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The Hitman Who Claimed Desi Arnaz Was To Be Executed By The Mafia Because Of A TV Show
The Hollywood legend allegedly angered figures in the crime world because they believed a show he produced depicted Italian-Americans in a negative light
Musician and actor Desi Arnaz is best remembered for being the long-time husband and performing partner of Lucille Ball. However, he had a substantial career of his own of some renown that extended to many parts of the entertainment industry. He was so influential, that one Mafia hitman once claimed there was a plan to execute the Cuban-American star because he was the producer of the very popular TV show, The Untouchables — which the criminal organization felt depicted Italians in a bad way.
Born in 1917, after his family came to the United States when he was in high school, Arnaz went on to launch a career leading an orchestra, and acting. His multifaceted talent got the attention of people in Hollywood, giving him an opportunity to appear in a variety of movies.
Arnaz’s marriage (1940–1960) to Ball was another boon to his career. Their I Love Lucy show ran from 1951–1957 and proved to be wildly popular. The sitcom, which was produced by Arnaz, portrayed he and Ball as a fictionalized loving and…
