Ricardo Montalban
1920-2009
Ricardo Montalban died on January 13, 2009 in Los Angeles, California at the age of 88. He cause of death has not been identified.
Montalban received a Tony in 1958 for his role in the musical Jamaica and an Emmy in 1978 for his role in How the West Was Won.
In 1975 he was the television spokesman for the new Chrysler Cordoba. His delivery of the line “soft Corinthian leather”, referring to the luxury upholstery, became a much parodied line and a favorite of impersonators.
The actor’s best known television role was that of Mr. Roarke in the series Fantasy Island. He starred on the show from 1978 to 1984. He and his sidekick, Tattoo who was played by Herve Villechaize, became pop icons. Villechaize died in 1993 at age 50.
Montalban’s wife of 63 years, Georgiana Montalban died in 2007. The couple had four children.
Photos and video of the Fantasy Island beauty contest, and a Montalban Chrysler commercial below.
Photos: WENN