Desi Arnaz

Desi Arnaz (March 2, 1917 – December 2, 1986) was a Cuban-born American actor, bandleader, and film and television producer. He is best known for his role as Ricky Ricardo on the sitcom I Love Lucy, where he co-starred with his wife Lucille Ball. Arnaz and Ball are credited with pioneering the syndicated rerun format with the show. They co-founded and ran the production company Desilu Productions, initially to market I Love Lucy. Arnaz went on to produce other successful television series such as The Ann Sothern Show and The Untouchables. He was also the bandleader of the Desi Arnaz Orchestra and popularized the conga line in the United States.