Legendary actor and devout Catholic Ricardo Montalbán has died. Montalbán, well know for his movie and TV roles, was also a devoted husband and devout Catholic. In this picture (left)in 1998 he was being honored by the Vatican for his contributions to the Church. He was married for 63 years to his wife Georgiana until she died in November of 2007.
Montalbán will also be remebered for his voice over work including an EWTN video on Fatima. Many will remember him for his role as Mr. Roarke on Fantasy Island. I will always remember as one of the greatest villains ever, Khan.
Khan, arch-nemesis of Captain Kirk, single-handedly saved the Star Trek movie series from utter failure. Montalbán played this character so wonderfully over the top, that Shatner seemed understated. In my mind, this was one of the most brilliant casting moves ever.
Rest in peace.
Now a scene from the memorable Star Trek II: Wrath of Khan.
January 15, 2009 at 2:42 am
He was an incredible talent. RIP, Ricardo Montalban.
~Nzie
January 15, 2009 at 2:51 am
He was a decent man, and a fine actor. He is noted as saying that his Catholic Faith was “the most important thing” in his life. You don’t hear many saying that today, but better still— he lived by it. With all the divorces and scandals in Hollywood he remained married for 63 years. He was also loyal to his Mexican heritage, and remained a Mexican citizen until death. God rest his soul.
January 15, 2009 at 2:54 am
We lost Patrick McGoohan, another devout Catholic, today. We are blessed in so many great Catholic artists.
— Mack
January 15, 2009 at 4:29 pm
Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
A fine actor and true gentleman. Agree with you about Khan!
January 15, 2009 at 5:33 pm
I saw a video he narrated about Eucharistic miracles. More mainstream, I’ve heard interpretations of Fantasy Island that claim Mr. Roarke is, in fact, the Devil – or at least, someone meant to show people that the lives they already have are pretty good, and not to miss life through pining after fantasies.
We lost a good one. I picture him in that white suit, rolling around Heaven in a sweet Chrysler Cordoba with rich Corinthian leather.
January 16, 2009 at 11:14 pm
Iremember an episode in FI when a young woman was contemmplating a vocation insprited by St Therese.She prayed to a statue of the Child Jesus on the Island.
Ricardo will get a first class seat in heaven for sure, he was a wonderful classy, gentleman, and a true Catholic artist.
He will be missed.
January 17, 2009 at 11:54 pm
RIP
January 19, 2009 at 4:41 pm
Riccardo Montalban, servus et difensor Dei, requiescat in pacem.