Desi Arnaz Jr Net Worth

Publish date: 2024-06-22

What Is Desi Arnaz Jr.’s Net Worth?

Desi Arnaz Jr., son of legendary actors Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball, has a net worth of $40 million. He played Craig Carter on the CBS sitcom “Here’s Lucy” from 1968 to 1974 alongside his mother and older sister. Arnaz has over 30 acting credits to his name, including films and TV series such as “Marco,” “The Mambo Kings,” and “The Lucy Show.”

He also executive produced the 2021 Amazon Prime Video film “Being the Ricardos,” which earned three Academy Award nominations. Arnaz was previously involved with the Lucille Ball–Desi Arnaz Center in Jamestown, New York, serving as the vice president of the board of directors from 2002 to 2007.

Desi Arnaz Jr.’s Early Life

Desi Arnaz Jr. was born on January 19, 1953, in Los Angeles, California. He was the son of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, who were starring on the CBS sitcom “I Love Lucy” at the time of his birth. Desi appeared on the cover of the first issue of “TV Guide” with his mother. He learned to play the drums from Richard Keith, who played Little Ricky on “I Love Lucy.” At 12 years old, Desi was the drummer for the band Dino, Desi, & Billy, which had two hits in 1965.

Desi studied at University High School.

Desi Arnaz Jr’s Acting Career

Desi Arnaz Jr made his TV debut in 1957 on “I Love Lucy” and appeared in several TV shows throughout the 60s and 70s including “The Lucy Show,” “Here’s Lucy,” “The Mothers-in-Law,” and “The Love Boat.” He also starred in films such as “Red Sky at Morning,” “Billy Two Hats,” and “A Wedding.” In the 80s, he appeared in TV movies and guest-starred on “Matlock.” Arnaz also co-starred in the series “Automan.” He portrayed his father in the 1992 film “The Mambo Kings” and continued to tour with his band Ricci, Desi & Billy. In 2010, he appeared in the TV movie “Aunt Heather’s Magical Kidchen” and was featured in the 2022 Amazon Prime Video documentary “Lucy and Desi.”

Desi Arnaz Jr’s Personal Life

Desi Arnaz Jr has a daughter named Julia (born 1968) from a teenage relationship with model Susan Callahan-Howe. He also dated 17-year-old actress Patty Duke, who became pregnant and married writer/music producer Michael Tell. Genetic tests revealed that Michael was actually the biological father of Patty’s son, Sean Astin.

Desi also dated Liza Minnelli and accompanied her to the 1973 Academy Awards. He was married to actress Linda Purl from 1980 to 1981 and wed Amy Bargiel on October 8, 1987. He adopted Amy’s daughter, Haley, and they remained married until her death from cancer in 2015. They lived in Boulder City, Nevada.

In 1997, Desi bought the Boulder Theatre and converted it from a movie theater to a live theater venue. He and Amy often directed performances by the Boulder City Ballet Company there.

Accolades

Desi Arnaz Jr won a Golden Globe for Most Promising Newcomer – Male in 1972. In 2002, he received a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Special Class Program for “I Love Lucy’s 50th Anniversary Special”. The nomination was shared with Lucie Arnaz, Gary Smith, Fred A. Rappoport, and Dann Netter.