Ricardo Montalban Dies At 88

Ricardo Montalban, the Mexican-born actor known to millions as Mr. Roarke, died this morning at age 88. His death was announced at a city council meeting by president Eric Garcetti, who represents the district where the actor lived. Garcetti did not give a cause of death.

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 "Neptune's Daughter."

But Montalban was best known for two roles:
One, as the faintly mysterious, white-suited Mr. Roarke from the TV hit Fantasy Island. He presided over the tropical island resort where visitors were able to fulfill their lifelong dreams - usually at the unexpected expense of a difficult life lesson. Following a floatplane landing and lei ceremony, he greeted each guest with the line: "I am Mr. Roarke, your host. Welcome to Fantasy Island."
Second, as the villainous character Khan Noonien Singh from Star Trek. He originated the role in a 1967 episode of the classic TV series, then reprised it in the 1982 film Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan, injecting much needed pathos into the film series.
Montalban won an Emmy Award in 1978, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Screen Actors Guild in 1993. Up until last year he continued to perform, providing voices for animated films and TV series such as The Ant Bully, Kim Possible, and Family Guy.