Edith Mack Hirsch lived a life of quiet dignity, remembered today largely for her marriage to Hollywood legend Desi Arnaz. Yet her own story carries depth and warmth, even if much of it has been preserved in fragments. Born as Edith Mack McSkimming on April 15, 1917, in Illinois, she lived through an era of enormous change in American society before passing away on March 25, 1985, at the age of 67.
Quick Bio
| Full Name | Edith Mack McSkimming |
|---|---|
| Known As | Edith Mack Hirsch |
| Date of Birth | April 15, 1917 |
| Place of Birth | Illinois, USA |
| Date of Death | March 25, 1985 |
| Age at Death | 67 years old |
| Height | 5 ft 4 in (1.62 m) |
| Weight | 130 lbs (58 kg) |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Marriages | Clement L. Hirsch, Desi Arnaz |
| Children | None (Stepmother to Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz Jr.) |
| Net Worth (est.) | $12.5 million |
Early Life and Background
Very little is recorded about Edith’s childhood and family background. Her parents’ names and details of any siblings are not widely available in public records, which makes her story one of mystery as well as legacy. She grew up in Illinois, attending local schools, and it is said that from a young age she was thoughtful, compassionate, and drawn to helping others. This sense of kindness would become one of the defining features of her adult life.
Appearance and Personality
Edith was often described as modest and graceful in her appearance. She stood around five feet four inches tall and weighed approximately 130 pounds. With brown eyes and medium brown hair, her look reflected the classic, understated style of mid-century America. What shone brighter than her appearance, however, was her character. She was regarded as kind-hearted, gentle, and someone who valued privacy over fame. Those who knew her often remarked on her humanitarian spirit and willingness to help others.
Marriage to Clement L. Hirsch
Before her connection to Desi Arnaz, Edith married Clement L. Hirsch, a businessman who later became known as a successful thoroughbred racehorse owner. Their marriage eventually ended, though the details remain scarce. It marked the beginning of Edith’s journey that would later connect her to one of television’s most recognizable names.
Meeting Desi Arnaz
Edith’s life changed dramatically when she met Desi Arnaz, the Cuban-American actor, musician, and producer who became famous through his marriage and television work with Lucille Ball. Their paths crossed after Arnaz’s high-profile divorce, and they formed a bond that led to marriage on March 2, 1963. The wedding, held in Las Vegas, was a turning point for both of them. For Desi, it marked the beginning of a quieter chapter, and for Edith, it brought her into the sphere of Hollywood, though she preferred to live away from the spotlight.
Life as Desi Arnaz’s Wife
As Desi’s second wife, Edith provided him with stability and companionship during a period when he had already achieved fame and success. She stepped into the role of stepmother to Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz Jr., children from Arnaz’s marriage to Lucille Ball. Though she and Desi did not have children together, Edith was known to be caring and supportive within the blended family.
Her presence coincided with Desi’s decision to pull back from the relentless pace of show business. Many believe that Edith’s influence encouraged him to value personal life over public fame. Their marriage lasted for over two decades, and despite Arnaz’s celebrity, Edith continued to embody a quieter, more private way of living.
Lifestyle and Public Image
Unlike many celebrity spouses of her time, Edith never sought the limelight. She was not an actress or entertainer and instead devoted herself to personal passions and charitable causes. People close to her described her as having a humanitarian nature, always willing to contribute to causes that helped others. While she occasionally appeared in public alongside Desi, her lifestyle leaned toward privacy and simplicity.
She was remembered for her elegance in modesty. In an age when many connected to Hollywood were known for extravagance, Edith’s life was marked by restraint and dignity. She was never one to court fame, and in that way, she offered a strong balance to her husband’s larger-than-life public persona.
Wealth and Financial Standing
Edith’s financial profile is tied closely to that of her famous husband. Some estimates place her personal net worth near $12.5 million, though it is difficult to separate her independent finances from Desi Arnaz’s wealth. At the time of his death, Desi’s fortune was valued at around $20 million. For Edith, wealth was never her defining feature. Her life spoke more to comfort and security than to indulgence.
Later Years and Passing
Edith’s final years were marked by illness. She fought cancer and passed away in Del Mar, California, on March 25, 1985. The specific type of cancer was not disclosed publicly, but her death at age 67 ended a marriage that had lasted more than twenty years. Her passing deeply affected Desi Arnaz, who himself died less than two years later in December 1986, following his own battle with lung cancer.
Legacy and Memory
Edith Mack Hirsch is remembered not for a career in film or television but for the quiet impact she had on the life of a Hollywood icon. She represented steadiness, kindness, and a devotion to living with dignity. Her story is part of the larger narrative of Desi Arnaz’s life, but it also stands on its own as an example of a woman who valued humanity over headlines.
Today, Edith’s name still arises in connection with Desi Arnaz, but her life also speaks to the countless individuals whose stories are not told in full, yet whose presence shaped those around them. Her legacy endures in memory as someone who walked beside fame while never needing it for herself.
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FAQs
Did Edith Mack Hirsch have children?
No, she did not have children of her own. However, she was a stepmother to Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz Jr. from Desi’s first marriage to Lucille Ball.
What was Edith Mack Hirsch’s cause of death?
She passed away from cancer in 1985, though the exact type of cancer was never publicly disclosed.
How tall was Edith Mack Hirsch?
She stood around 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighed approximately 130 pounds, according to various sources.
What was Edith Mack Hirsch’s net worth?
Her net worth has been estimated at around $12.5 million, though much of this is tied to her marriage with Desi Arnaz.
When did Edith Mack Hirsch marry Desi Arnaz?
She married Desi Arnaz on March 2, 1963, in Las Vegas, and their marriage lasted until her death in 1985.
