Desi Arnaz’s story is so often told in conjunction with Lucille Ball’s–after all, they were a Hollywood power couple, television pioneers, and truly groundbreaking in their depictions of married life in I Love Lucy–not to mention being in charge of Desilu, their production studio. Apart from one another, they each made their mark on the entertainment industry and came to Hollywood with backgrounds that were exceptionally different.
Todd S. Purdum’s Desi Arnaz: The Man Who Invented Television is the latest biography about Arnaz, delving into not only Arnaz’s upbringing as a Cuban aristocrat and his in the United States after his family lost everything in the Cuban Revolution, but also examining the major impact he had upon television when he reinvented himself as a musician and entertainer. His romance with Ball also led to an iconic comedy pairing that still entertains viewers to this day.
In addition to portraying Ricky Ricardo in I Love Lucy and taking on various film roles, Arnaz was also talented behind the camera, handling difficult business scenarios strategically and pioneering methods for television filming still used to this day.
Purdum’s book is not to be missed by fans of I Love Lucy and Arnaz’s work. Moreover, it’s a perfect read in anticipation of the expanded edition of Arnaz’s autobiography, A Book, to be released in 2026.
Desi Arnaz: The Man Who Invented Television is available for purchase via Simon & Schuster.
Hometowns to Hollywood 