Remembering Ricardo Montalbán

Ricardo Gonzalo Pedro Montalbán y Merino was born on November 25, 1920 in Mexico City, Mexico. He moved to Los Angeles and then New York City with his older brother Carlos [1903-1991], who was also an actor. The two found work as stage actors and film extras. In late 1941 Ricardo found out his mother was dying and returned to Mexico. While there he appeared in a number of Spanish language films. He returned to Los Angeles where the studios wanted to change his name to Ricky Martin. He appeared in many westerns and often portrayed Asians and Indians. His career spanned seven decades and he’s best remembered for his role as Mr. Roarke on the TV series “Fantasy Island” (1977-1984). He then appeared in the original Star Trek series and in the 1982 film “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan” He won an Emmy in 1978 and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Screen Actors Guild in 1993. Into his 80s he became a voice actor. He was married to actress Georgiana Young [1923-2007], the sister of actress Loretta Young Montalbán appeared in only one Euro-western “The Deserter” (1971). Montalbán died on January 9, 2009 from congestive heart failure at the age of 88. Today we remember Ricardo Montalbán on what would have been his 90th birthday.