Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz were more than just television’s golden couple — they were business pioneers who built one of Hollywood’s most successful entertainment empires. Their groundbreaking sitcom I Love Lucy made them household names, but behind the laughter, their marriage faced mounting challenges. When the couple divorced in 1960, the split not only ended a personal partnership but also reshaped the future of their shared business empire, Desilu Productions. Looking at Desi Arnaz’s net worth offers insight into what Lucille Ball walked away with — and how she ultimately became one of the most powerful women in Hollywood.
The Wealth of a TV Power Couple
At the height of I Love Lucy’s success, Ball and Arnaz were among the highest-paid stars on television. Their joint company, Desilu Productions, was revolutionary, producing not only their own series but also other iconic shows like The Untouchables and later Star Trek. By the late 1950s, their combined wealth placed them among Hollywood’s elite.
Desi Arnaz’s net worth at the time was estimated at several million dollars — a substantial fortune for the era. Much of that wealth was tied to Desilu, real estate, and royalties from I Love Lucy. Arnaz, who served as the studio’s president, oversaw the business side, while Ball was increasingly seen as the creative force.
The Divorce Settlement
When Lucille Ball filed for divorce in 1960, citing years of tension and Arnaz’s personal struggles, the division of assets became a defining moment. Rather than engage in a prolonged legal battle, Arnaz agreed to give up control of Desilu Productions to Ball. This decision was monumental — not just financially but historically.
Ball’s acquisition made her the first woman to head a major Hollywood studio. While exact dollar figures from the settlement remain private, industry insiders note that Arnaz’s decision effectively transferred millions of dollars in assets, production contracts, and intellectual property rights to Ball. She became the sole owner of Desilu, a move that gave her enormous power and wealth in the years that followed.
Lucille Ball’s Rise After the Split
After the divorce, Desilu Productions thrived under Ball’s leadership. She oversaw a slate of influential shows, including Star Trek and Mission: Impossible, solidifying her reputation as a savvy businesswoman as well as a comedy legend. Eventually, she sold Desilu to Gulf+Western (then the parent company of Paramount) for a reported $17 million in 1967 — a massive payday that further cemented her financial security.
While Arnaz stepped away from Hollywood’s spotlight, his earlier decision to hand over Desilu ensured Ball’s legacy as one of the most powerful women in entertainment history. By the time of his death in 1986, Arnaz’s net worth was estimated at around $20 million, while Ball’s career and business ventures had made her fortune even larger.
More Than Money
Though their marriage ended in divorce, both Ball and Arnaz remained deeply tied by their shared legacy. Their professional empire, born out of I Love Lucy, transformed television and set new standards for production, syndication, and ownership in the industry.
Ultimately, the division of wealth during their divorce tells a larger story: Arnaz’s fortune provided Ball with the opportunity to expand her influence, proving that she was more than just a comedic star. She was a trailblazer who turned heartbreak into history-making success.
