Have you ever heard of Amy Arnaz, the graceful woman who was married to Desi Arnaz Jr.? She wasn’t just the wife of a celebrity — she was a ballerina, a teacher, a mother, and a kind soul who touched many lives. People in her town loved her deeply, and her students admired her like a queen.
In this article, we’ll walk through the beautiful and inspiring life of Amy Arnaz, Desi Arnaz Jr.’s wife for nearly three decades. You’ll learn about her early years, her love for dance, how she met Desi, and how she built a life full of grace, love, and meaning. Let’s begin with where it all started.
Amy Arnaz Quick Bio
| Full Name | Amy Laura Bargiel |
| Nickname | Miss Amy |
| Date of Birth | September 12, 1951 |
| Place of Birth | Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| Date of Death | January 23, 2015 |
| Age at Death | 63 years old |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Ballerina, Dance Teacher, Author |
| Education | San Diego State University |
| First Husband | Gary Frederick Charf |
| Daughter | Haley Arnaz (born Haley Charf) |
| Second Husband | Desi Arnaz Jr. |
| Stepdaughter | Julia Arnaz |
| Known For | Dance career & marriage to Desi Jr. |
| Ballet Company | Boulder City Ballet Company |
| Notable Works | Little Haley Stories (book series) |
| Cause of Death | Brain cancer |
Who Was Amy Arnaz?
Amy Arnaz was a gentle and kind woman who lived a life full of love, art, and purpose. Most people knew her as the wife of Desi Arnaz Jr., the son of Hollywood legends Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. But Amy had her own identity too — she was a respected ballet dancer and a loved teacher.
She was called “Miss Amy” by her students. She dressed simply but elegantly, often wearing long skirts, a belt around her waist, her hair perfectly styled, and her signature lipstick. People admired her not just for how she looked, but for how she treated others — with respect, patience, and kindness.
Amy Arnaz’s Early Life and Family
Amy’s full name was Amy Laura Bargiel, and she was born on September 12, 1951, in Chicago, Illinois. She was raised in a loving family with her parents, Charles and Libby Bargiel, and her siblings, Tom and Lisa.
Even as a child, Amy had a warm spirit. She wasn’t loud or flashy. She liked calm places, creative things, and had a quiet strength. These early qualities stayed with her throughout life and helped shape her path as a dancer and teacher later on.
How Amy Fell in Love with Dance
Amy’s love for dance started when she was very young. She didn’t just like dancing — she truly felt connected to it. It gave her a way to express her feelings without using words.
She later studied ballet seriously and trained under Dame Sonia Arova at the San Diego Ballet Company. Amy didn’t just want to dance; she wanted to be great at it. Her teachers saw her talent and dedication, and Amy worked hard to follow her dreams.
Amy Arnaz’s Career as a Ballerina
After years of training, Amy became a principal dancer at the Nevada Dance Theatre, where she worked for ten years. She danced under the direction of famous choreographer Vassili Sulich.
Being a principal dancer meant Amy was often one of the leading performers on stage. She moved with elegance, and people could feel her passion in every step. She wasn’t just dancing — she was telling stories through movement. Her performances were full of beauty and emotion.
Amy Arnaz’s First Marriage and Daughter Haley
Before meeting Desi Arnaz Jr., Amy was married to a man named Gary Frederick Charf in 1975. Together, they had a daughter named Haley, who was born on December 17, 1976. Sadly, the marriage didn’t last, and the couple divorced in 1979.
Amy was now a single mother, but she didn’t let that stop her. She worked hard, stayed focused, and raised Haley with love and strength. Amy and Haley shared a special bond that only grew stronger over time — both loved ballet and would later share the stage and the studio.
Meeting Desi Arnaz Jr.
Amy and Desi’s love story didn’t start in Hollywood. In fact, it began at a quiet place called the New Life Foundation, a spiritual and self-growth organization. Amy was a student there, and Desi was a speaker for the group.
They met in the late 1970s or early 1980s, but they didn’t start dating right away. It took a few years for their connection to grow into something more. They both believed in peace, growth, and living a meaningful life — and that brought them closer.
Amy Arnaz and Desi Arnaz Jr.’s Wedding and Family Life
Amy and Desi got married on October 8, 1987, after three years of dating. It was a quiet and beautiful ceremony, led by Guy Finley, a minister from the New Life Foundation. There were around 150 guests, including Desi’s famous mother, Lucille Ball, her husband Gary Morton, and Desi’s sister Lucie Arnaz.
After the wedding, Desi adopted Haley and gave her his last name. Their small family now felt whole. Amy and Desi split their time between Beverly Hills, California, and Boulder City, Nevada, but they eventually settled in Boulder City — a peaceful town that suited Amy’s gentle spirit.
Amy Arnaz, Desi Arnaz Jr.’s Wife and Dance Mentor
Amy didn’t stop dancing after marriage. In fact, her love for ballet grew even more. Together with Desi, she bought and restored the Historic Boulder Theatre and turned it into the home of the Boulder City Ballet Company.
Amy became a full-time dance teacher. Her students called her “Miss Amy,” and they loved her deeply. She was patient, caring, and full of life. Some students were so touched by her kindness that they would curtsy to her at the store or church, not just in the studio. That’s how much she meant to them.
Amy as a Writer
Amy Arnaz wasn’t just a dancer and teacher — she also became a writer. She wanted to share the joy and lessons from her ballet world in a fun way. So, she wrote a set of children’s books called The Little Haley Stories.
These stories were based on real-life moments with her daughter, Haley, and the students at her studio. The three books — The Magic Tutu, Juliana Cuddles, and Clara’s Nutcracker — were sweet and meaningful. They helped children dream, imagine, and believe in themselves. Some of her young ballet students even helped draw the book covers.
The books were full of love, just like everything Amy Arnaz did. Being Desi Arnaz Jr.’s wife gave her a place in the spotlight, but it was her writing and teaching that truly showed her heart.
Amy Arnaz’s Final Years and Battle with Cancer
In January 2013, Amy was given heartbreaking news — she had brain cancer. Even with this illness, Amy stayed strong. She kept showing love, care, and hope to the people around her.
She passed away on January 23, 2015, at the age of 63. Her loss was deeply felt by her family, her students, and the entire town of Boulder City. She had been more than just Desi Arnaz Jr.’s wife — she had been a light in many people’s lives.
Amy always told others to keep dancing and to love each other. That’s how people remember her — not in sadness, but with warmth and joy.
How Boulder City Remembered Amy Arnaz
After Amy’s passing, the town came together to say goodbye in a beautiful way. On March 6, 2015, hundreds of people filled the sky with pink balloons to honor her life. It was not a sad event — it was full of love, music, and sweet memories.
There was a large banner with Amy’s picture and her favorite message: “Keep Dancing and Love.” Her daughter Haley stood with tears in her eyes and said she couldn’t believe how many people came to show their love. People had driven from far away, just to be there for Amy.
Desi Arnaz Jr. also made a 20-minute video, filled with family photos and clips from her dance recitals. It was touching and beautiful. It reminded everyone how full her life had been.
Amy Arnaz’s Legacy Lives On
Amy Arnaz may be gone, but her spirit is still alive — in the theater she helped build, in the books she wrote, and in the hearts of her students. Her love for dance, children, and kindness is still remembered today.
She was honored with the Spirit of Nevada Award, and even the 109th U.S. Congress recognized her amazing work in the community. Former students, like Jayme Server who danced at Disneyland, still talk about how “Miss Amy” made them feel welcome and special.
As Desi Arnaz Jr.’s wife, Amy Arnaz lived with grace, love, and a quiet strength. She didn’t chase fame, but she touched more lives than many celebrities ever could.
Final Thoughts
Amy Arnaz lived a life filled with love, purpose, and beauty. She followed her passion for dance and shared it with others in the most gentle and inspiring way. She raised a daughter, supported her husband, and built a beautiful world for her students and community.
Even in her final years, she stayed strong and full of light. Her story reminds us that it’s not about being famous — it’s about being kind, helpful, and true to yourself. Amy was all of that and more.
Today, in 2025, people still remember Amy Arnaz — not just as Desi Arnaz Jr.’s wife, but as a graceful woman who danced through life with love in her heart.
