By Kayla DeKraker
NCIS star Wilmer Valderrama explores the life of one of his favorite actors, I LOVE LUCY’s Desi Arnaz, in a new audio series.
Valderrama hosts “Starring: Desi Arnaz & Wilmer Valderrama,” a 10-part podcast series that explores the life, career and cultural influence of iconic entertainer. It recently premiered on iHeartMedia’s My Cultura Podcast Network.
Valderrama told The Hollywood Reporter that his love of Arnaz began a long time ago.
“I wanted to be like him, I wanted to dress like him and be an entertainer like him. I knew I could because his name was Ricky Ricardo and he kind of looked like me,” he explained. “I became very obsessed with learning everything about I LOVE LUCY and everything he did professionally through his production company, Desilu Productions.”
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He continued, “Yes, he was entertaining, but I gained a new level of appreciation for him because he built something and made things happen for himself at a time when others would not have been given the same opportunities to lead on an entrepreneurial level like he did.”
Valderrama explained that Arnaz’s life inspired him to work hard and follow his dreams.
“He was an example for me to say that if I wanted to get in the game that I needed to put on my own jersey and walk on the field and start playing. I couldn’t wait for anybody to invite me to the party,” he said. “I learned from Desi — through all of the interviews, conservations, books and research that we compiled — that if you said you were going to do [a project], then do it and be intentional. He was going to hold you accountable until it got done.”
In a separate interview with iHeart Media, Valderrama explained how Arnaz paved the way for others.
“As a young boy growing up in Venezuela, it was Desi Arnaz and his unapologetic Cuban accent on a major television show that gave me permission to dream of entertaining audiences around the world. Without him, so many of us would have stopped trying a long time ago,” he explained. “This podcast is a love letter to the man who revolutionized our industry, with contributions that continue to shape and sustain the television business today. I’m so excited to partner with iHeart and the My Cultura Podcast Network to celebrate his legacy.”
Valderrama announced the new project in a post to his Instagram account. People in the comment section shared their excitement.
“Two all-time favorites and inspirations! I’m hooked and it hasn’t even started yet!” one person said. Another person added, “I can’t wait to listen!”
The new series premiered Oct. 15 and is available to listen to now.
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