Ravenous Wolf Posted January 15, 2009 Report Share Posted January 15, 2009 Ricardo Montalban dies at 88Jan. 14, 2009, 4:08 PM ESThttp://tv.msn.com/tv/article.aspx?news=347793>1=28103LOS ANGELES (AP) -- 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's death was announced at a meeting of the city council by president Eric Garcetti, who represents the district where the actor lived. Garcetti did not give a cause of death."The Ricardo Montalban Theatre in my Council District — where the next generations of performers participate in plays, musicals, and concerts — stands as a fitting tribute to this consummate performer," Garcetti said later in a written statement.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." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ravenous Wolf Posted January 15, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 15, 2009 I always thought he was an awesome, if not somewhat mysterious, actor... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
isislc Posted January 15, 2009 Report Share Posted January 15, 2009 I loved that man! When my mom was still living, she used to make us watch Fantasy Island all the time when we were kids. He looked mighty fine being 88 yrs old I'll tell ya. It was nice to see that he was still doing films with the Spy Kids series. He will be surely missed in the Hispanic community. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stefdr Posted January 15, 2009 Report Share Posted January 15, 2009 Kaaaaahhhhhhhhnnnnnnnn!!!!An incredibe actor, he will be missed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jestor151 Posted January 15, 2009 Report Share Posted January 15, 2009 It is a sad day indeed. He was truly an inspiration to me.My mom had this pain in the a$$ dog that used to bark constantly and was always chewing on everything...clothing, shoes, furniture, people....Anyway, I hated that dog. Hated it. I can't remember what his real name was, because I nicknamed him Retardo Montalban and it stuck. I think maybe his name was Lucky. Man I hated that dog. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
someonesomewhere Posted January 16, 2009 Report Share Posted January 16, 2009 He was great as grandfather in Spy Kids 2 and 3, then as Head of Council in Ant Bully. However, I think Khan was his greatest role.Married to the same woman for 63 years until her death just over a year ago.Even though he was confined to a wheelchair since '93, he continued to act.He will be missed. One of Hollywood's truly distinct and commanding voices. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ravenous Wolf Posted January 16, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 16, 2009 However, I think Khan was his greatest role.I always felt that too... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nascar Posted January 16, 2009 Report Share Posted January 16, 2009 I bought a Chrysler Cordoba because of him ... ... Corinthian leather. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goldbug Posted January 17, 2009 Report Share Posted January 17, 2009 I bought a Chrysler Cordoba because of him ... ... Corinthian leather.LOL! I bought a Cordoba as well. Found out recently that there is no such thing as "fine Corinthian leather". It was all just Madison Ave. BS!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.