Desi Arnaz appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, sitting down with Bob Hope and Don Rickles. The conversation took a lively turn as they discussed Desi’s career, including his iconic show I Love Lucy. Desi shared the story of how he started in the entertainment business and his journey to becoming one of the most powerful and influential men in the industry.
Desi’s career began around 25 years ago with I Love Lucy, and he chronicled his experiences in a book called “Strangely Enough, a Book” by Desi Arnaz. During the interview, Desi and Bob engaged in witty banter, with Bob playfully mocking Desi’s choice of book title as “a pencil.” They reminisced about the early days of their careers and the challenges they faced.
Desi revealed that he was in Cuba during the Cuban Revolution, and his family had deep roots in the country. He also mentioned his connection to Queen Isabella, who appointed his great-grandfather as the mayor of his hometown. Despite the language barrier, Desi maintained his Cuban accent while living in the United States, and Bob humorously noted that Desi still had trouble pronouncing certain words correctly.
The conversation then turned to Desi’s time as part of Bob’s band. Bob shared a story about how Desi initially struggled to deliver lines on the radio show but eventually became a master of comedy. Desi’s talent and hard work paid off, and he and Lucy became the king and queen of show business during their time together.
Desi discussed the challenges he faced in convincing the network to let him work with Lucy, as they initially hesitated to pair a Spanish-speaking actor with an established comedy star. However, Desi’s perseverance and the overwhelming positive response from audiences ultimately led to their successful collaboration. He expressed his gratitude to Bob for being like a mentor to him, saying that working with him was like going to comedy college.
Desi’s journey from being a musician and actor to becoming one of the biggest producers in Hollywood was truly remarkable. Despite facing initial resistance, Desi and Lucy’s show, I Love Lucy, became a massive success. Desi acknowledged Lucy’s immense talent, jokingly giving her 90% of the credit for the show’s success.
The interview concluded with Desi reflecting on his life in show business and the enduring popularity of I Love Lucy, which has continued to captivate audiences for over 25 years. Desi and Lucy’s on-screen chemistry and the timeless humor of the show have made it a classic that continues to entertain new generations of viewers.
Overall, Desi Arnaz‘s appearance on The Tonight Show with Bob Hope and Don Rickles provided a fascinating glimpse into his illustrious career and the enduring legacy of I Love Lucy. The interview was filled with lively conversation, humor, and behind-the-scenes anecdotes, making it a must-watch for fans of classic television.
Originally aired on March 4, 1976
