In Passing… Ricardo Montalban (1920-2009)

Actor Ricardo Montalban passed away from on January 14th. Born Ricardo Gonzalo Pedro Montalban y Merino in Mexico, Montalban arrived in Hollywood in the 40’s and played in many Westerns, usually as an “Indian” or “Latin lover.” The Studios suggested that he change his name to Ricky Martin, but he refused. He went on to play Japanese characters in film and TV, most notably the role of Nakamura in “Sayonara.” He’s more fondly remembered as Mr. Roarke in the TV series, “Fantasy Island” (1978-1984), the owner of a mysterious island where people can come and live out their fantasies for a price. In 1982 he reprised his role from the original “Star Trek” series in “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan” as the titular villain left by Capt. James T. Kirk on a planet. He was also known for being the spokesman for the Chrysler Cordoba, praising its “soft, Corinthian leather.” Montalban was 88 at the time of death.

Thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.

For more information check out his IMDB page at:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001544/

“Star Trek 2: The Wrath of Khan”

Chrysler Cordoba

“Fantasy Island” opening

In Passing… Patrick McGoohan (1928-2009)

British film and television actor Patrick McGoohan passed away on January 13th. McGoohan’s career dates back to the 50’s with appearances in “You Are There” and “Moby Dick Rehearsed” on TV, as well as films “Passage Home.” As his career took off he was offered the role of James Bond but turned it down, opting to create a spy who uses his wits instead of guns and created “Danger Man” (“Secret Agent Man” in the U.S.). The show ran from 1960-61 and 64-67 and had a good following. Toward the end of “Danger Man,” McGoohan was asked, “What does a spy do after retirement?” This led to the influential cult TV series “The Prisoner.”

McGoohan starred as well as co-wrote and directed a few episodes in this series about a spy who retires and is kidnapped and placed in The Village, a secluded locale that housed retired spies, giving them numbers and taking their names away. He starred as Number Six and each week he had to outwit the Village head Number Two who had a direct mission under Number One to find out why Number Six retired; meanwhile, Number Six struggled to find out who Number One really was. The end of the series was so aggravating that it made the front page of the London Times.

After “The Prisoner” McGoohan continued in film with roles in “Ice Station Zebra,” “Scanners,” “The Phantom,” and “A Tike to Kill,” and in TV with the show, “Rafferty.” He’s also greatly remembered as King Longshanks in Mel Gibson’s “Braveheart.” McGoohan was 80 at the time of death.

Number Six has left the Village. Be seeing you.

Thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.

For more information check out his IMDB page at:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001526/

Longshanks in “Braveheart”

“The Prisoner” intro