Actor Ricardo Montalban is shown in character in 1977 on "Fantasy Island." The Mexican-born actor, who became a star in splashy MGM musicals and later the wish-fulfilling Mr. Roarke on TV's "Fantasy Island," died "from complications of advancing age," at his home in Los Angeles, his son-in-law, Gilbert Smith, said Jan. 14, 2009. He was 88.
Actor Ricardo Montalban, left, and his wife Georgiana Young arrive for the premiere of "Mark of the Renegade," in Los Angeles in 1951. Montalban had been a star in Mexican movies when MGM brought him to Hollywood in 1946. He was cast in the leading role opposite Esther Williams in "Fiesta," and starred again with the swimming beauty in "On an Island with You" and "Neptune's Daughter."
Actor Ricardo Montalban, rear left, and his wife Georgiana Young stand with their children, Mark, center left, Laura, center right, Victor, foreground left, and Anita in Los Angeles in 1955.
Actor Ricardo Montalban is shown in his dressing room during the opening of the Broadway production of "Jamaica," Nov. 5, 1957, in New York.
Ricardo Montalban, left, and his wife Georgiana Young attend the premiere of "Madame X," Feb. 10, 1966, in Los Angeles.
Actor Ricardo Montalban in 1969. As the celebrity spokesman for mid-1970s models of the Chrysler Cordoba, Montalban unwittingly opened himself up to endless imitation when he described the car's optional seats as being "available in soft, Corinthian leather."
Actor Ricardo Montalban is shown in 1977 in character on "Fantasy Island." Montalban was best known as the faintly mysterious, white-suited Mr. Roarke, who presided over a tropical island resort where visitors fulfilled their lifelong dreams -- usually at the unexpected expense of a difficult life lesson. "I am Mr. Roarke, your host. Welcome to Fantasy Island," he told arriving guests.
Actor Ricardo Montalban, right, and Herve Villechaize are shown in character in 1977 on "Fantasy Island."
Actor Ricardo Montalban of the television series "Fantasy Island" is shown June 15, 1978, in Los Angeles.
Actor Ricardo Montalban, left, and Herve Villechaize are shown in 1978 in character on "Fantasy Island."
Actors Ricardo Montalban, seated, and Christopher Hewitt are shown on the set of the television series "Fantasy Island," May 27, 1983, in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles.
Ricardo Montalban and Rita Moreno attend the Golden Eagle Awards in June 8, 1984, in California. Montalban appeared as villains in two hits of the 1980s: "Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan" and -- in line with his always-apparent sense of humor about himself -- the farcical "The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad."
Ricardo Montalban and his wife Georgiana attend the American Cinema Awards Jan. 12, 1987, in Los Angeles.
Actor Ricardo Montalban is shown Aug. 10, 1994, in Los Angeles.
Ricardo Montalban arrives at a luncheon June 7, 1995, in Beverly Hills, Calif.