Ricardo Montalbán, Mexican actor (b. 1920)

Ricardo Gonzalo Pedro Montalbán y Merino, KSG, (Spanish: [montalˈβan]; born November 25, 1920 – died January 14, 2009) was a celebrated Mexican-American film and television actor whose prolific career spanned an remarkable seven decades. Renowned for his distinguished voice, elegant demeanor, and undeniable charisma, Montalbán captivated audiences with his versatile performances across a wide array of genres, transitioning seamlessly from intense crime dramas and compelling narratives to vibrant musicals and engaging comedies.

A Legacy of Iconic Roles Across Film and Television

Throughout his extensive career, Ricardo Montalbán crafted several unforgettable characters that have endured in popular culture. His ability to embody vastly different personalities showcased his incredible acting range and dedication to his craft.

The Formidable Khan Noonien Singh

Perhaps one of his most iconic and acclaimed roles was that of Khan Noonien Singh, a genetically enhanced human antagonist in the Star Trek universe. Montalbán first brought this formidable character to life in the original Star Trek television series in the 1967 episode "Space Seed." His powerful portrayal was so impactful that he reprised the role fifteen years later in the critically lauded film Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982). This performance is widely regarded as one of cinema's greatest villainous portrayals, cementing Montalbán's status as a formidable screen presence.

Mr. Roarke on Fantasy Island

Another beloved character that defined a significant portion of Montalbán's television career was Mr. Roarke, the enigmatic and sophisticated proprietor of the mystical Fantasy Island. From 1977 to 1984, Montalbán's distinctive presence anchored the popular ABC series, where he famously welcomed guests to the island with his signature line, "Welcome to Fantasy Island!" and oversaw the realization of their deepest desires, often with unexpected moral lessons.

Armando in the Planet of the Apes Series

In the early 1970s, Montalbán also played a pivotal role in the Planet of the Apes film series. He portrayed Armando, the kind and empathetic circus owner and caretaker to the young ape Caesar, a character crucial to the unfolding narrative of the ape revolution. He appeared in two installments: Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971) and its direct sequel, Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972).

Accolades, Voice Work, and Cultural Impact

Beyond his memorable on-screen roles, Montalbán's influence extended into various facets of entertainment and even into the realm of popular advertising, leaving an indelible mark.

Awards and Recognition

Ricardo Montalbán's exceptional talent was recognized with prestigious awards throughout his career. He earned an Emmy Award in 1978 for his moving performance as Satangkai, a wise and stoic Native American chief, in the ABC miniseries How the West Was Won. Further acknowledging his significant contributions to the performing arts, the Screen Actors Guild honored him with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 1993, celebrating his remarkable body of work and enduring impact.

Late Career and Voice Acting

Montalbán remained professionally active well into his 80s, demonstrating his passion for acting. In his later years, he became a sought-after voice actor, lending his distinctive vocal talents to numerous animated films and commercials. A notable example of his later work includes his appearance as Grandfather Valentin in Robert Rodriguez's popular Spy Kids franchise, endearing him to a new generation of fans.

The "Rich Corinthian Leather" Phenomenon

During the 1970s and 1980s, Ricardo Montalbán became a highly recognizable and persuasive spokesman for Chrysler, the American automobile manufacturer. His luxurious and authoritative voice became synonymous with the brand, particularly in advertisements for the Chrysler Cordoba. In these commercials, he famously extolled the opulence and comfort of the car's interior, coining the memorable and much-parodied phrase, "rich Corinthian leather." This iconic slogan, while purely a marketing invention and not referring to leather sourced from ancient Corinth, effectively conveyed a sense of premium quality and became a significant part of American pop culture lexicon.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ricardo Montalbán

• What was Ricardo Montalbán most famous for?

  Ricardo Montalbán is widely celebrated for his iconic roles as the villain Khan Noonien Singh in Star Trek, the enigmatic Mr. Roarke on Fantasy Island, and his memorable endorsement of Chrysler cars, particularly the "rich Corinthian leather" commercials.

• Did Ricardo Montalbán win any major awards?

  Yes, he won an Emmy Award for his role in the 1978 miniseries How the West Was Won and received a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the Screen Actors Guild in 1993, recognizing his immense contributions to acting.

• How long did Ricardo Montalbán's acting career span?

  Ricardo Montalbán's career was exceptionally long, spanning an impressive seven decades, from the 1940s into the 2000s, encompassing film, television, and voice work.

• What does "rich Corinthian leather" mean?

  "Rich Corinthian leather" was an iconic marketing slogan coined by Ricardo Montalbán for Chrysler Cordoba advertisements in the 1970s. It was a descriptive phrase intended to evoke a sense of luxury and quality for the car's interior, rather than referring to a specific type of leather from a geographical location.

• Was Ricardo Montalbán involved in advocacy or charitable work?

  Yes, Ricardo Montalbán was a dedicated advocate for Latino performers in Hollywood, notably co-founding the Nosotros organization in 1970 to improve the image and opportunities for Latinos in the entertainment industry. He was also honored by Pope John Paul II with the Knight of the Order of St. Gregory the Great (KSG) for his charitable endeavors.