At a Glance
- Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz’s legacy lives on through five grandchildren: Julia, Haley, Simon, Joseph and Kate.
- Their first child, Lucie Désirée Arnaz, was born July 17, 1951.
- Desi Arnaz Jr. followed Jan. 19, 1953, a birth that was staged on I Love Lucy.
- Why it matters: The couple’s family story shows how personal triumphs and struggles shaped a generation of entertainers.
Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz’s legacy lives on through their children, Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz Jr., and their grandchildren, Julia, Haley, Simon, Joseph and Kate. Their journey to parenthood began in 1951 with the birth of Lucie Désirée Arnaz. “They were dying to have a family as soon as they got married,” Lucie told The Desert Sun in 2018 of her parents, who wed on Nov. 30, 1940.
Early Family Challenges
In the first decade of their marriage, Ball faced two miscarriages, according to an interview with The Washington Star in 1980. “For me, the birth of a child, it was a miracle,” she told the newspaper about welcoming her firstborn.
Lucie’s birth came just six weeks before Ball began work on I Love Lucy. “My mom was a working mom,” Lucie recalled. She grew up with her parents often away from home.
The Births of Lucie and Desi Jr.
- Lucie Désirée Arnaz: Born July 17, 1951.
- Desiderio “Desi” Alberto Arnaz Jr.: Born Jan. 19, 1953.
Desi Jr. clarified that he was born on a Monday morning and the I Love Lucy episode aired that night. “Many people thought that I was born on the air,” he told the Los Angeles Times in 1991.
Both children carried on the family’s entertainment legacy, but their paths diverged.
Lucie Arnaz’s Career and Family
Lucie began performing in garage shows at age 9, prompting Ball to build her a stage. She later starred in high-school productions and landed a role on Here’s Lucy as her mother’s on-screen daughter, Kim Carter, at 15.
After Here’s Lucy ended in 1974, Lucie pursued theater, starring in Annie Get Your Gun and They’re Playing Our Song in 1979. She met her future husband, Laurence Luckinbill, during the latter’s work on Chapter Two.
Marriage and Children
- Married Laurence Luckinbill: June 1980.
- Simon Thomas Luckinbill: Born Dec. 10, 1980.
- Joseph Henry Luckinbill: Born Dec. 31, 1981.
- Katharine “Kate” Désirée Luckinbill: Born Jan. 11, 1985.
Lucie has remained active in the arts, earning a Golden Globe nomination for The Jazz Singer and an Emmy in 1993 for Lucy and Desi: A Home Movie. She also produced the 2002 I Love Lucy 50th Anniversary Special.
Desi Arnaz Jr.’s Life and Career
Desi Jr. pursued music early, playing drums at age 4. He joined the band Dino, Desi & Billy, achieving a hit with “I’m a Fool” and opening for the Beach Boys.
Acting Highlights
- Here’s Lucy (1968-1972) as Craig Carter.
- Red Sky at Morning (1971) earned a Golden Globe nomination.
- The Mambo Kings (1992) as his father, Desi Sr.
- Executive producer of Being the Ricardos (2021).
Personal Life
Desi Jr. married actress Linda Purl in 1979; they divorced a year later. He later married Amy Laura Bargiel on Oct. 8, 1987. They adopted her adult daughter, Haley, and bought the Boulder Theatre.
Amy Bargiel died of cancer on Jan. 23, 2015.
Grandchildren Overview
| Grandchild | Birth | Notable Facts |
|---|---|---|
| Julia | 1970 | Mother: Susan Callahan-Howe. Reconnected with Desi Jr. in 1990s. |
| Haley | 1976 | Adopted by Desi Jr. after Amy’s marriage. |
| Simon | 1980 | Son of Lucie and Laurence. Painter and musician. |
| Joseph | 1981 | Musician, educator, studio owner. |
| Kate | 1985 | Actress and corporate recruiter. |
Julia Arnaz Massey
Julia, born to Susan Callahan-Howe in 1970, confirmed her paternity with a DNA test at 20. She later married, was widowed in 2012, and remarried Albert Massey. Julia lost her daughter, Desiree, to breast cancer at 31 and now advocates for awareness through the BCRF.
Haley Arnaz
Haley, born in 1976, was a ballerina in childhood and later became a quiet figure in the family. She authored children’s books about ballet.
Simon Thomas Luckinbill
Simon pursued music and art, holding exhibitions in Palm Springs and Coachella Valley. He celebrated his 40th birthday in 2020 with a heartfelt tribute from Lucie.
Joseph Henry Luckinbill
Joseph earned a bachelor’s in music, taught at schools, and built Fathom Studios. He released six albums with the band Plasm and welcomed a son, George Anthony, in 2021.
Katharine “Kate” Désirée Luckinbill
Kate followed her parents into acting, starring in Dracula (2010) and College Debts (2015). She works as a creative director at Desilu, Too.
Legacy and Impact
The Ball-Arnaz family’s story is one of perseverance, talent, and the intertwining of personal and professional lives. From Lucie’s theatrical successes to Desi Jr.’s musical ventures, each generation has carried forward the spirit of the original couple, ensuring that their legacy endures.
Key Takeaways
- The couple’s children were born in the early 1950s, a time of both joy and hardship.
- Lucie Arnaz expanded into theater, television, and production, while Desi Jr. blended music and acting.
- Their grandchildren continue the artistic tradition in various forms.
- The family’s narrative illustrates how fame can coexist with ordinary life, influencing future generations.
