Desi Arnaz: Hollywood Icon, Music Pioneer, and Del Mar’s Star Behind the Scenes

Few realize that beyond the laughter of I Love Lucy and the glamour of Hollywood, Desi Arnaz found peace in Del Mar. More than just a getaway, the coastal town became his sanctuary—a place where he could embrace his greatest passions: horse racing, music, and family.

Arnaz’s connection to Del Mar began in the 1940s when he first visited the racetrack, a glamorous destination founded by Bing Crosby and frequented by Hollywood’s biggest stars. But for Desi, it wasn’t just a social scene—it was a true love affair with the sport. He owned and bred thoroughbreds, frequently attending races and becoming a well-known figure at the Turf Club.

Mac McBride of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club recalled, “I never officially met Desi, but I’d see him coming and going from the Turf Club or at local horse sales, either buying or selling horses he’d bred. He loved the action at the racetrack and loved Del Mar even more.”

Lucille Ball, too, shared in his love for Del Mar, often accompanying him to the races. Photos from the era capture the couple in their element—laughing in the grandstands, placing bets, and rubbing shoulders with the Hollywood elite. Their presence added to Del Mar’s reputation as a playground for the stars, where the entertainment industry and California’s coastal charm blended seamlessly.

A Hollywood Revolutionary: Creating I Love Lucy

Arnaz’s Hollywood career skyrocketed when he met Ball in 1940 on the set of the RKO film Too Many Girls. The pair married later that year, creating a powerhouse partnership that redefined entertainment. Arnaz, along with Ball, formed Desilu Productions, which revolutionized television. He pioneered the multi-camera setup, live audience format, and syndication rights, cementing his place as a media innovator.

Arnaz eventually built a home in Del Mar, where he enjoyed a quieter life away from the pressures of show business. Though his marriage to Ball ended in 1960, Del Mar remained a constant in his life. Their children, Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz Jr., often joined him at the track, carrying on the family’s love for racing.

Marriage, Kids, and a Tumultuous Love Story

Arnaz and Lucille Ball’s marriage was as passionate as it was turbulent. Together, they had two children: Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz Jr. Despite their shared successes, the pressures of fame and personal struggles took a toll on their relationship. The couple divorced in 1960, but they maintained mutual respect and a shared love for their children. Ball once remarked, “Desi was a great producer, a great talent, and a great father. He was just not a great husband.”

Later Years and Life Beyond the Spotlight

After his divorce from Ball, Arnaz married Edith Mack Hirsch and stepped back from the limelight, choosing to focus on his personal life. In his later years, he split time between his homes in Del Mar and Baja California. Arnaz spent much of his time breeding horses, fishing, and enjoying the peace of coastal living.

Despite retiring from showbiz, Arnaz occasionally appeared on TV and published his autobiography, A Book, in 1976, which offered candid insights into his life and career.

Death and Legacy

Arnaz passed away from lung cancer on Dec. 2, 1986, at the age of 69. True to his love of the sea, his ashes were scattered in the Pacific Ocean. His legacy endures not only through I Love Lucy but also in his contributions to the television industry and the vibrant life he led in Del Mar.

Even after stepping away from Hollywood, Arnaz’s heart remained in Del Mar. Whether cheering on a winning horse, hosting lively gatherings filled with Cuban music and laughter, or simply enjoying the ocean breeze, he had found a place where he could be more than just Ricky Ricardo—he could be Desi.

Today, his influence is still celebrated in Hollywood and beyond, with honors such as the Television Academy Hall of Fame recognizing his groundbreaking work.

Fun Facts About Desi Arnaz

• Arnaz popularized the conga line in America, turning it into a dance craze during the 1940s.
• He was the first actor of Latin descent to play a lead role on American television.
• Del Mar’s racetrack was often named Stakes in his honor to celebrate his contributions to horse racing.

Debbie L. Sklar is a long-time contributing editor to the Times of San Diego. For more historical stories about Hollywood’s Golden Age visit here.

Sources

1. Biography.com, “Desi Arnaz Biography.” www.biography.com
2. Smithsonian Magazine, “How Desi Arnaz Changed Television Forever.” www.smithsonianmag.com
3. San Diego History Center, “Del Mar Racetrack History.” www.sandiegohistory.org
4. NPR, “Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz: A Love Story of Laughter and Tears.” www.npr.org
5. New York Times, “Desi Arnaz’s Life in His Own Words.” www.nytimes.com
6. Variety, “Desi Arnaz’s Legacy: A Pioneer of Television.” www.variety.com
7. Los Angeles Times, “Desi Arnaz’s Impact on Entertainment and Beyond.” www.latimes.com