The classic television show I Love Lucy became a household name due to the comedic abilities of Lucille Ball and the business acumen of her spouse, Desi Arnaz. Despite facing numerous difficulties throughout their 20-year marriage, including fame, alcohol addiction, and infidelity, the couple managed to make it work. It is said that Ball had an inkling of Arnaz’s unfaithfulness and when she was presented with an article regarding his extramarital activities on set, her reaction surprised those around her.
Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz had issues from the start
Ball and Arnaz’s relationship was tumultuous from the beginning. They met in 1940 while working on the film Too Many Girls and eloped that same year. However, due to their busy schedules, the couple rarely saw each other. Ball even filed for divorce in 1944 due to Arnaz’s drinking and infidelity but eventually reconciled. After multiple miscarriages, the couple welcomed their daughter Lucie in 1951.
The same year, CBS offered to turn Ball’s radio program into a television series, and Ball insisted that Arnaz play her husband on the show in order to keep a closer eye on him. Writer Bob Weiskopf stated that “She knew that if he went on the road with the band, he’d be catting around all the time. She wanted him at home, where she felt the marriage would have a better chance of lasting, which of course it did.”
Cast and crew of ‘I Love Lucy’ witness problems
The iconic sitcom “I Love Lucy” had audiences in stitches, but behind the scenes, the relationship between Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz was far from perfect. Despite their 20-year marriage, the couple faced numerous challenges, including fame, alcoholism, and infidelity.
