In Memory: Ricardo Montalban
It is with sadness that I write these words. Ricardo Montalban died this morning at his home in Los Angeles. He was 88.
I have fond memories of Mr. Montalban's work—Fantasy Island, where he played the suave Mr. Roarke; Star Trek, where he brilliantly played the villian Khan ("KHANNNNN!"); and—who could forget?—all those commercials in which he touted the "rich Corinthian leather" of the Chrysler Cordoba.
He also did a commercial for Maxwell House Coffee, which, of course, is overshadowed by his greater roles. But we thought we'd take you down memory lane with it. It appears after the jump. And we found a small bit in the 1953 movie Sombrero, the first part of which has several food references.
Mr. Montalban will be missed. Our condolences go out to his family and friends.
Ricardo Montalban Maxwell House Commercial
Ricardo Montalban in 'Sombrero'
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6 Comments:
After Fantasy Island, the Corinthian Leather thing popped into my head. I'm glad he went peacefully.
therealchiffonade at 7:14PM on 01/14/09
Yes, he had such a distinctive voice and presence and was a part of pop culture throughout the years. Loved him in Fantasy Island and in Star Trek, and quite frankly I always thought his voice sounded just like what coffee should be; rich, warm, deep and inviting. He will be missed...
dhorst at 7:19PM on 01/14/09
He will be missed! I had the pleasure of seeing him years ago when he showed up at a flamenco demonstration, and actually preformed. Something I'll never forget.
huneybumper at 8:23PM on 01/14/09
With all due respect, of far greater significance to the food community, I'm shocked that there was no mention on Serious Eats about the passing of Gustave Lenotre. Especially since Robyn is such a big fan of macarons and Pierre Hermé. Lenotre was Pierre Hermé's mentor, and he modernized French pastry arts. I took some classes at his school in Paris. May he rest in peace. He will be missed.
simon at 12:41PM on 01/15/09
@simon: You're right. We should have blogged about this on Friday. I missed that—had my head buried in SE contest administration all day.
Adam Kuban at 12:51PM on 01/15/09
I will always remeber Mr Roarke declaring "smiles everyone, smiles...", and then the shaking hula girl dancing commenced, as newly greeted guests took their first sips of their drinks upon arriving to Fantasy Island
I guess I'll remember the Chrysler LeBaron commercial too - what a crappy car!
GingerSnap at 1:06PM on 01/15/09