Ricardo Montalbán Short biography
Ricardo Gonzalo Pedro Montalbán y Merino, KSG (MON-təl-BAHN; Spanish: [montalˈβan]; November 25, 1920 – January 14, 2009) was a Mexican-American film and television actor and singer. Montalbán's career spanned seven decades, during which he became known for performances in a variety of genres, from crime and drama to musicals and comedy. Montalbán is best known for his roles as Mr. Roarke on the television series Fantasy Island (1977–1984) and Khan Noonien Singh in the Star Trek franchise.
Montalbán was born in Mexico City, Mexico, and grew up in Torreón, Coahuila. He began his acting career in Mexico in the early 1940s and later moved to Hollywood, where he starred in several films, including Fiesta (1947), Border Incident (1949), and Sayonara (1957). In the 1960s, Montalbán began appearing in television roles, and he eventually became a household name as Mr. Roarke on Fantasy Island.
Montalbán was a talented actor who was able to play a wide range of roles. He was also a gifted singer and dancer, and he often performed in musicals and variety shows. Montalbán was a generous philanthropist, and he was actively involved in several charities. He was also a strong supporter of the Latino community, and he worked to promote diversity in the entertainment industry.
