Done here? These fine folks will take good care of you!
I used to think death meant that God just wasn’t that into you, but I am now beginning to believe the un-killable rumor that it happens to everybody. Today Kindertrauma idol RICARDO MONTALBAN passed away at age 88. Mr. MONTALBAN had already established himself as a Hollywood Legend when he stepped into the signature white suite that belonged to FANTASY ISLAND‘s beloved and highly mysterious MR. ROARKE. I think I can speak for all of our readers (especially die-hard fans AMANDA BY NIGHT and THE MICKSTER) when I say that FANTASY ISLAND was a big influence and effected our generation’s lives more than it is often given credit for, plus that show could be damn scary when it wanted to be!
Besides just being the coolest guy around, MONTABON was a forerunner in changing the image of Latinos in film and spent much of his life breaking down barriers when he was not schooling us all on the of the advantages of “soft, Corinthian leather.” This man owned Saturday night from 1978 to 1984 and I, for one, thank God he was there.
P.S.: You can watch FANTASY ISLAND on Hulu for free HERE. (I highly recommend the ventriloquist dummy spit personality revenge episode with MAREN JENSEN entitled “Mary Ann and Miss Sophisticate”).
Stumble it!
10 responses so far ↓
1 mickster
// Jan 14, 2009 at 11:06 pm
I just knew you guys would be quick to do a tribute to Ricardo Montalban. From MGM musicals of the 40′s and 50′s to Fantasy Island, Mr. Montalban was a class act and multi-talented. Prof. V.W. and I will have to watch an extra episode of Fantasy Island this weekend and maybe one of the aquatic musicals he did with Esther Williams in the 1940′s. Thank you, Mr. Roarke, for making my childhood Saturday nights exciting!
2 Amanda By Night
// Jan 15, 2009 at 12:06 am
Like Mickster, I knew you’d guys would have something here for Mr. Roarke. You’re right, I loved this man and Fantasy Island. He just turned 88 and I was so thrilled that he was still here with us. His wife died in 2007, so I know that wherever he is, she is and that makes him not being here a little more bearable.
Thanks for the Hulu tip. Guess where I’ll be this weekend?
3 WarpedRecord
// Jan 15, 2009 at 3:53 am
Mr. Montalban was a rarity: a dignified Hollywood star who never fell from grace, and he opened many doors for Latino actors throughout his long career. The pain, the pain!
4 Grokenstein
// Jan 15, 2009 at 9:24 am
Señor Senior Sr.
Khan Noonien Singh.
Mr. Roarke.
Armondo Guitierrez.
Forever missed.
5 sob317
// Jan 15, 2009 at 12:34 pm
Ahhh Fantasy Island. One of my friends in grade 5 had the “good cable” and got all these shows that the rest of us couldn’t get up here in Canada. Some great weekend memories watching these. Unfortunetly Hulu doesn’t broadcast to those of us in the Great White North yet so I’ll have to wait a bit longer for my FI fix.
RIP Ricardo.
6 unkle lancifer
// Jan 15, 2009 at 12:46 pm
7 FatherOfTears
// Jan 16, 2009 at 10:53 pm
Roddy McDowall was Satan in the episode. A classic! Dang, first we lose #6 and now Mr. Roarke. They will be missed!
8 Amanda By Night
// Jan 20, 2009 at 4:07 pm
Unk, the part where McDowell screams “Damn you Roarke! Damn you!” is friggin’ priceless. One of my fave TV moments.
Mr. Roarke could do anything and take on anyone. I just loved him for his fearlessness and ability to take on “the evil”.
9 aunt john
// Jan 20, 2009 at 6:11 pm
I love the episodes where he does battle with MICHELLE PHILLIPS as Naya the mischievous mermaid. Now there was some tension!
10 DarthPariah
// Feb 9, 2009 at 11:25 am
Farewell, Senor Montalban. The guy had a voice like no other. Dignified Mr Roarke and kick-your-arse Khan all in one.
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