Ricardo Montalban Dies at 88

I grew up watching Ricardo Montalban greet that plane every week on "Fantasy Island." The smooth-voiced, Mexican-born actor died in his Beverly Hills home yesterday, surrounded by his children and grandchildren. He was 88.

His son-in-law Gilbert Smith told People that Montalban (pictured, in 1996) had been in declining health for months, and died from "complications of advancing age."

He certainly had a long and fulfilling career. He began his career in the 1940’s, playing bit parts on Broadway and lead roles in Mexican films. In addition to Mr. Roarke, moviegoers know him as Kahn, Captain Kirk’s nemesis in the 1982 film "Star Trek: The Wrath of Kahn." He also played Grandpa Cortez in the "Spy Kids" films.

And here’s another rarity: he was married to his wife Gorgiana Young for 63 years. She was the younger sister of his frequent co-star Loretta Young. Gorgiana died last year. Montalban is survived by four children and six grandchildren.

Image: Newscom