Ricardo Montalban, the Mexican-born actor whose credits included the hit television series “Fantasy Island,” dies at 88.
Montalban played island host Mr. Roarke on the series, which ran from 1978 to 1984. The show also starred the late Herve Villechaize, who played Roarke’s diminutive assistant, Tattoo.
Tattoo was noted for yelling the phrase, “The Plane! The Plane!” as guests arrived on the island at the beginning of each program.
Montalban’s death was announced at a meeting of the city council in Los Angeles by president Eric Garcetti, who represents the district where the actor lived. No cause of death was revealed.
Montalban also appeared in films, including “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan,” where he reprised the role of the villain Khan which he originated in the “Star Trek” television series.
His other film credits included the “Spy Kids” trilogy and “Conquest of the Planet of the Apes.”
On television, he guest-starred on many shows including “Ironside,” “Gunsmoke” and “Hawaii Five-O,” and was a cast member on “The Colbys.” He won an Emmy in 1978 for his supporting role in the series “How the West was Won.”
Most recently, Montalban recorded voice roles for the animated shows “Kim Possible” and “Family Guy.”
Montalban also was a stage actor, and was nominated for a Best Actor Tony Award in 1958 for his role in “Jamaica.”