Lunch Break Video: Birthday boy Desi Arnaz Jr. learns about the birds and the bees on “Here’s Lucy”

When a big star hires a family member for a key role in a TV series or movie (Sofia Coppolla in Godfather III for example) it can be a disaster for all involved. That was not the case when Lucille Ball hired her two real-life children, Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz Jr. to play her kids on her third sitcom, Here’s Lucy, which ran from 1968-74. The Arnaz kids had real showbiz genes and were terrific.

In this scene, Desi’s character of Craig listens as his uncle Harry (Gale Gordon) bumbles through trying to tell him the facts of life. As I watched this, it occurred to me: I’ll bet Uncle Harry was GAY! Only back then, you were known as a confirmed bachelor.

Desi Jr., who turns 57 years old today, became quite the heartthrob because of the show and being drummer for the band Dino, Desi and Billy. He is currently touring with a configuration of Dino, Desi & Billy called Ricci, Desi & Billy. It features Arnaz, Jr. reunited with Billy Hinsche, and joined by Ricci Martin (youngest son of Dean Martin). Dino was Martin’s older son who was killed in a plane crash.

Desi Jr. was also born the night Lucy Ricardo gave birth to little Ricky on his parent’s I Love Lucy series and received massive publicity.

That’s quite a way to enter this world!