Culture

Fantasy Island' Star Ricardo Montalban Dies at 88

by Terri Potratz | January 14, 2009 at 01:41 pm

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Star of the TV hit 'Fantasy Island' Ricardo Montalban died in Los Angeles home this morning, according to a city councilman. The cause of his death has yet to be released.

Originally from Mexico, Montalban starred in several MGM musical films beginning in 1946 and later became an iconic household figure appearing as Mr. Roarke on ABC's 'Fantasy Island.'

Montalban's death was announced at a meeting of the city council by president Eric Garcetti, who represents the district where the actor lived. Garcetti did not give a cause of death.

"The Ricardo Montalban Theatre in my Council District — where the next generations of performers participate in plays, musicals, and concerts — stands as a fitting tribute to this consummate performer," Garcetti said later in a written statement.