A gentleman lost: Ricardo Montalban - 88

Today is a very sad day indeed. Ricardo Montalban died today at the grand age of 88.

I have always enjoyed Montalban in movies and the television. While I am old enough to remember the first run of Fantasy Island this is not the role that most reminds me of him. When I think of his name I often think of his portrayals of Khan Noonien Singh from Star Trek. He made the character larger than life, and I loved it.

But I must say that see ing him in the Spy Kids series was also a pleasure. In fact I cannot think of a role that he portrayed that was not of solid quality. No matter the venue, Montalban made the most of every moment on either screen and stage, even if it was just his voice and/or just for kids. He appeared in 34 films and 31 television shows including his 6 years on Fantasy Island and 5 years on the children's cartoon Kim Possible.

There is no real comparison these days to the gentlemanly nature of his voice, and the strength in his eyes. He was in every sense a Spaniard, a Mexican, a star and gentleman. Too few can stand near the presence he made. And I truely am at a loss to name a Latino/Hispanic actor or actress that exists now with such stature or acting ability.

I send my condolences to his family. Family and friends have lost a piece of thier heart, Hollywood has lost a great star, but for the rest of us we have lost a presence that cannot be replaced.