Many may just remember him from the show, “Fantasy Island,” but Ricardo Montalban was a classic movie star before that. It was sad to hear that he passed yesterday at the age of 88. Montalban paved the way for many future Latino actors in Hollywood such as, Edward James Olmos, who said, “He was a stellar artist and a consummate person and performer with a tremendous understanding of culture … and the ability to express it in his work.” I have to agree.
Back in the 40’s Montalban starred in many films alongside names like Clark Gable, and Lana Turner. He had other roles during the 50’s and 60’s. By the 70’s, roles were scarce for him, so he turned to stage and later TV. TV is what made him a memorable star as Mr. Rouke in Fantasy Island. How can we forget the famous line, “Welcome to Fantasy Island,” delivered with a most beautiful Spanish accent? A line only Montalban could deliver with finesse. It was during his time in Fantasy Island that he gave one of his best performances as Khan Noonien Singh in the 1982 movie “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.” This was a follow-up to a much loved episode of TV’s Star Trek in 1967, which Montalban starred in.
Montalban was a class act, suave, elegant, and a pioneer. He will be missed. Rest in peace.
One Response to “Cine Classics Remembers: Ricardo Montalban”
I was so sad to here this I use to watch him and Cyd Charisse dance together in old MGM films. I never found out that he was in Fantasy Island until recently.