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Ricardo Montalban, RIP

goodbye boss…

Fantasy Island

Ricardo Gonzalo Pedro Montalbán Merino (November 25, 1920 – January 14, 2009) was a Mexican television, theatre, and film actor. He had a career spanning decades and multiple notable roles. During the late 1970s, he was the spokesperson in automobile advertisements for the Chrysler Cordoba (in which he famously extols the “Corinthian leather” used for its interior). From 1977 to 1984 he starred as Mr. Roarke in the television series Fantasy Island. He also played the villainous Khan Noonien Singh in both the 1967 “Space Seed” episode of the first season of the original Star Trek series, and the 1982 film Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. He won an Emmy Award in 1978, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Screen Actors Guild in 1993. Up until his 80s, he continued to perform, often providing voices for animated films and commercials. [Wikipedia]

CNN says, “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.”

He could sing and dance too. RIP Ricardo. Various videos below…

Ricardo Montalbán – Chihuahua Choo Choo

Fantasy Island TV Show Opening Theme Season One 1978

Wrath of Khan

Herve Villechaize sings too. (why not?)

Fantastic Duo! – Cyd Charisse and Ricardo Montalban