First Patrick McGoohan and now Ricardo Montalban. Montalban died earlier today in Los Angeles. He was 88. He was best known for playing Mr. Roarke on the odd ABC show Fantasy Island. Actually, he was probably equally known for his role in Star Trek. He played Khan in a classic episode of the original series in the 60s, and later reprised the role in the big screen flick Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, arguably the best of the Trek movies. Though I also liked the one with the whales.
Montalban had a long career, appearing in such shows as The Man From U.N.C.L.E., The Wild, Wild West, I Spy, Gunsmoke, Hawaii Five-0, Here's Lucy, Dynasty, Murder, She Wrote (which seems to show up in every obit I write here), B.L. Stryker, Chicago Hope, and many more. He was in my favorite version of Wonder Woman. His last role was on an episode of Family Guy earlier this year. He also did a ton of movies, the first one being Five Were Chosen in 1942.
Coincidentally, like McGoohan, Montalban also played a killer on Columbo. He killed a guy with a bull.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
1-14-2009 @ 7:24PM
010111 said...
No. No, you can't get away. From hell's heart, I stab at thee. For hate's sake, I spit my last breath at thee.
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1-14-2009 @ 9:01PM
Jimmy said...
Laugh at me if you want, but Fantasy Island was a never-miss in my household while growing up. I actually enjoyed the series. However, Montalban will always be Khan Noonien Singh to me. The role could have been completely farcical, but Montalban turned Khan into a tragic figure; misunderstood rather than just being a megalomaniac obsessed with his version of Moby Dick.
On another note, your "favorite" Wonder Woman was complete crap. Cathy Lee Crosby as Wonder Woman! Come on! It completely butchered the whole concept.
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1-14-2009 @ 9:19PM
Scott H said...
Wow, as your first sentence says, first Patrick McGoohan, now Ricardo Montalban. Two impressive men who brought dignity and class to whatever role they played. Both will be missed.
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1-14-2009 @ 10:08PM
David said...
What I remember most about Montalban's television work in the 60s and 70s was how he was always cast in "ethnic" roles -- a Spaniard, an American Indian, an Arab, even men from Eastern Europe -- and never changed his voice. Whatever nationality he played, somehow he sounded right.
And yeah, two "Columbo" villains gone in the same day. I'm suddenly concerned about the health of Robert Culp.
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1-14-2009 @ 11:59PM
Elf said...
In case anyone ever wondered what kind of a person Ricardo Montalban was, please read this tribute by Mark Evanier: http://www.newsfromme.com/archives/2009_01_14.html#016521
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1-15-2009 @ 2:14PM
Mike DiTullio said...
What a great anecdote. Thanks for posting that.
1-15-2009 @ 1:53AM
Wii60 said...
KHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN!!!!!
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1-15-2009 @ 7:37AM
Jason said...
My dreams of having Khan return as Khan's father in the new JJ Abrams' Star Trek movies' future are dashed.
I hate it when the good ones go down. No one else could have played Vincent Ludwig as good as he did.
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1-15-2009 @ 8:56AM
Galley said...
Let's hope his casket is lined with fine Corinthian leather. He deserved it.
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1-15-2009 @ 8:59AM
Emland said...
I have always enjoyed watching Ricardo Montalban on TV and movies. Remember the "rich, Corinthian leather" bit he did for a car company? He was a great actor, may he RIP.
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1-15-2009 @ 11:16AM
Kim said...
Who could beat the combo of The Love Boat followed by Fantasy Island? Two of the cheesiest shows I loved as a child/teen!
His portrayal of Khan was wonderful!
RIP, you will be missed.
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1-15-2009 @ 11:27AM
Hank said...
I could swear he did the voice of the pirate leader in the "Clone Wars" TV series on Cartoon Network (most recent episode "The Gungan General")
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1-15-2009 @ 2:49PM
luis said...
god bless you
http://www.thenetuniversity.com/
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