Ricardo Montalban Biography

Actor. Born Ricardo Gonzalo Pedro Montalban y Merino on November 25, 1920 in Mexico City, Mexico. Though audiences might best remember him as Mr. Roarke, the suave host of the hit television series Fantasy Island, Montalban has had a long acting career spanning back to the 1930s.

Though born in Mexico, Montalban first worked as an actor on Broadway. He launched his film career in Mexico and returned to the U.S. in 1947 for his first leading role in the musical Fiesta opposite Cyd Charisse. The dark, handsome actor with the romantic Spanish accent would go on to play numerous Latin lover-type roles, including a memorable performance in the Ester Williams' musical water extravaganza On an Island With You in 1948. The following year, Montalban broke from his mold to play a border agent in the suspense drama Border Incident. He followed with another dramatic role in Battleground in 1949.

Montalban's television career was less consistent until 1976, when he earned an Emmy for his portrayal of a Sioux chief in the television miniseries How the West Was Won. And in 1978, he landed the Fantasy Island role that would launch him into bona fide stardom. In 1982, Montalban reprised his television role of Khan, Captain Kirk's nemesis, in a 1982 movie The Wrath of Khan.

Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s Montalban's career has slowed, though he has appeared periodically on television and in feature films. He also became noted as pitchman for Chrysler Cordobas, with his lilting praise for the cars' "rich Corinthian leather." His autobiography, Reflections: A Life in Two Worlds, was published in 1980.

Ricardo Montalban died on January 14, 2009 at his home. He was 88 years old. In a reaction to his death, Raul Yzaguirre, president of the National Council of La Raza stated, "I hope his spirit pervades more of Hollywood - the spirit of humility and excellence and giving back to the community and just plain decency... He was a marvelous human being, and an inspiration to be around."

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