Suave Actor Dies At 88
Ricardo Montalban, one of the first Mexican-born actors to make it big in Hollywood, died Wednesday, January 14, 2009
at the age of 88.
He was best known for his roles as Mr. Roarke on Fantasy Island and the bad-guy, genetically altered Khan of Star Trek fame. His son in law, Gilbert Smith, said Montalban died Wednesday morning at his Los Angeles home of complications related to old age.
A Lengthy Hollywood Career
Ricardo Montalban’s acting career started in the 1940’s when he starred in a number of films with some of the greatest names in movies, including Clark Gable and Lana Turner. In the 1970’s film roles faded away, and that’s when he turned to the stage. Eventually he became familiar to millions as the host of Fantasy Island. Also in the 1970’s and ’80’s he became the commercial spokesman for Chrysler pushing the “soft Corinthian leather” found in the Cordoba. Just what is Corintian leather anyway.
Even though Ricardo Montalban was widely known for Fantasy Island and the Chrysler commercials, his most memorable performance came as Khan…
While making Fantasy Island Ricardo gave what many believe was one of his best movie performances. It was a follow up to a 1967 Star Trek TV episode featuring him as Khan Noonien Singh. He reprised the role in the 1982 film Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan. He will live forever in the now famous line from Captain Kirk….
Khaaaaaaaaaaaaaannnnnnnnnnnnnnnn!
Richardo Montalban, may you rest in peace.
Enjoy the show!
Dr. Rus
Dr. Rus has 30+ years experience in the field of communication. He takes this experience, and his passion to encourage others to positively effect their environment, when providing insight and movie reviews. 
Ricardo Montalban must have been a contender for Lady’s Man of the year at least a few times during his lifetime