Lucille Ball's life was a whirlwind of success, laughter, and personal struggles. While she's remembered as the iconic star of 'I Love Lucy' and the pioneering force behind Desilu Productions, her personal life was a complex tapestry of love, loss, and eventual triumph. At the heart of this story is her first marriage to Desi Arnaz, a relationship that began with great promise but ultimately became a 'nightmare' for the legendary actress.
A Troubled Childhood and a Musical Start
Desi Arnaz's journey to becoming Lucille Ball's husband was marked by a troubled past. Born in 1917 in Cuba, he was the descendant of nobility, but the Cuban Revolution of 1933 forced his family to flee to the United States. The Arnazes faced financial hardships, with robberies along the way costing them their possessions. Desi's early jobs were menial, including retail and cleaning canary cages in Miami. However, his musical talents on the conga drum and vocals caught the attention of the Siboney Septet, a band that propelled him to stardom in Miami.
Desi's rise continued with the formation of the Desi Arnaz Orchestra, which took New York City by storm. His big break came when Rodgers and Hart cast him in their 1939 Broadway show 'Too Many Girls,' leading to a Hollywood film role. This was where he met Lucille Ball, six years his senior.
A Rapidly Unfolding Romance
Lucille and Desi's romance ignited on the set of the movie version of 'Too Many Girls,' released in 1940. Their love blossomed quickly, leading to an elopement on November 30, 1940, at the Byram River Beagle Club in Greenwich, Connecticut. The couple's early years were a mix of bliss and turbulence. They bought a five-acre estate in California, named 'Desilu,' but Lucille suffered a miscarriage in 1942. Desi's potential military draft in 1943 was limited due to a prior injury.
The First Divorce and Career Growth
In 1944, just four years into their marriage, Lucille filed for divorce, citing Desi's alcohol addiction and rumored infidelity during his extensive tours. She wrote in her memoir, 'Desi's nightlife had even blasé Hollywood talking.' However, the couple reconciled before the divorce was finalized. In 1950, they formed Desilu Productions, aiming to bring 'My Perfect Husband' to television. Despite initial pushback, 'I Love Lucy' premiered in 1951 and became a ratings sensation.
Lucille and Desi's personal lives continued to intertwine with their careers. They welcomed a daughter, Lucie Arnaz, in 1951, and a son, Desi Arnaz Jr., in 1953. Lucille's pregnancy and Desi Jr.'s birth were even written into the show.
The Final Divorce and Enduring Friendship
Despite their professional success, the strain of working together and Desi's drinking problem took a toll. On March 3, 1960, Lucille filed for divorce for the second and final time, describing it as a 'nightmare' for the last three years. She bought out Desi's share in Desilu Productions. Interestingly, the divorce didn't end their connection. They remained close friends until Desi's death in 1986, speaking on the phone before his passing and expressing their love.
Lucille found new love with Gary Morton, a stand-up comedian 13 years her junior, whom she married in 1961. Desi, meanwhile, married Edith Mack Hirsch in 1963, which led to a slowdown in his Hollywood output. Their unexpected friendship and the enduring love they found after divorce is a testament to the complexity of human relationships.
Lucille Ball's life was a testament to resilience and the power of personal growth. Her first marriage, though tumultuous, was a chapter in a remarkable journey that shaped her legacy as one of the most influential women in entertainment.
