angeles, California |
| Parents | Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz | Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz |
| Siblings | Desi Arnaz Jr. | Lucie Arnaz |
| Occupation | Actress, singer, producer | Actor, musician, producer |
| Early Career | "Here's Lucy" (TV series) | "Here's Lucy" (TV series), Drums in Dino, Ricci, & Billy |
| Notable Roles | Broadway: "They're Playing Our Song," "Pippin" | Film: "Billy Two Hats," "A Wedding" |
| Spouse(s) | Laurence Luckinbill (m. 1980) | Linda Purl (m. 1980-1981), Amy Vandenberg (m. 1987-2002), Carol Hoden Arnaz (m. 1995-present) |
| Children | Simon Luckinbill, Joseph Luckinbill, Katharine Luckinbill | Haley Arnaz (adopted) |
| Productions | Executive Producer of "Lucy and Desi" (documentary) | Involved in managing Desilu Productions legacy |
| Legacy | Preserving the legacy of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz through performances and productions. | Continuing to honor his parents' legacy through music and involvement in Desilu Productions. |
| Official Website | Lucie Arnaz Official Website |
Born on July 17, 1951, just six months before the premiere of "I Love Lucy," Lucie Dsire Arnaz was Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz's first child and only daughter. Her arrival was a momentous occasion, coinciding with the burgeoning success of her parents' groundbreaking television show. Eighteen months later, Desiderio Alberto Arnaz IV, also known as Desi Arnaz Jr., completed the family. Interestingly, Desi Jr.s birth in January 1953, mirrored a storyline on "I Love Lucy" where Lucy Ricardo also gave birth to a son, Ricky Jr., a coincidence that blurred the lines between reality and fiction for many viewers. While many believed that Lucille Ball gave birth on the show, Desi Arnaz clarified in a 1991 interview that it was merely a coincidence.
Lucie and Desi Jr.'s lives were far from ordinary. From a young age, they were photographed around the world with their famous parents, their every move documented by the press. They appeared on "Here's Lucy," further solidifying their presence in the public consciousness. While it offered unique opportunities, this level of exposure also presented challenges, requiring them to navigate the complexities of fame and family life simultaneously.
The marriage of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, while iconic, was not without its struggles. Their on-screen chemistry was undeniable, but behind the scenes, their relationship faced considerable strain. They played a married couple on the show, but in 1960, the couple would divorce. The constant demands of their careers and the pressures of fame ultimately took their toll. This separation had a profound impact on Lucie and Desi Jr., forcing them to grapple with the realities of their parents' personal lives amidst the backdrop of their immense public persona.
Despite the challenges, both Lucie and Desi Jr. have carved out their own paths in the entertainment industry, honoring their parents' legacy while forging their individual identities. Lucie Arnaz followed in her mother's footsteps, embracing a career in acting, singing, and producing. From 1978 onwards, musical theatre became a massive part of her life, proving she thrives in front of a live audience, much like her mother. She has graced the Broadway stage in productions like "They're Playing Our Song" and "Pippin," showcasing her versatility and talent. She also served as the Executive Producer of the documentary "Lucy and Desi," a poignant tribute to her parents' lives and careers.
Desi Arnaz Jr. also pursued a career in entertainment, initially gaining recognition as a musician and actor. He played drums in the band Dino, Ricci, & Billy and appeared in films such as "Billy Two Hats" and "A Wedding." He has also been actively involved in managing the legacy of Desilu Productions, the production company founded by his parents at the height of their television fame. After their parents' deaths in 1991, Lucie and Desi Jr. formed Desilu, Too LLC to manage their estates and the merchandising of Ball and Arnaz products.
Recently, Lucie Arnaz shared a rare photo with her brother Desi Arnaz Jr. on Instagram, capturing a heartwarming moment between the siblings. This snapshot offered a glimpse into their enduring bond and served as a reminder of the shared experiences that have shaped their lives. Lucie, now 73, and Desi Jr., 71, continue to navigate life with the same grace and resilience that has defined them throughout their years in the spotlight.
Lucille Ball's influence extends far beyond her comedic genius. In 2020, she was recognized by TIME as one of the most influential women of the 20th century for her contributions to comedy, acting, business, and television production. Her impact on the entertainment industry is undeniable, and her legacy continues to inspire generations of performers.
Even after Lucille Ball's death, her daughter wants the world to know that her brother is alive and well. Lucie Arnaz, on Saturday, shared a rare photo with her brother Desi Arnaz, showing that their bond remains strong. Lucie Arnaz attended a tribute to Lucille Ball held at the Museum of Broadcasting in New York City in April 1984, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to celebrating her mother's life and work.
It's important to remember that Lucille Ball's journey began long before "I Love Lucy." Born on August 6, 1911, in Jamestown, New York, to Henry Durrell Ball and Desiree, she was the elder of two children, with a younger brother named Fred. Ball's early life was marked by tragedy and hardship, particularly following the death of her father when she was just three years old. She got her start as a singer and experienced a hardscrabble childhood shaped by tragedy and a lack of money.
When Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz were at the height of their television fame, they formed Desilu Productions, which Ball took ownership of after their divorce. The company produced numerous successful television shows, further solidifying Ball's position as a powerful force in the industry. Desilu's success demonstrated her acumen as a businesswoman, a role that often went unacknowledged due to her comedic persona.
In 2014, Lucie Arnaz spoke to Closer Weekly about her life with her mother and as a mother, explaining that Lucille Ball had to learn how to take care of kids when she became a grandmother. She recounted a time when her mother took her son for a couple of days while she and her husband went somewhere, highlighting the evolving nature of their relationship and Ball's willingness to adapt to new roles.
Today, the actress' two children, Lucie Arnaz and Desi Jr. Arnaz, have come a long way since her death. As the movie "Being the Ricardos" reminds audiences of the captivating tale of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, it also prompts reflection on the lives of their children, who continue to carry the torch of their parents' legacy. They are not only the children of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz but also individuals who have made their own significant contributions to the world of entertainment.
In 1991, Desi Arnaz Jr. announced his intent to start using the recently renovated Jamestown train station to further the mission and vision of the Lucille Ball Festival of New Comedy, demonstrating his commitment to preserving his mother's comedic legacy and promoting new talent in the field.
Take a journey through the lives of Lucille Ball's children, Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz Jr., and explore their triumphs and contributions to the entertainment world. Embark on this nostalgic trip into America's beloved TV family and discover the enduring impact of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz on their children's lives and careers.
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