My dad and I used to watch Fantasy Island every week. We absolutely loved that show.  It may sound cliche, but they honestly don’t make purely entertaining television dramas anymore.  The kind you can sit back and enjoy with every member of the family.

Ricardo Montalban had such an amazing charisma and screen presence. I’m pretty sure if he were to read the phone book, I would have tuned in to watch – from A to Z.

Sadly, Mr. Montalban passed away Wednesday, January 14, 2009. He was 88 years old. His wife of 68 years, Georgianna, had passed away only last year. “He was in peace,” said his son-in-law Gilbert Smith. “He will be missed.” He is survived by four children and six grandchildren.

Ricardo Montalban was born in Mexico City, Mexico in 1920.

He worked passionately for the advancement of Spanish actors and actresses in Hollywood. He injured his back while filming Across the Wide Missouri in 1951.

In 1993, he was in surgery for over 9 hours as doctors tried to repair damage to his spine.  He was said to have been in constant pain.

A Few DID YOU KNOWS about Ricardo Montalban:
His wife Georgianna’s sister was Loretta Young.
Agreed to reprise his role of “Khan” in Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan (1982) for only $100,000 because he loved the role so much!
Is the only “Star Trek” movie villain who previously appeared on “Star Trek” (1966). He played Khan Noonien Singh in the “Star Trek” (1966) episode “Space Seed” and Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan (1982).
In 1970, he founded the non-profit organization “Nosotros” whose goal is “to help fulfill the goals of persons of Spanish-speaking origin in the motion picture and television industry.” (www.nosotros.org).
Best remembered by the public for his starring role as “Mr. Roarke” on “Fantasy Island” (1978).

After winning his Emmy for “How the West Was Won” in 1978, Ricardo Montalban said, “I don’t know about Mr. Roarke, but this certainly fulfills my fantasy. Thank you very much.”

Rest in perfect peace, Ricardo Montalban.

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