Desi Arnaz Biography

Fast Facts

• After fleeing Cuba following a 1933 revolution, he started working as a musician in order to help support his family
• Worked as the orchestra leader on Bob Hope's radio show in 1946
• Quote: "Comedy needs heart and warmth, even a tear or two, not just a lot of slapstick laughs․"
• Invented the concept of rerunning past episodes of a show, using multiple cameras during filming a show and the idea of performing before a live studio audience
• Was widely recognized by his distinctive laugh and strong Spanish accent
• Was a childhood friend of Sonny Capone, the son of notorious mobster Al Capone