The Farrah Fawcett Foundation (Fff) held its highly-anticipated fundraising event, Tex-Mex Fiesta, on Saturday, September 9, at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills.
Alana Stewart, Dr Piro and Shannen Doherty
Tex-Mex Fiesta was first held in 2015, and has raised close to $1 million to date, with proceeds benefitting Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C). Award-winning restaurant El Cholo catered the fiesta-style event, a theme inspired by the late Farrah Fawcett and her home state of Texas. Proceeds from this year’s Tex-Mex Fiesta once again benefited Stand Up To Cancer.
Among the attendees were Shannen Doherty, Heather Locklear, Chantelle Albers, Hart Bochner, Dyan Cannon, Barbara Davis, Richard Donner and Lauren Shuler Donner, Kate Flannery, George Hamilton, Mary Hart, Nigel Lythgoe, Jessica Morris, Ryan O’Neal, Stefanie Powers, Joe Roth and Irene Roth, Carole Bayer Sager and Bob Daly, Kimberly Stewart, Sean Stewart, Cheryl Tiegs, Ann Turkel, Fred Willard,...
Alana Stewart, Dr Piro and Shannen Doherty
Tex-Mex Fiesta was first held in 2015, and has raised close to $1 million to date, with proceeds benefitting Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C). Award-winning restaurant El Cholo catered the fiesta-style event, a theme inspired by the late Farrah Fawcett and her home state of Texas. Proceeds from this year’s Tex-Mex Fiesta once again benefited Stand Up To Cancer.
Among the attendees were Shannen Doherty, Heather Locklear, Chantelle Albers, Hart Bochner, Dyan Cannon, Barbara Davis, Richard Donner and Lauren Shuler Donner, Kate Flannery, George Hamilton, Mary Hart, Nigel Lythgoe, Jessica Morris, Ryan O’Neal, Stefanie Powers, Joe Roth and Irene Roth, Carole Bayer Sager and Bob Daly, Kimberly Stewart, Sean Stewart, Cheryl Tiegs, Ann Turkel, Fred Willard,...
- 9/14/2017
- Look to the Stars
Swimmer who found movie fame in a string of MGM musicals
Esther Williams, "Hollywood's Mermaid", who has died aged 91, swam her way through more than a dozen splashy MGM musicals in the 1940s and early 50s. While smiling at the camera, she was able to do a combination of crawl, breast and backstroke, and was forever blowing bubbles under water, seemingly having an inexhaustible supply of air.
Like the starlets Lana Turner, Kathryn Grayson and Donna Reed before her, she started out for MGM in a Hardy Family picture, Andy Hardy's Double Life (1942) – though one that allowed her to swim with Mickey Rooney. After being billed 19th in A Guy Named Joe (1943), she shot to stardom in her third film, Bathing Beauty (1944).
It started out as an average Red Skelton vehicle, first called Mr Co-Ed, then Sing and Swim, but Esther's superb figure and pretty features were heightened by Technicolor...
Esther Williams, "Hollywood's Mermaid", who has died aged 91, swam her way through more than a dozen splashy MGM musicals in the 1940s and early 50s. While smiling at the camera, she was able to do a combination of crawl, breast and backstroke, and was forever blowing bubbles under water, seemingly having an inexhaustible supply of air.
Like the starlets Lana Turner, Kathryn Grayson and Donna Reed before her, she started out for MGM in a Hardy Family picture, Andy Hardy's Double Life (1942) – though one that allowed her to swim with Mickey Rooney. After being billed 19th in A Guy Named Joe (1943), she shot to stardom in her third film, Bathing Beauty (1944).
It started out as an average Red Skelton vehicle, first called Mr Co-Ed, then Sing and Swim, but Esther's superb figure and pretty features were heightened by Technicolor...
- 6/7/2013
- by Ronald Bergan
- The Guardian - Film News
Esther Williams: Swimwear-garbed star of MGM Technicolor musicals dead at 91 Esther Williams, known for her swimming skills and ability to smile and keep her makeup and coiffure intact underwater in several MGM Technicolor aqua-musicals of the ’40s and ’50s, died in her sleep earlier today at her Beverly Hills home. Williams, who in recent decades launched a successful swimwear line, was 91. (Photo: Esther Williams publicity shot ca. 1945.) Born on August 8, 1921, in the Los Angeles suburb of Inglewood, Esther Williams began honing her swimming skills at the Los Angeles Athletic Club. Following several victories in swimming competitions, she looked forward to taking part in the 1940 Olympics. World War II, however, interfered. In the early ’40s, she was reportedly discovered by an MGM scout while appearing as a "bathing beauty" at the World’s Fair in San Francisco. The swimming champion would write in her 1999 autobiography The Million Dollar Mermaid that...
- 6/6/2013
- by Andre Soares
- Alt Film Guide
Million Dollar Mermaid (1952)
Star of the silver screen and in the swimming pool, actress Esther Williams has passed away at the age of 91. Williams died early today in her sleep, according to her longtime publicist Harlan Boll.
Million Dollar Mermaid (1952)
Turner Classic Movies (TCM) will pay tribute to legendary film star and swimmer Esther Williams with a 24-hour marathon of films beginning Thursday, June 13, at 8 p.m. (Et). TCM’s tribute will feature 13 of Williams’ films, including her film debut in Andy Hardy’s Double Life (1942); her first starring vehicle, Bathing Beauty (1944); the colorful musical Neptune’s Daughter (1949); the biopic of swimmer Annette Kellerman, Million Dollar Mermaid (1952); the romantic comedy Easy to Wed (1946); and the Hawaii-set musical Pagan Love Song (1950).
The following is a complete schedule of TCM’s June 13-14 tribute to Esther Williams:
Thursday, June 13
8 p.m. – Bathing Beauty (1944)
10 p.m. – Neptune’s Daughter (1949)
11:45 p.m.
Star of the silver screen and in the swimming pool, actress Esther Williams has passed away at the age of 91. Williams died early today in her sleep, according to her longtime publicist Harlan Boll.
Million Dollar Mermaid (1952)
Turner Classic Movies (TCM) will pay tribute to legendary film star and swimmer Esther Williams with a 24-hour marathon of films beginning Thursday, June 13, at 8 p.m. (Et). TCM’s tribute will feature 13 of Williams’ films, including her film debut in Andy Hardy’s Double Life (1942); her first starring vehicle, Bathing Beauty (1944); the colorful musical Neptune’s Daughter (1949); the biopic of swimmer Annette Kellerman, Million Dollar Mermaid (1952); the romantic comedy Easy to Wed (1946); and the Hawaii-set musical Pagan Love Song (1950).
The following is a complete schedule of TCM’s June 13-14 tribute to Esther Williams:
Thursday, June 13
8 p.m. – Bathing Beauty (1944)
10 p.m. – Neptune’s Daughter (1949)
11:45 p.m.
- 6/6/2013
- by Movie Geeks
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Los Angeles — Esther Williams, the swimming champion turned actress who starred in glittering and aquatic Technicolor musicals of the 1940s and 1950s, has died. She was 91.
Williams died early Thursday in her sleep, according to her longtime publicist Harlan Boll.
Following in the footsteps of Sonja Henie, who went from skating champion to movie star, Williams became one of Hollywood's biggest moneymakers, appearing in spectacular swimsuit numbers that capitalized on her wholesome beauty and perfect figure.
Such films as "Easy to Wed," `'Neptune's Daughter" and "Dangerous When Wet" followed the same formula: romance, music, a bit of comedy and a flimsy plot that provided excuses to get Esther into the water.
The extravaganzas dazzled a second generation via television and the compilation films "That's Entertainment." Williams' co-stars included the pick of the MGM contract list, including Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, Red Skelton, Ricardo Montalban and Howard Keel.
When hard...
Williams died early Thursday in her sleep, according to her longtime publicist Harlan Boll.
Following in the footsteps of Sonja Henie, who went from skating champion to movie star, Williams became one of Hollywood's biggest moneymakers, appearing in spectacular swimsuit numbers that capitalized on her wholesome beauty and perfect figure.
Such films as "Easy to Wed," `'Neptune's Daughter" and "Dangerous When Wet" followed the same formula: romance, music, a bit of comedy and a flimsy plot that provided excuses to get Esther into the water.
The extravaganzas dazzled a second generation via television and the compilation films "That's Entertainment." Williams' co-stars included the pick of the MGM contract list, including Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, Red Skelton, Ricardo Montalban and Howard Keel.
When hard...
- 6/6/2013
- by AP
- Huffington Post
Los Angeles, Calif. - Esther Williams, the swimming champion turned actress who starred in glittering and aquatic Technicolor musicals of the 1940s and 1950s, has died. She was 91.
Williams died early Thursday in her sleep, according to her longtime publicist Harlan Boll.
Following in the footsteps of Sonja Henie, who went from skating champion to movie star, Williams became one of Hollywood's biggest moneymakers, appearing in spectacular swimsuit numbers that capitalized on her wholesome beauty and perfect figure.
Such films as "Easy to Wed," ''Neptune's Daughter" and "Dangerous When Wet" followed the same formula: romance, music, a bit of comedy and a flimsy plot that provided excuses to get Esther into the water.
The extravaganzas dazzled a second generation via television and the compilation films "That's Entertainment." Williams' co-stars included the pick of the MGM contract list, including Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, Red Skelton, Ricardo Montalban and Howard Keel.
Williams died early Thursday in her sleep, according to her longtime publicist Harlan Boll.
Following in the footsteps of Sonja Henie, who went from skating champion to movie star, Williams became one of Hollywood's biggest moneymakers, appearing in spectacular swimsuit numbers that capitalized on her wholesome beauty and perfect figure.
Such films as "Easy to Wed," ''Neptune's Daughter" and "Dangerous When Wet" followed the same formula: romance, music, a bit of comedy and a flimsy plot that provided excuses to get Esther into the water.
The extravaganzas dazzled a second generation via television and the compilation films "That's Entertainment." Williams' co-stars included the pick of the MGM contract list, including Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, Red Skelton, Ricardo Montalban and Howard Keel.
- 6/6/2013
- by CP
- Huffington Post
Esther Williams, the swimming champion turned actress who starred in glittering and aquatic Technicolor musicals of the 1940s and 1950s, has died. She was 91.
Williams died early Thursday in her sleep, according to her longtime publicist Harlan Boll.
Following in the footsteps of Sonja Henie, who went from skating champion to movie star, Williams became one of Hollywood’s biggest moneymakers, appearing in spectacular swimsuit numbers that capitalized on her wholesome beauty and perfect figure.
Such films as Easy to Wed, Neptune’s Daughter, and Dangerous When Wet followed the same formula: romance, music, a bit of comedy and a flimsy plot that provided excuses to get Esther into the water.
The extravaganzas dazzled a second generation via television and the compilation films That’s Entertainment. Williams’ co-stars included the pick of the MGM contract list, including Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, Red Skelton, Ricardo Montalban and Howard Keel.
When hard times signaled the end of big studios and costly musicals in the mid-’50s, Williams tried non-swimming roles with little success. After her 1962 marriage to Fernando Lamas, her co-star in Dangerous When Wet, she retired from public life.
Williams died early Thursday in her sleep, according to her longtime publicist Harlan Boll.
Following in the footsteps of Sonja Henie, who went from skating champion to movie star, Williams became one of Hollywood’s biggest moneymakers, appearing in spectacular swimsuit numbers that capitalized on her wholesome beauty and perfect figure.
Such films as Easy to Wed, Neptune’s Daughter, and Dangerous When Wet followed the same formula: romance, music, a bit of comedy and a flimsy plot that provided excuses to get Esther into the water.
The extravaganzas dazzled a second generation via television and the compilation films That’s Entertainment. Williams’ co-stars included the pick of the MGM contract list, including Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, Red Skelton, Ricardo Montalban and Howard Keel.
When hard times signaled the end of big studios and costly musicals in the mid-’50s, Williams tried non-swimming roles with little success. After her 1962 marriage to Fernando Lamas, her co-star in Dangerous When Wet, she retired from public life.
- 6/6/2013
- by Associated Press
- EW - Inside Movies
American swimming champion-turned-film-star Esther Williams died in her sleep today, at age 91.
Williams, who was a national champion in her teens, was spotted by an MGM talent scout and made her screen debut in Andy Hardy's Double Life in 1942. MGM would go on to make her in to a synchonised screen siren, developing "Aqua Musicals" specifically for her in the 1940s.
Dubbed Hollywood's Mermaid, she became a huge box office draw in the Forties and Fifties, with her films including The One Piece Bathing Suit - co-starring Victor Mature - Dangerous When Wet and Fiesta.
Other big-name co-stars included Howard Keel, Frank Sinatra and Gene Kelly.
As studio appetites for musicals declined, she tried to carve a name for herself out of the water but failed to match her earlier succes. She retired from public life in the Sixties, marrying her Dangerous When Wet co-star Fernando Lamas - her third husband after.
Williams, who was a national champion in her teens, was spotted by an MGM talent scout and made her screen debut in Andy Hardy's Double Life in 1942. MGM would go on to make her in to a synchonised screen siren, developing "Aqua Musicals" specifically for her in the 1940s.
Dubbed Hollywood's Mermaid, she became a huge box office draw in the Forties and Fifties, with her films including The One Piece Bathing Suit - co-starring Victor Mature - Dangerous When Wet and Fiesta.
Other big-name co-stars included Howard Keel, Frank Sinatra and Gene Kelly.
As studio appetites for musicals declined, she tried to carve a name for herself out of the water but failed to match her earlier succes. She retired from public life in the Sixties, marrying her Dangerous When Wet co-star Fernando Lamas - her third husband after.
- 6/5/2013
- by Amber Wilkinson
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Zoe’s continues her journey through the turbulent history of one of Hollywood’s most influential studios, as we arrive at MGM's post-war golden era. Plus, a bit of 3D, too...
As the end of World War II approached, a new world dawned for MGM – a world which had changed dramatically. Attitudes and lifestyles had changed, but most importantly audiences had changed. Here was an opportunity: MGM’s chance to start afresh. And so in 1944, MGM embarked on what would become the most successful period in its history. After the war, the slate was wiped clean.
Gone were the tired, tried-and-tested formulas, and gone were the aging names and stars, as a new unit was established at MGM. It was up to this unit, anchored by an experienced producer and made up of bright young talent, to transform MGM’s signature high-production style into something new and modern in order...
As the end of World War II approached, a new world dawned for MGM – a world which had changed dramatically. Attitudes and lifestyles had changed, but most importantly audiences had changed. Here was an opportunity: MGM’s chance to start afresh. And so in 1944, MGM embarked on what would become the most successful period in its history. After the war, the slate was wiped clean.
Gone were the tired, tried-and-tested formulas, and gone were the aging names and stars, as a new unit was established at MGM. It was up to this unit, anchored by an experienced producer and made up of bright young talent, to transform MGM’s signature high-production style into something new and modern in order...
- 1/24/2012
- Den of Geek
TCM Spotlight: Esther Williams, Vol. 2 (Thrill of a Romance / Fiesta / This Time for Keeps / Pagan Love Song / Million Dollar Mermaid / Easy to Love) Twenty-first century moviegoers don’t understand Esther Williams, and you get funny looks when you try to explain her appeal. Why on earth would you go to the movies just to see someone swim? It must be admitted that, as an attraction, Williams’ aquatic frolicking is not exactly Indiana Jones fleeing a runaway boulder. But it’s important to remember that in a world before anyone had access to so much as a football game a week the opportunity to watch any feat of athleticism was a rare thing. Movie audiences’ need to see [...]...
- 12/27/2009
- by Dan Erdman
- Alt Film Guide
The weekend’s here. You’ve just been paid, and it’s burning a hole in your pocket. What’s a pop culture geek to do? In hopes of steering you in the right direction to blow some of that hard-earned cash, it’s time for the Quick Stop Weekend Shopping Guide - your spotlight on the things you didn’t even know you wanted…
(Please support Quick Stop by using the links below to make any impulse purchases - it helps to keep us going…)
Those fans that have only experience the butchered editions of weird and wonderful The Mighty Boosh that have been running on Adult Swim need to run - not walk - to their favorite DVD emporium and snag copies of the new-to-the-us unexpurgated editions of The Mighty Boosh seasons 1-3 that have now been collected into the massive Mighty Boosh Special Edition DVD set (BBC,...
(Please support Quick Stop by using the links below to make any impulse purchases - it helps to keep us going…)
Those fans that have only experience the butchered editions of weird and wonderful The Mighty Boosh that have been running on Adult Swim need to run - not walk - to their favorite DVD emporium and snag copies of the new-to-the-us unexpurgated editions of The Mighty Boosh seasons 1-3 that have now been collected into the massive Mighty Boosh Special Edition DVD set (BBC,...
- 10/16/2009
- by UncaScroogeMcD
TCM has put out some great vintage film collections in the last few years. The collections usually have a fair collection of winners and so-so contenders who need the better films to make them palatable and Esther Williams: Volume 2 is no exception. However, to the volume’s credit, it has a better ratio than most sets with 4 good to great films supporting 2 mediocre ones. The set could very well help reel in some younger viewers as the films in this volume have a surprisingly modern feel to them all. This one maybe good, but it might still qualify as “for collectors only”.
Thrill of a Romance (1945)
Directed by Richard Thorpe and written by Richard Connell and Gladys Lehman.
Co-starring Van Johnson and Henry Travers.
Summary: Two lovebirds get swept up in a whirlwind romance; one a girl looking for love and one a celebrated veteran, the two find their...
Thrill of a Romance (1945)
Directed by Richard Thorpe and written by Richard Connell and Gladys Lehman.
Co-starring Van Johnson and Henry Travers.
Summary: Two lovebirds get swept up in a whirlwind romance; one a girl looking for love and one a celebrated veteran, the two find their...
- 10/8/2009
- by Lex Walker
- JustPressPlay.net
Ricardo Montalban passed away Wednesday, January 14, at the age of 88. Lorenza Muñoz has written a fine obituary and career overview for the L.A. Times, accompanied by a fantastic photo gallery. Claire Dederer and Bruce Weber have done the honors for the New York Times. Both obits acknowledge Montalban’s contributions to stage and screen, as well as the opportunities created for Latinos by way of his activism. His performance in the film noir classic Border Incident remains one of my all-time favorites as, of course, is his characterization of Khan Noonien Singh, arch nemesis to Star Trek‘s Captain Kirk.
Turner Classic Movies (TCM) will dedicate the entire daytime lineup for Friday, January 23, 2009 to pay tribute to Montalban. The collection features musical pairings with Esther Williams in Fiesta (1947) and Neptune’s Daughter (1949), as well as dramatic roles in Border Incident (1949) and Battleground (1949).
Turner Classic Movies (TCM) will dedicate the entire daytime lineup for Friday, January 23, 2009 to pay tribute to Montalban. The collection features musical pairings with Esther Williams in Fiesta (1947) and Neptune’s Daughter (1949), as well as dramatic roles in Border Incident (1949) and Battleground (1949).
- 1/18/2009
- by Michael Guillen
- Screen Anarchy
Yesterday was a heavy business day so I'm late on the news.
The most important movie item yesterday was the passing of Ricardo Montalban (pictured left, source). He was 88 years old when he passed away on Wednesday. His greatest fame came in the 80s from television. You may remember him as either "Mr. Roarke" on Fantasy Island, "Zach Powers" on Dynasty spinoff The Colbys or as the title villain in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982) --the only Star Trek outing I've ever loved and largely thanks to him. Khan was a character he was reprising from a guest stint on the 60s television show and yes, that was his real chest in the movie. He was eating his spinach as a sexagenarian.
Like many actors who get choice supporting roles in genre movies and/or television stardom in their senior years, Montalban was already famous. He'd been both...
The most important movie item yesterday was the passing of Ricardo Montalban (pictured left, source). He was 88 years old when he passed away on Wednesday. His greatest fame came in the 80s from television. You may remember him as either "Mr. Roarke" on Fantasy Island, "Zach Powers" on Dynasty spinoff The Colbys or as the title villain in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982) --the only Star Trek outing I've ever loved and largely thanks to him. Khan was a character he was reprising from a guest stint on the 60s television show and yes, that was his real chest in the movie. He was eating his spinach as a sexagenarian.
Like many actors who get choice supporting roles in genre movies and/or television stardom in their senior years, Montalban was already famous. He'd been both...
- 1/16/2009
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
Wednesday was a sad day; Ricardo Montalban passed away at the age of 88. To today's movie fan, he's best known as the tremendous Star Trek villain, Khan Noonien Singh, featured both on the original series and famously in the second and best Trek movie.
To others, he will be remembered as Mr. Roarke, the white-suited boss of Fantasy Island. But that show's consistent success in the late 1970s and early 1980s was a career rebirth for Montalban, who had been working in Hollywood for over 30 years by that point.
His first noteworthy performance was opposite Esther Williams in Fiesta released in 1947. He suffered a spinal injury while making Across the Wide Missouri with Clark Gable, which came back into Montalban's life around 15 years ago. It would ultimately confine the graceful actor to a wheelchair.
To others, he will be remembered as Mr. Roarke, the white-suited boss of Fantasy Island. But that show's consistent success in the late 1970s and early 1980s was a career rebirth for Montalban, who had been working in Hollywood for over 30 years by that point.
His first noteworthy performance was opposite Esther Williams in Fiesta released in 1947. He suffered a spinal injury while making Across the Wide Missouri with Clark Gable, which came back into Montalban's life around 15 years ago. It would ultimately confine the graceful actor to a wheelchair.
- 1/15/2009
- by Colin Boyd
- GetTheBigPicture.net
Ricardo Montalban, a Mexican-born actor who starred in MGM films, and later in ABC's Fantasy Island, has died.
He was 88, and no cause of death was released, the Associated Press reports.
Montalban arrived in the U.S. in 1946, making a transition from Mexican cinema to Hollywood. His first stateside role was in Fiesta, opposite Esther Williams. He appeared with her again in On an Island with You in 1948 and Neptune's Daughter a year later.
It was in 1978, however, when Montalban became known as Island's magnanimous Mr. Rourke...
Read More >...
He was 88, and no cause of death was released, the Associated Press reports.
Montalban arrived in the U.S. in 1946, making a transition from Mexican cinema to Hollywood. His first stateside role was in Fiesta, opposite Esther Williams. He appeared with her again in On an Island with You in 1948 and Neptune's Daughter a year later.
It was in 1978, however, when Montalban became known as Island's magnanimous Mr. Rourke...
Read More >...
- 1/15/2009
- by Anna Dimond
- TVGuide - Breaking News
Ricardo Montalban, the dashing Mexican actor who gained fame for two iconic television roles -- that of the vengeful Khan in Star Trek and the mysterious Mr. Roark in Fantasy Island -- died on Wednesday at his home in Los Angeles; he was 88. No cause of death was given, though it was known that Montalban had suffered from complications after undergoing 9 1/2 hours of spinal surgery in 1993 to alleviate an injury he suffered in 1951 while filming the western Across the Wide Missouri. The surgery, however, did not resolve his medical problems, and he found himself primarily confined to a wheelchair. A career in Mexican films led to Hollywood and an MGM contract in 1946, and he was cast in a number of Esther Williams films (his American feature debut was in 1946's Fiesta opposite the swimming star) as well as westerns and dramas opposite such stars as Lana Turner and Jane Powell.
After leaving MGM in the mid-fifties, Montalban appeared on numerous television shows, though it was his singular turn as the villainous Khan Noonien Singh, one of a group of genetically engineered "supermen" in the "Space Seed" episode of Star Trek for which he became most remembered, and he reprised that role in the 1982 box office hit Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. By the time that film was released, Montalban had also become famous to a new generation of television viewers as the enigmatic Mr. Rourke, the host of the ABC Saturday night staple Fantasy Island (1978-1984), where he would preside over cautionary tales of those who wished to have their most desired fantasies fulfilled. (Around the same time, Montalban did a number of commercials for the Chrysler Cordoba, where his exhortations of the cars "rich Corinthian leather" would become an affectionate pop culture reference.)
After his role as Khan, Montalban continued to appear in television (most notably on the Dynasty spin-off The Colbys) and in film (as the villain of the comedy The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!) until his surgery curtailed his acting career. Montalban continued to work, however, appearing in all three of the Spy Kids films and doing voice work for the television shows Kim Possible and Family Guy. Montalban's wife, Georgiana Young (the younger sister of actress Loretta Young) died in 2007; the two had been married since 1944 and had four children.
After leaving MGM in the mid-fifties, Montalban appeared on numerous television shows, though it was his singular turn as the villainous Khan Noonien Singh, one of a group of genetically engineered "supermen" in the "Space Seed" episode of Star Trek for which he became most remembered, and he reprised that role in the 1982 box office hit Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. By the time that film was released, Montalban had also become famous to a new generation of television viewers as the enigmatic Mr. Rourke, the host of the ABC Saturday night staple Fantasy Island (1978-1984), where he would preside over cautionary tales of those who wished to have their most desired fantasies fulfilled. (Around the same time, Montalban did a number of commercials for the Chrysler Cordoba, where his exhortations of the cars "rich Corinthian leather" would become an affectionate pop culture reference.)
After his role as Khan, Montalban continued to appear in television (most notably on the Dynasty spin-off The Colbys) and in film (as the villain of the comedy The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!) until his surgery curtailed his acting career. Montalban continued to work, however, appearing in all three of the Spy Kids films and doing voice work for the television shows Kim Possible and Family Guy. Montalban's wife, Georgiana Young (the younger sister of actress Loretta Young) died in 2007; the two had been married since 1944 and had four children.
- 1/14/2009
- IMDb News
Mexican actor Ricardo Montalban, best known to ComicMixers as Khan Noonien Singh or the enigmatic Mr. Roarke, died today at age 88.
According to the Associated Press, Montalban died this morning at his home in California. No cause of death was provided.
"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," city council by president Eric Garcetti said in a written statement.
The flamboyant actor began his acting career in his native land before coming to Hollywood to become a star for MGM. He made his American debut opposite swimming star Esther Williams in 1946’s Fiesta.
As a working actor in the 1960s, Gene Roddenberry cast him as Khan, the Genetics War exile in the 1966 episode of Star Trek, “Space Seed”. Years later, director Nicholas Meyer was captivated by...
According to the Associated Press, Montalban died this morning at his home in California. No cause of death was provided.
"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," city council by president Eric Garcetti said in a written statement.
The flamboyant actor began his acting career in his native land before coming to Hollywood to become a star for MGM. He made his American debut opposite swimming star Esther Williams in 1946’s Fiesta.
As a working actor in the 1960s, Gene Roddenberry cast him as Khan, the Genetics War exile in the 1966 episode of Star Trek, “Space Seed”. Years later, director Nicholas Meyer was captivated by...
- 1/14/2009
- by Robert Greenberger
- Comicmix.com
Ricardo Montalban, who became a household name for his performance as the wish-granting Mr. Roarke on "Fantasy Island," died Wednesday at his home in Los Angeles. The actor was 88.
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.
Although he was best known as the charming Roarke on ABC's 1978-84 hit series, Montalban was also a gifted character actor who won an Emmy for his portrayal of a Sioux chief in the miniseries "How the West Was Won."
Montalban's suave manner and patriarchal dignity became his trademarks, and for a period in his late career, he served as the TV pitchman for Chrysler. His dignified intonation -- "rich Corinthian leather" with his regal rolling of the "R's" -- caught viewers' favor and was widely repeated.
Montalban could also play the most dastardly villains,...
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.
Although he was best known as the charming Roarke on ABC's 1978-84 hit series, Montalban was also a gifted character actor who won an Emmy for his portrayal of a Sioux chief in the miniseries "How the West Was Won."
Montalban's suave manner and patriarchal dignity became his trademarks, and for a period in his late career, he served as the TV pitchman for Chrysler. His dignified intonation -- "rich Corinthian leather" with his regal rolling of the "R's" -- caught viewers' favor and was widely repeated.
Montalban could also play the most dastardly villains,...
- 1/14/2009
- by By Duane Byrge
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Associated Press reports that actors Ricardo Montalban and Patrick McGoohan have both passed away. Montalban, the Mexican-born actor who became a star in splashy MGM musicals and later as the wish-fulfilling Mr. Roarke in TV's "Fantasy Island," died Wednesday morning at his home, a city councilman said. He was 88. Montalban had been a star in Mexican movies when MGM brought him to Hollywood in 1946. He was cast in the leading role opposite Esther Williams in Fiesta . He also starred with the swimming beauty in On an Island with You and Neptune's Daughter . A later generation knew Montalban as the faintly mysterious, white-suited Mr. Roarke, who presided over an island resort where visitors were able to fulfill their lifelong dreams. "Fantasy Island"...
- 1/14/2009
- Comingsoon.net
Cyd Charisse, the long-legged Texas beauty who danced with the Ballet Russe as a teenager and starred in MGM musicals with Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly, died Tuesday. She was 86.
Charisse was admitted to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center on Monday after suffering an apparent heart attack, said her publicist, Gene Schwam.
It was her uncredited turn opposite Astaire in "Ziegfeld Follies" in 1946 that won her a seven-year contract with MGM. Her moves with Astaire in Vincent Minnelli's "Band Wagon" were often described as "heavenly."
One of the greatest female dancers in the heyday of the Hollywood musical, she starred in such big-screen extravaganzas as "Brigadoon" (1954) and as a young Vicki Carr in "The Silencers" (1966). While she strutted her considerable stuff on the screen, her singing was invariably dubbed.
Though she didn't often spend much time on the screen, her scenes made dramatic impact. Outfitted in the most splendid costumes, she wowed...
Charisse was admitted to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center on Monday after suffering an apparent heart attack, said her publicist, Gene Schwam.
It was her uncredited turn opposite Astaire in "Ziegfeld Follies" in 1946 that won her a seven-year contract with MGM. Her moves with Astaire in Vincent Minnelli's "Band Wagon" were often described as "heavenly."
One of the greatest female dancers in the heyday of the Hollywood musical, she starred in such big-screen extravaganzas as "Brigadoon" (1954) and as a young Vicki Carr in "The Silencers" (1966). While she strutted her considerable stuff on the screen, her singing was invariably dubbed.
Though she didn't often spend much time on the screen, her scenes made dramatic impact. Outfitted in the most splendid costumes, she wowed...
- 6/17/2008
- by By Duane Byrge
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Cyd Charisse, the long-legged Texas beauty who danced with the Ballet Russe as a teenager and starred in MGM musicals with Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly, died Tuesday. She was 86.
Charisse was admitted to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center on Monday after suffering an apparent heart attack, said her publicist, Gene Schwam.
It was her uncredited turn opposite Astaire in Ziegfeld Follies in 1946 that won her a seven-year contract with MGM. Her moves with Astaire in Vincent Minnelli's Band Wagon were often described as "heavenly."
One of the greatest female dancers in the heyday of the Hollywood musical, she starred in such big-screen extravaganzas as Brigadoon (1954) and as a young Vicki Carr in The Silencers (1966). While she strutted her considerable stuff on the screen, her singing was invariably dubbed.
Though she didn't often spend much time on the screen, her scenes made dramatic impact. Outfitted in the most splendid costumes, she wowed audiences with her dance moves in such 1940s entertainments as The Harvey Girls, Three Wise Fools, Till the Clouds Roll By, Fiesta, The Unfinished Dance, Words and Music and The Kissing Bandit. Her final dancing turns were in the '50s in such films as Brigadoon, It's Always Fair Weather, Invitation to the Dance and Silk Stockings, a musical remake of Ninotchka that reteamed her with Astaire.
Charisse was admitted to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center on Monday after suffering an apparent heart attack, said her publicist, Gene Schwam.
It was her uncredited turn opposite Astaire in Ziegfeld Follies in 1946 that won her a seven-year contract with MGM. Her moves with Astaire in Vincent Minnelli's Band Wagon were often described as "heavenly."
One of the greatest female dancers in the heyday of the Hollywood musical, she starred in such big-screen extravaganzas as Brigadoon (1954) and as a young Vicki Carr in The Silencers (1966). While she strutted her considerable stuff on the screen, her singing was invariably dubbed.
Though she didn't often spend much time on the screen, her scenes made dramatic impact. Outfitted in the most splendid costumes, she wowed audiences with her dance moves in such 1940s entertainments as The Harvey Girls, Three Wise Fools, Till the Clouds Roll By, Fiesta, The Unfinished Dance, Words and Music and The Kissing Bandit. Her final dancing turns were in the '50s in such films as Brigadoon, It's Always Fair Weather, Invitation to the Dance and Silk Stockings, a musical remake of Ninotchka that reteamed her with Astaire.
- 6/17/2008
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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