Welcome to the Shrine to Actors

Some of you may remember Ricardo Montalban for his role in the Spy Kids films, or  you may think fondly of Mr. Roarke from the late 70s show Fantasy Island. Or perhaps you may quote his commercials for the Chrysler Cordoba and its “Fine Corninthian leather…” (which turns out to actually be “soft Corinthian leather…”):

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But to me, Ricardo Montalban will always be thought of fondly for his wonderful, exciting, passionate portrayal in the film Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan. This is still the best of all the Star Trek feature films, and much of that is due to Ricardo Montalban’s deliciously villainous Khan as counterpoint to our beloved Admiral Kirk (William Shatner). Reprising the character that he played on the original Star Trek series, Montalban gave us a tough, buff, sexy and more than a little crazy enemy that made the whole film sizzle.

Here he is, looking coolly confident next to a mind-controlled Chekhov (Walter Koenig):

(*Click* pics for larger versions.)

Remember that he was 62 when he made this film, and yes, that is his real physique.

Khan with right-hand-man Joachim, the exotically gorgeous Judson Scott (who incidentally worked with Montalban on primetime 80s soap The Colbys).

The proud leader of genetically-engineered survivors of planetary disaster.

Note the Starfleet emblem pendant around his neck.

Montalban was just an awesome prescence on screen. You couldn’t take your eyes off of him.

Khan’s triumphant anger…

Khan, enjoying his taunting of Kirk. Please ignore the 1982 low-tech viewscreen…

View from the Enterprise bridge, with Kirk, Sulu (George Takei), and Saavik (Kirstie Alley).

Smugness turns to shocked rage, as Khan’s initial plan fails. Joachim struggles to reason with him.

So there you have it, just a small hint of Ricardo Montalban’s amazing performance in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. Please keep in mind that while you may have your favorites, Montalban should be remembered as an extremely hard-working and prolific actor, racking up 167 credits from age 22 to age 88. He was married to Georgiana Young for 63 years, until her death in 2007. There’s an excellent article here in the Guardian UK about his lifelong fight for more work and better portrayals for Latino actors. In 1993 he had back surgery for an old injury, and was in so much pain thereafter he was confined to a wheelchair. Still, he continued to work.

A man defined by elegance and grace, he made the most of the roles he was given. He loved to act, and took a comparatively small salary to play the legendary Khan because he loved the part so much. I will always remember the way he lit up the big screen and regret that he did not get all of the quality acting work he deserved. I hope you will remember him also, as a charismatic actor, dedicated soul, and excellent role model. Visit the IMDB to review his vast resume of film and TV work , biography , and Star Trek II: Wrath of Khan trivia.

Ricardo Montalban Star Trek II: Wrath of Khan screencaps, c1982 Paramount Pictures.