RIP Ricardo Montalban
 

http://www. cnn. com/2009/SHOWBIZ/TV/01/14/ricardo. montalban/index. html

RIP to the hottest man ever in a star trek movie

LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- Actor Ricardo Montalban, star of the hit TV series "Fantasy Island," died Wednesday in Los Angeles, a family spokesman said.


Montalban, 88, was in deteriorating health over the past several days but "died peacefully" at 6:30 a.m. at his home, son-in-law Gilbert Smith said.


He understood "it was his time," Smith said. The cause of death was not given.


Montalban rose to prominence as one of the most visible Hispanic actors in post-war Hollywood in the 1950s and 1960s. But his star grew as he took on television roles as the mysterious host Mr. Roarke on the hit drama "Fantasy Island" and as Captain Kirk's archnemesis Khan Noonien Singh in "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.
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Born in Mexico City, Mexico, on November 25, 1920, Montalban knew at an early age that he wanted to be an actor. He moved to Hollywood as a teenager, and his first big break came when he was cast in a small part in a 1941 play, Tallulah Bankhead's "Her Cardboard Lover.
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After starring in 13 Spanish-language films in Mexico, Montalban made his American feature film debut in 1947 in "Fiesta.
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Montalban became a member of the MGM stable and was often cast in the role of the steamy Latin lover opposite such female stars as Lana Turner and Esther Williams.


While working on "Across the Wide Missouri" with MGM's biggest star, Clark Gable, Montalban suffered an injury to his spinal cord that, despite surgery, would plague him for decades to come, according to Turner Classic Movies.


It was during this early stage in his career that Montalban dedicated himself to changing Hollywood's stereotypes of Latinos.


"When I first came to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer under contract in 1945, that's when the image was at its worst," Montalban said. "They didn't realize that by trying to be colorful, they were very insulting.
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Montalban played a wide range of film roles over the years, often relishing the chance to play in comedies.


As he approached midlife in the 1960s, Montalban made numerous guest appearances on television shows including "The Untouchables" and "The Lieutenant," eventually landing a recurring role as Damon West on the popular medical drama "Dr. Kildare.
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During this period, Montalban secured his place in science-fiction history playing the evil but charismatic Khan in the first season of "Star Trek.
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Montalban's dignified demeanor and rich accent added flair to the small screen on a number of television shows. It also established him as a popular pitchman for Maxwell House Coffee and Chrysler.


It was the role of the wise and benevolent Mr. Roarke on the 1970's hit TV series "Fantasy Island" that perhaps earned Montalban his greatest number of fans, something he called "very rewarding." iReport. com: Share your memories of Montalban

But he said he tired of hearing fans shouting "Zee plane, zee plane" when they saw him. The line was featured in the show's opening credits by another character, Tattoo.


"They think they are the only ones that thought of saying that," he told CNN during the 1990s. "People mean well, but the joke gets a little tired at times.
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Montalban never tired of fighting for the rights of Latinos in Hollywood. For almost 20 years, he served as president of Nosotros, an organization he founded for the advancement of Hispanics in the entertainment industry.


"The ideals of Nosotros continue. As our community of Latinos in show business increases, so will our participation in all of the many aspects of our industry," he said in 1987.

RIP Mr. Roarke.

Khaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan!

You literally beat me to that by less than ninety seconds.

Hah, wish I had been here a few hours ago. I sent that (Khaaaaaan) as a text message to all my friends when I heard about this on the radio.

Rest in peace mano! Seriously, Fantasy Island scared me when I was a kid. Made me pee in my Spider-man underoos
when he went up against what I remember was the Devil, I think.

My gallery of badass personal heroes is quickly dwindling.

At least he lived long and prospered with many a bitch.

His casket will be lined with fine Corinthian leather...

It's good to see the same old jokes making the web rounds. ;)

Thank you for being the first to own up to that. I, too, was scared of Fantasy Island as a kid, but continued to watch. :thumbsup:

RIP, RM. You were a good man and actor.

"Revenge is a dish, best served cold ..."

For her sake, I spit my last breath at thee....

Smiles everyone smiles!!!!!

RIP man...

I remember him mostly as the circus owner in Planet of the Apes movie series.

My fave hidden jewel in Montalban's crown is his work in "Battleground." He played one of the Airborne troops that gets surrounded by the Germans in the Battle of the Bulge. Excellent work on his part in a great flick. Check it out when you can.

And Sadistik, it's rich Corinthian leather. :)

I first heard about his passing at work while reading the paper, the only thing I could do is turn to a co-worker who is a huge trek fan and the following ensued.

Me: Hey did you hear who passed away?
Him: No, who?
Me: Khaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan!

Me too.

I was sad when they killed him in Conquest of the Planet of the Apes. Now I am just as sad.

Actually, Montalban's character in Conquest of the Planet of the Apes killed himself. He selflessly jumped out the window of a high-story building, to avoid interrogation under a truth-telling machine, and thus he avoided revealing the identity of Caesar, the intelligent/talking chimpanzee.

Yea, still it was their fault.

Nice to know others like the Planet of the Apes movie series.

Actually you are both wrong. It's soft Corinthian leather.


And I was particularly happy with his work on Freakazoid.