Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball were not only one of Hollywood’s most iconic couples but also one of its most powerful business partnerships. Together, they co-created and starred in the groundbreaking sitcom I Love Lucy, which redefined television in the 1950s and established them as industry pioneers. Yet behind the laughter, their marriage faced deep struggles, culminating in a divorce in 1960 that shocked fans. Along with the emotional split came financial questions — just how much was Desi Arnaz worth, and what did Lucille Ball walk away with?
Desi Arnaz’s Net Worth at the Peak of His Career
At the height of I Love Lucy’s success, Arnaz was more than just an actor. He was a savvy businessman and co-founder of Desilu Productions, the company behind the show. Under his leadership, Desilu expanded beyond Lucy, producing major hits like Star Trek and Mission: Impossible. By the late 1950s, Arnaz had accumulated significant wealth, with his net worth estimated in the millions — a rare feat for television talent of the era.
Sources suggest that Arnaz’s fortune ranged between $10 million to $15 million (roughly equivalent to over $100 million today when adjusted for inflation). His earnings came from acting, producing, and owning one of the most powerful studios in Hollywood.
The Divorce Settlement
When Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz divorced in 1960 after two decades of marriage, their split made headlines worldwide. Court documents revealed that Lucille received a settlement that included a combination of cash and shared assets. Most notably, Ball negotiated ownership of Desilu Productions, effectively buying out Arnaz’s shares.
This move turned out to be a masterstroke. By taking full control of Desilu, Ball became the first woman to run a major Hollywood studio — and she later sold the company to Paramount in 1967 for $17 million (equivalent to over $150 million today). In the long run, Lucille’s divorce settlement didn’t just provide her with financial security; it solidified her status as a trailblazing businesswoman.
How the Split Affected Their Fortunes
While Arnaz retained considerable wealth after the divorce, his decision to step away from Desilu meant giving up control over what would become one of television’s most influential production companies. He later focused on smaller business ventures and enjoyed a comfortable lifestyle until his passing in 1986.
For Lucille Ball, however, the divorce marked the beginning of a new era. Owning Desilu gave her the power to greenlight projects and build an empire beyond her acting career. Her smart business decisions after the split ensured that her fortune grew even larger in the decades that followed.
More Than Money
Though the financial aspects of their divorce are fascinating, both Arnaz and Ball often emphasized that their split was about more than money. They remained deeply connected, especially as co-parents to their children, Lucie and Desi Jr. In later years, Ball acknowledged that while their marriage didn’t last, their love and respect for one another endured.
The Legacy of Their Partnership
Today, discussions of Desi Arnaz’s net worth and Lucille Ball’s divorce settlement serve as reminders of their extraordinary influence on Hollywood. Beyond the dollars and assets, their partnership created a television empire that continues to inspire. Ball’s acquisition of Desilu after the divorce was a pivotal moment not only in her career but also in entertainment history, setting the stage for future women leaders in the industry.
