< Conversation with a Curator

Desi Arnaz: The Man Who Invented Television

A Conversation with Biographer Todd Purdum
and Lucie Arnaz (via Zoom)

Thursday, July 31, 2025 
4:00 pm
The Paley Museum, 25 West 52 Street, NYC
Curator: Ron Simon

Desi Arnaz was a pioneering artist and entrepreneur who transformed the television landscape. Not only was he the first prominent Latino star in TV, but Arnaz revolutionized the industry by filming I Love Lucy before a live audience with synchronized cameras. Todd Purdum, the author of the recently acclaimed biography Desi Arnaz: The Man Who Invented Television, will explore the full scope of Desi’s contributions to the entertainment industry, as well as screen rare clips from the Paley Archive. Daughter Lucie Arnaz, an accomplished actress and singer, will join the session by zoom, and talk about her two new projects on her trailblazing father. Among the treasures that will be screened will be an early Arnaz appearance on Texaco Star Theater and the first appearance of Desi and Lucille Ball on primetime television.

Free for Paley Members, included in General Admission.
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