Amy Laura Bargiel was a ballet dancer, dance teacher, and loving mother. Many people knew her as Amy Arnaz, the wife of Desi Arnaz Jr. He is the son of famous TV stars Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz.
But Amy had her own dreams. She loved dancing and spent many years teaching children. Her students called her “Miss Amy.” She was known for her kind heart and the care she gave to young dancers.
Amy married Desi Arnaz Jr. in 1987. They stayed together until her death in 2015. In this article, we will learn about her early life, parents, dance career, first husband, daughter, and love story.
Amy Laura Bargiel Quick Bio
| Full Name | Amy Laura Bargiel |
| Known As | Amy Arnaz, Miss Amy |
| Birthday | September 12, 1951 |
| Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Age at Death | 63 years |
| Death Date | January 23, 2015 |
| Cause of Death | Brain cancer |
| Parents | Charles and Libby Kral Bargiel |
| Siblings | Tom and Lisa Bargiel |
| Education | San Diego State University |
| Profession | Ballet dancer, teacher, writer |
| First Husband | Gary Frederick Charf |
| Second Husband | Desi Arnaz Jr. |
| Marriage | October 8, 1987 |
| Daughter | Haley Arnaz |
| Children With Desi | None |
| Books | Little Haley Stories trilogy |
| Award | Spirit of Nevada Award |
| Net Worth | Not publicly known |
| Home | Boulder City, Nevada |
| Famous For | Desi Arnaz Jr.’s wife and ballet work |
Who Was Amy Laura Bargiel?
Amy Laura Bargiel was born on September 12, 1951, in Chicago, Illinois. She was an American ballet dancer, teacher, and children’s book writer. She became well known after marrying actor Desi Arnaz Jr.
Amy loved ballet from a young age. She worked hard to become a good dancer. Later, she started teaching children and helping them learn new dance steps. Her work made her a loved teacher in Boulder City, Nevada.
She was also a caring mother and wife. Amy spent much of her life with her family and dance students. Sadly, she died on January 23, 2015, at age 63. Her work is still remembered today.
Amy Laura Bargiel’s Early Life
Amy Laura Bargiel grew up in Chicago with her family. Her father was Charles Bargiel, and her mother was Libby Kral Bargiel. She also had a brother named Tom Bargiel and a sister named Lisa Bargiel.
Not much is known about her childhood or early school years. Amy kept many parts of her life private. However, she became interested in ballet and spent years learning how to dance. This love later became her career.
Amy was not born into a famous Hollywood family. She built her own life through hard work and dance. Her early years helped her grow into a skilled dancer who later shared her love of ballet with children.
Amy Laura Bargiel’s Education and Ballet Career
Amy studied at San Diego State University. She also learned ballet from Dame Sonia Arova at the San Diego Ballet Company. Her training helped her learn how to dance with skill and grace.
Later, Amy joined the Nevada Dance Theatre. She worked there as a lead dancer for ten years. During this time, she worked with Vassili Sulich, who helped guide her dance career. This was an important part of her life.
Ballet takes time and hard work. Amy spent many years learning new steps and performing on stage. She later used what she had learned to teach children. Even after getting married, she continued working with young dancers.
Amy Laura Bargiel’s First Husband and Daughter
Before marrying Desi Arnaz Jr., Amy was married to Gary Frederick Charf. They got married in September 1975. At that time, Amy was working on her dance career and building her family life.
On December 17, 1976, Amy gave birth to her daughter, Haley Charf. Haley became a big part of her life. Amy later shared her love for ballet with her daughter, who also grew up to become a dancer.
Sadly, Amy and Gary divorced on May 11, 1979. Haley was only two years old when her parents separated. Years later, Desi Arnaz Jr. adopted Haley after marrying Amy. Her name then became Haley Arnaz.
How Amy Laura Bargiel Met Desi Arnaz Jr.
Amy Laura Bargiel met Desi Arnaz Jr. through the New Life Foundation. This group helped people learn about life and personal growth. Amy was a student there, while Desi helped share the group’s ideas.
They first met around the late 1970s or early 1980s. However, they did not start dating right away. They knew each other for some time before their friendship slowly turned into love.
Desi was already famous because of his parents and his acting career. Amy was busy with ballet and teaching. They had different lives, but they shared an interest in learning and the arts. After dating for about three years, they decided to marry.
Amy Laura Bargiel and Desi Arnaz Jr.’s Wedding
Amy and Desi Arnaz Jr. married on October 8, 1987. About 150 guests came to their wedding. Guy Finley, a minister linked to the New Life Foundation, led the wedding. It was a special day for both families.
Desi’s mother, Lucille Ball, attended with her husband, Gary Morton. His sister, Lucie Arnaz, was also there. After the wedding, Amy and Desi did not take a honeymoon right away because they were both busy with work.
The couple first lived between Beverly Hills, California, and Boulder City, Nevada. Later, they made Boulder City their main home. They stayed married for more than 27 years until Amy died in January 2015. Their life together included family, dance, and helping young people follow their dreams.
Amy Laura Bargiel’s Children and Family Life
Amy Laura Bargiel was a loving mother to her daughter, Haley Arnaz. Haley was born on December 17, 1976, during Amy’s first marriage to Gary Frederick Charf. When Amy married Desi Arnaz Jr., he adopted Haley as his daughter.
Haley loved ballet just like her mother. She grew up learning dance and taking part in stage shows. In 2008, she played the older Clara and the Princess in the Land of Sweets in The Nutcracker. Amy shared her love of dance with Haley.
Amy and Desi did not have children together. Desi also had a daughter named Julia Arnaz from an earlier relationship. Amy became part of his famous family but kept most of her family life away from the public.
Amy Laura Bargiel’s Dance School and Theatre
Amy Laura Bargiel loved teaching children how to dance. She started a dance school called Dance Etc. in Boulder City, Nevada. She also helped start the Boulder City Ballet Company. These places gave children a chance to learn ballet.
Amy and Desi bought an old building called the Boulder Theatre. They fixed it and turned it into a place for dance shows. Children could dance on a real stage while their parents watched. This made many young dancers happy.
Her students called her “Miss Amy.” She was a kind teacher who cared about every child. She helped students learn new steps and feel good about themselves. Many people in Boulder City loved her for her work.
Amy Laura Bargiel’s Books and Awards
Amy Laura Bargiel also wrote books for children. She worked with her friend Ellen Dickstein on three books called Little Haley Stories. These books were based on real events from her daughter Haley’s life.
The books were The Magic Tutu, Juliana Cuddles, and Clara’s Nutcracker. They told stories about children, family, and ballet. Amy also used these stories to make dance shows for her students. Some children helped create pictures for the book covers.
Amy won the Spirit of Nevada Award for her work with children. Her work was also honored by the United States Congress. One of her students, Jayme Server, later became a dancer at Disneyland. Amy helped many children follow their dreams.
Amy Laura Bargiel’s Illness and Sad Death
Amy Laura Bargiel became very sick during the last years of her life. She had brain cancer. Some reports say doctors found her illness in January 2013. She faced a hard time while staying close to her family.
Sadly, Amy died on January 23, 2015, in Boulder City, Nevada. She was 63 years old. Her death was very sad for Desi Arnaz Jr., her daughter Haley, and her many students. People remembered her as a kind and loving woman.
On March 6, 2015, family and friends held a special event to remember Amy. People released pink balloons into the sky. Desi also shared a video with family pictures and dance shows. A large sign carried the words “Keep Dancing and Love.”
Final Thoughts
Amy Laura Bargiel worked as a ballet dancer, teacher, and book writer. She also helped run a dance school and worked with the Boulder Theatre. These were important parts of her life and career.
Many people want to know how much money Amy had. However, her exact net worth is not known. There are no trusted public records that show her total money or earnings. Any amount found online may only be a guess.
Amy left behind something more important than money. She helped many children learn ballet and enjoy dancing. Her students remembered her kindness and care. Even in 2026, her work is still an important part of her story.
(FAQs)
How did Amy Laura Bargiel die?
Amy Laura Bargiel died from brain cancer on January 23, 2015. Her death was a sad loss for her husband, daughter, and family.
What was Amy Laura Bargiel’s age and birthday?
Amy was born on September 12, 1951. She was 63 years old when she died. She would have been 75 years old in 2026.
What was Amy Laura Bargiel’s net worth?
Amy earned money as a ballet dancer, teacher, and writer. Her exact net worth is not known because she never shared it with the public.
Is Amy Laura Bargiel still alive in 2026?
Amy died on January 23, 2015. She is still remembered for her love of ballet and her work with children.
Where did Amy Laura Bargiel live before her death?
Amy lived in Boulder City, Nevada, with her husband, Desi Arnaz Jr. She spent many years there teaching ballet and helping young dancers.
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