When people hear the name Arnaz they almost always think of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz the famous couple behind I Love Lucy.. There’s another Arnaz who deserves attention. Amy Arnaz. She was part of that family through her marriage to Desi Arnaz Jr., the couples son. Amy built a life on her own terms. As a professional ballerina, a teacher, a childrens book author and a loved figure in small-town Nevada.
This article is about Amy Arnazs life: her childhood, dance training her first marriage and motherhood how she met and married Desi Arnaz Jr., their life in Boulder City and the legacy she left behind after her death from brain cancer in 2015. I want to tell her story and with respect.
Who Was Amy Arnaz?
Amy Arnaz was born Amy Laura Bargiel on September 12 1951 in Chicago, Illinois. Her parents were Charles and Libby Kral Bargiel. She grew up with a brother, Tom Bargiel and a sister, Lisa Bargiel. Amys family valued education and the arts.
Amy loved ballet from an age. She studied at San Diego State University under Dame Sonia Arova at the San Diego Ballet Company. This training helped her have a career in performance, teaching and writing.
Some key facts about her life:
- She was born on September 12 1951 in Chicago, Illinois.
- Her parents were Charles and Libby Kral Bargiel. She had a brother and sister.
- She trained in ballet at San Diego State University under Dame Sonia Arova.
- She was already a dancer before she married Desi Arnaz Jr.
A First Marriage and Early Motherhood
Before meeting Desi Arnaz Jr. Amy built another important part of her life. In 1975 she married Gary Frederick Charf. The year on December 17 1976 she had a daughter, Haley Arnaz. Haley became the center of Amys life and creative work.
Amys first marriage didn’t last. She and Gary Charf divorced in 1979, when Haley was young. Amy took care of her daughter. Continued her dance career.
Some details from this time:
- She married Gary Frederick Charf in 1975.
- Their daughter, Haley Arnaz was born on December 17 1976.
- The marriage ended in divorce in 1979.
- Amy kept working as a dancer and teacher while raising her daughter.
A Spiritual Community and a Slow-Building Romance
Amy met her husband, Desi Arnaz Jr. through the New Life Foundation. This group focused on growth and simple living. Amy and Desi were both part of the group. Became friends. Over time their friendship turned into a relationship.
Their relationship developed slowly which is different from the paced romances in Hollywood. They connected over shared values and a calm approach to life.
Marriage to Desi Arnaz Jr.
After three years of dating, Amy and Desi Arnaz Jr. Married on October 8 1987. The ceremony was officiated by Guy Finley, a minister from the New Life Foundation.
The wedding had 150 guests, including Lucille Ball and Lucie Arnaz. After the wedding Amy took her husbands name and became Amy Arnaz. Desi adopted Amys daughter, Haley who also took the Arnaz surname.
Key facts about their marriage:
- They married on October 8 1987 after three years of dating.
- The ceremony was officiated by Guy Finley.
- 150 guests attended including Lucille Ball and Lucie Arnaz.
- Desi adopted Amys daughter, Haley.
Life in Boulder City, Nevada
After their marriage Amy and Desi split their time between Beverly Hills and Boulder City, Nevada. They eventually settled in Boulder City, where they built a life and did community work.
In 1997 Desi bought the Boulder Theatre, a cinema. The couple restored it. Turned it into a live performance venue. This theatre became home to the Boulder City Ballet Company, which they helped found.
Amy combined her love of dance with community service. She trained dancers and helped build a cultural institution in Boulder City.
Some points about their work in Boulder City:
- Desi bought and restored the Boulder Theatre in 1997.
- The couple co-founded the Boulder City Ballet Company.
- Amy founded her dance studio, Dance Etc.
- They became members of the Boulder City community.
A Dance Teacher Known as “Miss Amy”
In Boulder City Amy became known as “Miss Amy.” Her students and their families loved her. She was remembered for her style and warmth.
Amys teaching was about more than dance steps. It was about building confidence and joy in her students.
She trained students who went on to pursue dance professionally. Her community work was recognized with the Spirit of Nevada Award. Acknowledgment from the United States Congress.
Some points about her teaching legacy:
- She founded Dance Etc. a studio for students.
- She co-founded the Boulder City Ballet Company.
- She was known as “Miss Amy” in the community.
- She received awards for her contributions to the community.
A Writer Well as a Dancer
Amy also became a published author. She wrote a trilogy of childrens books called the ” Haley Stories.” These books were inspired by her daughter, Haley.
The books drew from events in Haleys childhood. Amy blended her passion for dance with her role, as a mother.
Animal. Community Involvement
Amy Arnaz helped her community in ways. She worked with her husband to save elephants that had lost their parents because of the ivory trade. They also helped cats and stray dogs in their local community.
A Kind and Caring Person
Amy was a woman with a heart of care and compassion. She was always involved in her community and her values were clear in everything she did. She loved dance and writing. She also loved helping others.
Illness and Passing
In January 2013 Amy got some news: she had brain cancer. Even though she was very sick she stayed strong and caring towards those around her. Amy Arnaz passed away on January 23 2015 at the age of 63. She was married to Desi Arnaz Jr. For 28 years.
Her passing was deeply felt in Boulder City. On March 6 2015 people gathered at Bicentennial Park to honor her memory. They released balloons into the sky, which was a light-hearted tribute to reflect Amys joyful personality. Flowers were also placed at the Boulder Theatre, which Amy had helped build into a community institution.
Why Amy Arnazs Story Still Resonates
People are still interested in Amy Arnaz for reasons:
- She was married to Desi Arnaz Jr., whose parents created the famous TV show I Love Lucy.
- She was a ballerina, teacher and author which makes her story interesting and meaningful.
- Her lasting marriage to Desi Jr. Is an inspiration, especially in an industry where marriages are often short-lived.
- Her impact on the Boulder City community is still felt today with the Boulder City Ballet Company and memories of her students keeping her legacy alive.
A Life Defined by Purpose, Not Fame
Amy Arnazs story shows that you can be connected to a family without being defined by it. She built her identity through ballet, teaching, writing and community service. Her legacy lives on through the Boulder City Ballet Company, her childrens books and the memories of her students.
Key Takeaways
- Amy Arnaz was born on September 12 1951 in Chicago, Illinois.
- She trained as a ballerina. Had a successful career as a dancer and teacher.
- She was married to Desi Arnaz Jr., son of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz.
- She co-founded the Boulder City Ballet Company and wrote a trilogy of childrens books.
- She passed away on January 23 2015 after a battle with brain cancer.
The Significance of Joining the Arnaz Family
When Amy married Desi Arnaz Jr. In 1987 she joined a family in American entertainment history. However she handled this connection with grace. Didn’t let it overshadow her own identity and career.
Balancing Two Worlds: Hollywood Roots and Small-Town Life
Amy and Desi Jr. Chose to build their life in Boulder City, Nevada than staying in Los Angeles. They invested in their community restoring a theater and founding a ballet company.
A Model for Blended Family Life
Amys family life is an example of blended-family dynamics. She brought her daughter, Haley into her family and Desi Jr. Adopted her. This shows a commitment to building a family.
A Legacy That Continues to Grow
Amys influence is still felt in Boulder City. The Boulder City Ballet Company continues to operate. Her written legacy lives on through her childrens books. The way her community remembered her with balloons and lightness shows the kind of presence she had in peoples lives.
Final Thoughts
Amy Arnazs life shows that you can be connected to a family while still building your own identity. She was an caring person who made a lasting impact, on her community. Her story reminds us that genuine impact has little to do with fame and everything to do with caring for others.
Who was Amy Arnaz?
Amy Arnaz was a ballet dancer.
She also taught dance. Wrote childrens books.
People mostly know her as the wife of Desi Arnaz Jr.
Desi Arnaz Jr. Is the son of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz.
How did Amy Arnaz meet Desi Arnaz Jr.?
Amy Arnaz met Desi Arnaz Jr. Through a group called the New Life Foundation.
The New Life Foundation was based on the teachings of Vernon Howard.
They started as friends. Then became a couple over several years.
When did Amy Arnaz marry Desi Arnaz Jr.?
Amy Arnaz and Desi Arnaz Jr. Got married on October 8 1987.
150 People attended their wedding.
Some of the guests were Lucille Ball, Gary Morton and Lucie Arnaz.
Did Amy Arnaz have children?
Yes Amy Arnaz had a daughter.
Her daughters name is Haley Arnaz.
Haley was born in 1976.
Haleys father was Gary Frederick Charf.
Desi Arnaz Jr. Adopted Haley after he married Amy.
What was Amy Arnaz known for besides her marriage?
Amy Arnaz was a ballet dancer.
She was also a dance teacher.
Her students called her “Miss Amy.”
Amy Arnaz helped start the Boulder City Ballet Company.
She also started her dance studio called Dance Etc.
Amy Arnaz wrote three childrens books.
The books were inspired by her daughters childhood.
How did Amy Arnaz die?
Amy Arnaz died on January 23 2015.
She was 63 years old.
Amy Arnaz had brain cancer.
The cancer was first diagnosed in January 2013.
Where did Amy Arnaz and Desi Arnaz Jr. Live?
Amy Arnaz and Desi Arnaz Jr. Lived in two places.
One place was Beverly Hills, California.
The other place was Boulder City, Nevada.
They liked Boulder City. Fixed up the old Boulder Theatre.
What is Amy Arnazs lasting legacy?
Amy Arnazs legacy lives on through the Boulder City Ballet Company.
Her childrens books are still around.
She helped young dancers during her career.
Amy Arnaz. Mentored many dancers.
She made a lasting impact, on them.
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