Post by Stro on Jan 14, 2009 22:43:43 GMT -5
'Fantasy Island' star Ricardo Montalban passes away
From:
news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090114/ap_on_en_tv/obit_montalban;_ylt=Auw22sEkUudwXEPzy4DsYNZ34T0D
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 TV's "Fantasy Island,"died Wednesday morning at his home, a city councilman said. He was 88.Montalban's death was announced at a meeting of the city council bypresident Eric Garcetti, who represents the district where the actor lived. Garcetti did not give a cause of death.
"The Ricardo Montalban Theatrein my Council District — where the next generations of performersparticipate in plays, musicals, and concerts — stands as a fittingtribute to this consummate performer," Garcetti said later in a writtenstatement.
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." He also starred with the swimming beauty in "On an Island with You" and "Neptune's Daughter."
Alater generation knew Montalban as the faintly mysterious, white-suitedMr. Roarke, who presided over an island resort where visitors were ableto fulfill their lifelong dreams. "Fantasy Island" received highratings for most of its 1978-1984 span on ABC television and still appears in reruns.
In a 1978 interview, he analyzed the series' success:
"Whatis appealing is the idea of attaining the unattainable and learningfrom it. Once you obtain a fantasy it becomes a reality, and thatreality is not as exciting as your fantasy. Through the fantasies youlearn to appreciate your own realities."
My thoughts, prayers, and condolences go out to the family and friends of Ricardo Montalban.
Ricardo Montalban bio on Wikipedia:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ricardo_montalban
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