Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Goodbye Ricardo Montalban

Very sad news today.

Mexican actor Ricardo Montalban has passed away.

As I think back on his works, I can't help but feel nostalgic and grateful for his impressive career.

As a kid, I remember his elegant portrayal of Mr. Roarke on my favorite television show Fantasy Island. Back then I had no concept of good or bad acting, I just knew that the guy was great. One week he was likable, other weeks he was scary, mysterious and at times even hilarious.

Man, Mr. Roarke with his white suit...



Later when I was older, I delighted in seeing him seek revenge and become the ultimate nemesis to Captain Kirk in Star Trek: Wrath of Khan.



When I was in high school and too cool for my own good, I remember laughing my ass off watching him play it straight in the ridiculously funny Naked Gun.



In college, I set out to watch every movie starring Marlon Brando and I stumbled onto the film Sayonara, which featured Montalban as, of all people, a Japanese character named Nakamura.



Then recently, I've marveled at how Montalban has come full circle in my life, by entertaining my children in the Spy Kids films.



Thank you very much for the memories Mr. Montalban, you will not be forgotten.

Ricardo Montalban

November 25, 1920 - January 14, 2009.



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