The crossword solution for the term FIRST NAME IN EARLY TV is DESI. Desi Arnaz was an American actor, musician, and television producer. He is best known for his role as Ricky Ricardo in the 1950s television series I Love Lucy, which he co-starred with his then-wife Lucille Ball. He was also the co-creator of the show and served as its executive producer. He was a pioneer in the development of multi-camera productions and was the first to use two cameras to film a sitcom.