LOS ANGELES - Ricardo Montalban, the Mexican-born actor who became a star in splashy MGM musicals and later as the wish-fulfilling Mr. Roarke in TVs Fantasy Island, died Wednesday morning at his home, his family said. He was 88.
Montalbans death was first announced at a city council meeting by president Eric Garcetti, who represents the district where the actor lived. He died from complications of advancing age, his son-in-law, Gilbert Smith, later said.
He was so gracious, and Aaron was always humbled by Ricardos gratitude for Fantasy Island, said Candy Spelling, wife of the late Aaron Spelling, who created the show. I miss him already, and wish his family well.
Montalban had been a star in Mexican movies when MGM brought him to Hollywood in 1946. He was cast in the leading role opposite Esther Williams in Fiesta, and starred again with the swimming beauty in On an Island with You and Neptunes Daughter.
But Montalban was best known as the faintly mysterious, white-suited Mr. Roarke, who presided over a tropical island resort where visitors fulfilled their lifelong dreams usually at the unexpected expense of a difficult life lesson. I am Mr. Roarke, your host. Welcome to Fantasy Island, he told arriving guests.
Montalban had already coined a cultural catchphrase before the show, which ran from 1978 to 1984. As the celebrity spokesman for mid-1970s models of the Chrysler Cordoba, Montalban unwittingly opened himself up to endless imitation when he described the cars optional seats as being available in soft, Corinthian leather.
More recently, he appeared as villains in two hits of the 1980s: Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan and in line with his always-apparent sense of humor about himself the farcical The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad.
He was just a marvelous human being Montalbans longtime friend and publicist David Brokaw said the actor was exactly how youd imagine him to be off camera. What you saw on the screen and on television and on talk shows, this very courtly, modest, dignified individual, thats exactly who he was, Brokaw said.
Raul Yzaguirre, longtime president of National Council of La Raza, called Montalban a hero and noted the actors contributions to his community. Montalban helped found the ALMA Awards, which honor and encourage fair portrayals of Latinos in entertainment.
He was just a marvelous human being and an inspiration to be around, Yzaguirre said. I hope his spirit pervades more of Hollywood the spirit of humility and excellence and giving back to the community and just plain decency.
Between movie and TV roles, Montalban was active in the theater. He starred on Broadway in the 1957 musical Jamaica opposite Lena Horne, picking up a Tony nomination for best actor in a musical.
Montalban also toured in Shaws Don Juan in Hell, playing Don Juan, a performance critic John Simon later recalled as irresistible. In 1965 he appeared on tour in the Yul Brynner role in The King and I.
Fantasy Island received high ratings for most of its run on ABC, and still appears in reruns. Mr. Roarke and his sidekick, Tattoo, played by the 3-foot, 11-inch Herve Villechaize, reached the state of TV icons. Villechaize died in 1993.
