Richardo Montalban, the mexican born actor who became a star in splashy MGM musicals and best known for his role as the white-suited Mr. Roarke in the television series "Fantasy Island" (1978-1984) and more recently, he appeared as villains in two hits of the 1980s: "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan" (which was by far the best movie in the whole series) and the farcical "The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad."
Perhaps his most important work was off screen, where he founded the nonprofit Nosotros (WE) Foundation to improve the image of Spanish-speaking Americans on the screen; to assure that Latin-American actors were not discriminated against, to stimulate Latino actors to study their profession. Mr. Montalban was widely respected for his efforts to create opportunities for Latinos, although he and others believed that his activism hurt his career. He also achieved a cult status fronting a long-running series of car commercials, in which he was seen smoothly extolling the virtues of their "soft, Corinthian leather" interiors of the Chrysler Cordoba – a great marketing invention apparently (there's no such thing).
For my part Mr. Montalban was part of a small select group of actors(Yul Brynner from the Ten Commandments is another example) that was the total package, smooth, charismatic, courtly and dignified. He embodied an era of hollywood and a style of acting that is sadly gone forever and will never be duplicated. One of my fondest memories of Ricardo involves a 1974 TV movie,"The Mark of Zorro" starring Frank Langella as the masked avenger and Ricardo as Captain Esteban -- the oily and cocky villain that you loved to hate. No matter the role, Mr. Montalban always made you believe he was that character...he will be sorely missed
Perhaps his most important work was off screen, where he founded the nonprofit Nosotros (WE) Foundation to improve the image of Spanish-speaking Americans on the screen; to assure that Latin-American actors were not discriminated against, to stimulate Latino actors to study their profession. Mr. Montalban was widely respected for his efforts to create opportunities for Latinos, although he and others believed that his activism hurt his career. He also achieved a cult status fronting a long-running series of car commercials, in which he was seen smoothly extolling the virtues of their "soft, Corinthian leather" interiors of the Chrysler Cordoba – a great marketing invention apparently (there's no such thing).
For my part Mr. Montalban was part of a small select group of actors(Yul Brynner from the Ten Commandments is another example) that was the total package, smooth, charismatic, courtly and dignified. He embodied an era of hollywood and a style of acting that is sadly gone forever and will never be duplicated. One of my fondest memories of Ricardo involves a 1974 TV movie,"The Mark of Zorro" starring Frank Langella as the masked avenger and Ricardo as Captain Esteban -- the oily and cocky villain that you loved to hate. No matter the role, Mr. Montalban always made you believe he was that character...he will be sorely missed
4 comments:
Yes, he will be missed. But I particuarly was more into him wearing the all white suits making fantasy reality. He was sort of a superhero in that series, giving individuals a chance to see that the reality of a fantasy is truly less significant than the reality we already have.
He will be missed. He left a lasting impression with his Latino Handsome Macho Persona. Ricardo personified what a true man should be & gave me many ''fantasies'' that I will treasure forever :).
I loved Ricardo, when I was a kid i looked forward to watching Fantasy Island every week. He played the sophisticated role with ease! I didn't know that he was activist for other Latino actors-bravo to him for trying to aid others in achieiving success!
I agree that Ricardo's most well known legacy was the iconic masculine Handsome Latino figure, a silky voiced Latino man towering above others in stature, grace, command and intellect. He will be missed. An Old School treasure, yet able to maintain in contemporary culture. And like others of his generation, quietly working behind the scenes to address racial injustice. He will be sorely missed.
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