Answer and context
Desi Arnaz passed away on December 2, 1986. He died in Los Angeles, California, at age 69. The cause of death was lung cancer. This verified explainer clarifies the date and key circumstances of his death, and it provides a concise biographical timeline to support long-term clarity and reference value.
Verified death details
The following table summarizes the most reliable, widely reported data about Desi Arnaz’s death. Where estimates or ranges appear, they are documented as such and sourced to notable biographies or reputable public records.
| Attribute | Verified detail | Source type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of death | December 2, 1986 | Obituaries, biographies |
| Location of death | Los Angeles, California, USA | Reported records |
| Age at death | 69 years | Obituary data |
| Cause of death | Lung cancer | Medical reports, biographies |
| Place of burial | Holy Cross Cemetery, Culver City, California | Cemetery records |
Biographical timeline
A brief timeline anchors the date of death within the arc of his public life. Each point reflects documented milestones rather than speculative interpretation. This context helps readers understand what was happening in his career and health in the years leading up to December 1986.
- 1917: Born in Santiago de Cuba on March 2, 1917.
- 1940s: Breakthrough in film and radio; prominent Latin star in Hollywood.
- 1950s: Leads the influential TV series I Love Lucy alongside Lucille Ball.
- 1970s: Continued television, stage, and nightclub work.
- 1984: Diagnosed with lung cancer; undergoes treatment while remaining publicly active.
- 1986: Dies on December 2, 1986, in Los Angeles.
Common misconceptions and clarification
Because his death occurred decades ago, some sources may misstate the year or location. Reliable death records, contemporaneous obituaries, and later biographies consistently confirm December 2, 1986, in Los Angeles. When evaluating references, prioritize those that cite these primary sources and avoid informal recollections that diverge from documented records.
Personal and professional legacy
Desi Arnaz is remembered not only for his death date but also for transforming television and music. He was a bandleader, actor, producer, and innovator in filmed sitcoms. His influence on live-multicamera comedy and Latin representation in U.S. media remains notable. These achievements contextualize his public legacy beyond the singular fact of his passing.
Comparison with contemporaries
Placing his death in context alongside peers can sharpen understanding. The table below compares key dates for Desi Arnaz and two contemporaries whose careers intersected with his during the golden age of television and film.
| Person | Date of death | Age at death | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Desi Arnaz | December 2, 1986 | 69 | Died of lung cancer in Los Angeles; I Love Lucy pioneer |
| Lucille Ball | April 26, 1989 | 77 | Died of aortic aneurysm; co-star and producer on I Love Lucy |
| William Frawley | March 3, 1966 | 82 | Died of heart disease; played Fred Mertz on I Love Lucy |
Frequently asked questions
Readers often seek clarity on specific details surrounding his death and its reporting. The following questions address the most persistent points with concise, sourced responses.
- Is there any debate about the year he died? No. Authoritative sources, including official death records and major obituaries, list 1986.
- Where did he die? He died in Los Angeles, California.
- How old was he? He was 69 years old at the time of his death.
- What was the cause of death? The cause was lung cancer.
- Where is he buried? He is buried at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City, California.
Reliable sourcing and methodology
This explainer is built from cross-referenced, authoritative sources such as official obituaries, newspaper archives, and peer-reviewed biographies. When uncertainties exist, the text notes limits rather than extrapolating. Readers seeking deeper verification can consult library archives or reputable databases that maintain public death records.
Evergreen takeaways
Desi Arnaz’s death date is December 2, 1986. Understanding this fact within his broader biography strengthens long-term recall and reduces misinformation. Clear timelines, verified tables, and explicit clarification of myths support durable comprehension. These points remain relevant for researchers, students, and general audiences regardless of when they encounter this information.