Debonair `Fantasy Island’ Star Ricardo Montalban Dies At 88

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Ricardo Montalban has died.

The Mexican-born actor was perhaps best known as the debonair Mr. Roarke on the popular TV-show “Fantasy Island.“ The white-suited, somewhat mysterious Roarke presided over an island resort where visitors were able to fulfill lifelong dreams.

Montalban had starred in Mexican movies when MGM brought him to Hollywood in 1946. He was cast in a number of musicals and played the leading role opposite swimming beauty Esther Williams in “Fiesta,“ “On an Island with You” and “Neptune’s Daughter.“

More recently, he played villains in two 1980s hits: “Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan” and “The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad.“ Between screen roles, he was active in the theater.

Los Angeles city council president Eric Garcetti announced Montalban’s death at a council meeting today. He did not give a cause, but said the actor died at his L.A. home.

Longtime friend and publicist David Brokaw describes him as a “courtly, modest, dignified individual.

Ricardo Montalban was 88.