R.I.P. Ricardo

[3113]

Ricardo Montalban, the Mexican-born actor who became a star in splashy MGM musicals and later as the wish-fulfilling Mr. Roarke in TV's "Fantasy Island," died Wednesday morning at his home, a city councilman said. He was 88.

...Montalban had been a star in Mexican movies when MGM brought him to Hollywood in 1946. He was cast in the leading role opposite Esther Williams in "Fiesta." He also starred with the swimming beauty in "On an Island with You" and "Neptune's Daughter." A later generation knew Montalban as the faintly mysterious, white-suited Mr. Roarke, who presided over an island resort where visitors were able to fulfill their lifelong dreams. "Fantasy Island" received high ratings for most of its 1978-1984 span on ABC television and still appears in reruns.

In a 1978 interview, he analyzed the series' success:

"What is appealing is the idea of attaining the unattainable and learning from it. Once you obtain a fantasy it becomes a reality, and that reality is not as exciting as your fantasy. Through the fantasies you learn to appreciate your own realities."

Rest of the story here.

http://onionzeta.files.wordpress.com/2007/09/islafantasia.jpg

I know he made his biggest mark in that white suit on Fantasy Island, but I still recall the amazement of people when he took on the role of Khan in Star Trek II, displaying his true acting talents. He really could play the range, from debonair gentleman to dastardly villain. He will be missed.

 

[ABSTRUSE]

He will be missed.

God, what a great voice he had........corinthian leather.

 

[impressive]

To the last, I will grapple with thee... from Hell's heart, I stab at thee! For hate's sake, I spit my last breath at thee!

RIP

 

[rgraham666]

To the last, I will grapple with thee... from Hell's heart, I stab at thee! For hate's sake, I spit my last breath at thee!

RIP

That was the first thing I thought of too.

 

[Carnevil9]

Look, de hearse, Boss, de hearse!!

 

[cloudy]

Look, de hearse, Boss, de hearse!!

You honestly think you have a sense of humor, don't you?

How sad.

 

[PositiveThinker]

I almost bought a Chrysler because of him, one with Corinthin leather. I bought a Pontiac instead (lol). Nonetheless, I wish him well wherever he is.

 

[werdsmith]

he was Khan in the original Star Trek series, which made reenacting the role that much better. RIP

-werd

 

[3113]

he was Khan in the original Star Trek series, which made reenacting the role that much better. RIP

What was astonishing was how he took that old, fairly cheezy role and turned it into a Shakesperian part. And looked better than he did in the original even though he was, I believe, in his 60's at the time.

 

[Xelebes]

Oh no! No! KHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNNNNNN!!!!!!!!!

 

[voluptuary_manque]

One of the great theatrical voices and talents. Te saludo, Ricardo.

 

[TheeGoatPig]

I'm another Kahn fan here. Naked Gun too. What a shame

 

[TE999]

Vaya con Dios Ricardo.

He was the personification of a suave, cultured gentleman. A true 70's icon.

 

[Guest]

Damn.

 

[christabelll]