Ricardo Montalban

Born: November 25 1920
Where: Mexico City, Mexico

Known nowadays for roles in Fantasy Island and Star Trek, he once vied with Fernando Lamas for the position of MGM's resident "Latin lover".

A stage-trained actor, he appeared on Broadway, in Mexican films (beginning in 1942), and eventually 40 full blown Hollywood productions.

A charming leading man, often in musicals, he was even more effective when he made the transition to character parts.

Roles pitched him opposite stars including Clark Gable and Marlon Brando and from Jane Powell to Shirley Maclaine.

He won an Emmy for his part in How The West Was Won and also starred in the Colbys.

In 1982 the Star Trek team remembered his performance in an episode that aired fifteen years earlier and fashioned Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan around that villain.

All of this was obscured by the actor's great success as ringleader of the popular Fantasy Island TV series in which he played the ubiquitous Mr. Roarke.

Recent work has included the part of Grandpa Cortez in all three of the highly enjoyable Spy Kids movies.