Ricardo Montalban

Biography for Ricardo Montalban

For several years this tall, dark, and handsome Mexican matinee idol vied with Fernando Lamas for the position of MGM's resident "Latin lover" (we're still not sure who won). A stage-trained actor who appeared on Broadway, in Mexican films (beginning in 1942), and even in some U.S.made "soundies" (including He's a Latin from Staten Island) before signing with Metro in 1948, Montalban was a charming leading man, often in musicals, but was even more effective when he made the transition to character parts, particularly in Sayonara (1957, as a famous Kabuki actor) and Cheyenne Autumn (1964, as the Indian Little Wolf). He again played a Native American-this time a chief of the Sioux tribe-in the TV miniseries "How the West Was Won" (1976) and earned an Emmy for his performance. In 1982 the Star Trek team remembered his forceful performance in an episode of the series ("Space Seed") that aired fifteen years earlier, and fashioned Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan around that character's villainy. All of this was obscured by the actor's great success as ringleader of the popular "Fantasy Island" TV series (1978-84), in which he played the ubiquitous Mr. Roarke. He has remained active in episodic TV, telefilms, and even commercials (in which he memorably sold cars outfitted in "rich Corinthian leather"). He published his autobiography, "Reflection: A Life in Two Worlds," in 1980.

Known especially for the role of Mr. Roarke in the television series "Fantasy Island", Ricardo Montalban began his career in Broadway and in Mexican films. In 1947, he signed a contract with the MGM, and played the roles of "Latin Lover" singing and dancing in several films. He also obtained some dramatic roles, as in "Battleground" (1949) and "Sayonara" (1957).

Montalban began to become a regular television character in the mid -1970s, in "Fantasy Island" of course, but also in the role of Khan, in the series "Star Trek". Ricardo Montalban interpreted this role in the cinema, in the second film of "Star Trek" (1982).

Ricardo Montalban was a Mexican actor known for his roles in films, television shows and theatrical productions. He was born on November 25, 1920 in Mexico City and died on January 14, 2009 in Los Angeles, California, in the United States.

Montalban began his acting career in the 1940s by playing in Mexican films, especially in the productions of the actor and Mexican director Emilio "El Indio" Fernández. He also worked with the Spanish director Luis Buñuel on the film "Los Olvidados" in 1950.

In 1954, Montalban arrived in the United States and started playing in Hollywood films, notably in "Sayonara" alongside Marlon Brando and Red Buttons in 1957, "Viva Zapata!" With Anthony Quinn in 1952 and "The Singing Nun" in 1966. He also played in television productions, such as "Fantasy Island" and "Star Trek: The Original Series".

Montalban was also known for his wicked roles in action films, as in "Escape from the planet of the Apes" in 1971 and "The Return of the Planet of the Apes" in 1972. He also played in "The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear "in 1991 and in" Spy Kids "in 2001.

In addition to his acting career, Montalban was also an activist for the rights of Latinos in the United States and a defender of the arts. He was president of the National Academy of Arts and Sciences of television and received numerous awards for his work, notably an Emmy Award in 1978 for his performance in "How the West Was Won".

Photos

Filmography

Trivia

• Had a 9 1/2 hour operation on his spine to repair an injury he received making "Across the Wide Missouri" in 1951. He has been in constant pain ever since and confined to a wheelchair. [1993]
• For years, was a commercial spokesman for Chrysler Corp. automobiles.
• 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.
• Was nominated for Broadway's 1958 Tony Award as Best Actor (Musical) for "Jamaica."
• Is the only "Star Trek" movie villain who previously appeared on "Star Trek". He played Khan Noonien Singh in the "Star Trek" (1966) episode "Space Seed" and Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan (1982).

Quotes

Upon winning his Emmy for "How the West Was Won," 1979: "I don't know about Mr. Rourke, but this certainly fulfills my fantasy. Thank you very much."

Family

• Spouse : Georgiana Young (1944 - present) 4 children
• Brother of actor 'Carlos Montalban (I)'.
• Half-brother-in-law of Polly Ann Young, Sally Blane and Loretta Young, half-uncle of Judy Lewis and Christopher Lewis.
• Wife Georgiana's sister was actress Loretta Young

Author of the card

• Creation date: 01/07/2003 by misou