Ricardo Montalban will always be Khan to me

Alex Wed, Jan 21, 2009 at 09:10 AM EST

Yeah, it was Listen 2 This. I liked those, but then they started not being exclusively about music, (they started to include video games & comic books too) http://carpet-cleaning.emenace.com/autobiogc4/11.html tapestry binding for carpets undefined

Alex Wed, Jan 21, 2009 at 08:20 AM EST

Yeah, it was Listen 2 This. I liked those, but then they started not being exclusively about music, (they started to include video games & comic books too) http://hardwood-floor.emenace.com/brucehar62/22.html harmonics laminate flooring undefined

Henry Fri, Jan 16, 2009 at 12:23 PM EST

To me, he will always be Khan as well. Rest in peace, Ricardo.

TrekGirl Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 07:13 PM EST

I agree with the article...
Khan is the villain Trek fans love to hate! And it really isn't his fault Spock died, when you think about it...
Are people born wicked, or do they have wickedness thrust upon them?

J. Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 06:26 PM EST

Wrath of Khan is the greatest of the Star Trek movies, because Montalban was so skilled at selling a psychopath. You knew you were in danger just being near him; you just didn't know when or how he'd f*ck you.

Rev. O.J. Flow Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 05:58 PM EST

This piece puts the movie even higher on my wish list for blu-ray. STAR TREK II rocked! Well done, Marc!

Analogger Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 04:52 PM EST

"To the last, I will grapple with thee... from Hell's heart, I stab at thee! For hate's sake, I spit my last breath at thee!"
the Immortal Khan . RIP

Stephanie T. Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 03:43 PM EST

He was Khaaaaaan!!! And to kids growing up in the late 70's and 80's Mr. Roarke. I can only imagine his four kids saying at his funeral he just wanted "Smiles everyone, smiles!"

P. Tam Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 03:33 PM EST

Khan will forever be Kirk's greatest enemy. Montalban was great.

Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 02:54 PM EST

nobody has mentioned him as amando in planet of the apes 3 and 4. they weren't that memorable but really nobody has seen those movies? he was basically the reason the earth was over thrown by apes.

Mickie Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 02:39 PM EST

Thank you, my kids know him as the wheelchair bound grandfather in the Spy Kids movie series, but Ricardo will always be Kahn. I've been a little put out that none of the obits I've seen before this has mentioned one of his best chacters you have corrected that.

Rich Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 02:37 PM EST

I remember as a teenager and huge Trek fan reading that Mr. Montalban was going to be the villain in ST II. My first reaction was, 'Ugh - not that guy from Fantasy Island.'

Needless to say, that notion went out the window in about a millisecond when I was watching the movie. What a terrific, surprising (at the time) performance. It is fitting now that we now remember this movie and all of his terrific roles.

JasonHomey Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 02:32 PM EST

They even quote the Klingon proverb on sportscenter about revenge being a dish best served cold. The borg were a great villian, but Khan was the best of them all in the Trek universe. Khannnnnnnnnnnnn!

JEm Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 02:31 PM EST

It was my privilege to have met Mr. Montalban and visit with him and his family at their home when I went to school with his children in NY while he was on Broadway. A more gracious, charming, genuine, finer man would be hard to find. His suffering is over, but his memory lives on.

esquirrel Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 01:54 PM EST

I highly recommend "Myster Street" from 1950. It was recently shown on TCM. A starring role with a nice co-starring performance by Elsa Lanchester.(Bride of Frankenstein) Lastly, his voice over for Senior Senior from "Kim Possible" was very good.

Peter B Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 01:08 PM EST

I also remember him from the Dynasty spinoff - The Colby's. It didn't matter that the dialogue sucked. When you heard Ricardo Montalban speak with John Forsythe and Charlton Heston, it was an absolutel delight. For me, he always liven up a production - whether it was ST2 The Wraith of Khan or the two of the Planet of the Ape movies. Because of his illness, he spent the last years doing voice over work at which he excelled.

He will be missed.

carlie Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 01:02 PM EST

I am a classic movie fan and one of my favorite movies with Ricardo Montalvan is "My man and I" with Shelley Winters and Claire Trevor. It's the story of a poor Mexican trying to better his life and encountering prejudice and eventually finding love. Great movie! As always RM played the role with much dignity and passion, plus he looked great without his shirt! RIP, friend.

scorpio9094 Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 12:43 PM EST

I remember him in the Dynasty spinoff The Colbys. Always elegant, or in the case of Star Trek, ruthless!!

MRH Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 12:33 PM EST

He was also a great villian in an Columbo episode when he was a matador who killed someone because he had become afraid of the bulls. Great banter with Peter Falk.

EP Sato Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 12:25 PM EST

I'm really saddened to hear Ricardo Montalban passed. While I grew up to see him in tons of roles, he was most memorable in the first role I saw him play:Khan.

The Wrath of Khan had a huge impact on me as a kid. I saw it in the theaters at age 7, and it wowed me in every way. The creepy scene with the bugs in the ears, the death of scotty's nephew, the death of Spock, the infinitely quotable lines, genesis, Kirk's son and the sight of the Enterprise after a serious butt whipping were bold steps at that time for a series that had frequently played it safe.

I love science fiction movies thanks to guys like Walter Hill, Kurt Russell and George Lucas. But my favorite movies were all defined by their villains, and to me, Khan may be the best science fiction movie villain of all time.

Que descance en paz Señor Montalban. You shall be missed.

Oh, I am SOOOO watching Khan tonight!

jpm Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 12:23 PM EST

In the wake of Montalban's passing, Obama revealed today that he would immediately scrap all Abraham Lincoln references at his inauguration and instead would deliver a new theme of “Fantasy Inauguration”.

http://www.weeklyworldnews.com/politics/fantasy-inauguration/

JoeC Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 12:17 PM EST

I can't resist one more Fantasy Island Mr. Roarke quote via Bloom County: ' Well, Tatu, Mr. Wicker's fantasy is to swan-dive into a pool of egg-nog with Barbi Benton.' Another scream of a quote!

Bob Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 12:15 PM EST

Ricardo was a very well rounded actor. I remember him in all the roles listed in the posts, but he stood out more as Khan...the perfect arch enemy to Kirk...like the Joker to Batman.

Godspeed, Ricardo...you will be missed.

DrAstroZoom Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 12:10 PM EST

I thoroughly enjoyed reading both the article and the fond memories of readers.

JoeC Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 12:08 PM EST

Well, okay, so long as we're issuing 'Khan quotes' how about this one: 'I have done more than hurt you, Admiral, I have hurt you. You are marooned in the middle of a dead planet.'

darrin Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 12:06 PM EST

Smiles everyone, smiles!!

Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 12:00 PM EST

Agreed. Here are my two favorite quotes from Khan:

Ah, Kirk, my old friend, do you know the Klingon proverb that tells us revenge is a dish that is best served cold?
[pause]
It is very cold...in space!

AND

I'll chase him 'round the moons of Nibia and 'round the Antares Maelstrom and 'round Perdition's flames before I give him up!

Beans Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 11:29 AM EST

He was also in a eps of Hawaii 5 O season 5

x302 Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 11:20 AM EST

I also remember waiting in line at the drive in for three hour to see this movie, watched it twice in the same night. Now me and my kids will be different charectors (sp) and watch the movie. I love being KAHN :)

x302 Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 11:14 AM EST

I can hear him and remember EVERY word he spoke as Kahn-who other can we say that of, goes to the kind of actor he was! I loved how he could be so crazed one second and then down to earth the next. What a tremendous loss, so sad. I am glad we have all his acomplishments on film.

pere Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 11:13 AM EST

www.khaaan.com

M Weyer Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 11:11 AM EST

"He tasks me! He tasks me! I'll chase him round the moons of Niba and round the Antares Malestrom and round Perdition's Flames before I give him up!"

"Kirk, my old friend, have you heard the Klingon proverb of revenge best served cold? It is very cold in space."

An amazing actor who'll be missed. Hey, don't forget him in "Naked Gun!"

Cardsgal Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 11:07 AM EST

I personally LOVED his "rich Corinthian leather" shill and it's still the first thing I think of whenever I hear his name.

gina Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 10:50 AM EST

Funny, I thought the same thing. I loved him on Fantasy Island, but he will always be KHAN to me.

Ricardo Montalban, you will be missed!

avi Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 10:43 AM EST

wow i totally wrote that he'll always be khan to me too. which is a good thing! http://ultranow.typepad.com/ultranow/2009/01/ricardo-montalban-is-like-totally-dead-now.html

RikerDonegal Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 09:27 AM EST

That's a superb obit.

RIP, Ricardo Montalban, thanks for everything.

Snarf Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 09:26 AM EST

KAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHN!

JoeC Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 09:14 AM EST

I agree that Khan was one of the best Star Trek characters ever, and he was the reason for the best Star Trek movie ever, but as someone who remembers when Fantasy Island was a staple of Saturday night television, Ricardo Montalblan will always be Mr. Roarke. My fave comic strip of all time was the 80's classic Bloom County, and one of my faves had Tatu(sic?) saying 'OOOOOH boss, da plane! Da Plane!' Mr Roarke replied 'Tatu, I have my own fantasy this week. My fantasy is for you to drive an 82 Chrysler Cordoba off a cliff on the other side of the island.' Hilarious! Godspeed, Ricardo, you will be missed.

Alex Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 08:40 AM EST

While we're justly praising Mr. Montalban for his unforgettable delivery of Khan's lines, don't forget that he was speaking brilliantly written dialogue by ST II's director/screenwriter Nicolas Meyer.

lars Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 07:11 AM EST

Ricardo Montalban was a brilliant actor and whether by choice or circumstance, one of the most under-utilized actors in the media. (much like Brando) Mr. Montalban, like many actors and actresses before him, has left us with many fond memories. Thank you, Ricardo. - Marc.. A great article about a great actor. I love the line about 'smarter than the average bear'.

CaptD Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 06:08 AM EST

I loved the Khan character...
1) his line to Capt. Terrell (Paul Winfield): Captain, Captain...save your strength. These people have sworn to live and die at my command -- 200 years before you were born.
2) and how he was able to display 3 distinct emotions in the same line with just one word: (surprise)Admiral?! (quiet disbelief) Admiral! (hatred) Admiral.

marina Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 04:44 AM EST

The line I liked best,"you are in a position to ask nothing, while I, on the other hand am in a position to grant nothing."

marina Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 04:42 AM EST

The line I liked best,"you are in a position to ask nothing, while I, on the other hand am in a position to grant nothing."

montalban fan Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 01:41 AM EST

I hope EW doesn't stiff Ricardo by giving him a small paragraph on their obit page. He deserves the Paul Newman/Heath Ledger treatment! Talk about his numerous roles, get others to share memories of him. What do you have that's better then that -- another inane American Idol article?

Barry Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 01:27 AM EST

Brad is right; without Wrath of Khan, the entire Star Trek franchise would have been buried (after that horrendous initial ST movie). Whenever I think about him as Khan, I have to smile and laugh because he could communicate in one little twitch of a cheek muscle what would take Shatner 3 minutes of overacting.

Yeah; he'll be missed. Wish they would have found a way to bring Khan back to tangle with Picard; now that would have been a howl.

Nick Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 01:09 AM EST

With everything I have read today about Ricardo this has been the best.

Diane Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 12:54 AM EST

I once met Mr. Montalban in a downtown LA office building, and he ushered me into the elevator with his hand on my back. What a gentleman! May he and his wife be happy together in heaven.

Richard Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 12:22 AM EST

I appear to be the only one who remembers him playing opposite Esther Williams in "Neptune's Daughter." Perhaps that's not an entirely bad thing.

Rufus Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 12:16 AM EST

I remember him from the first Naked Gun film. He was real funny.

SDAI-Tech1 Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 12:13 AM EST

Godspeed Khan. May you find new worlds to explore!

x Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 11:46 PM EST

"How To Handle A Woman" the Khan way:

"Stay. Or go! But do it because it is what you wish to do."

Ricardo had a way of making the most banal of lines transcendent and infinitely memorable.

He will be missed. Thank God the back pain he winced from throughout his life is over.

Montalban Fan Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 11:41 PM EST

Marc,

Great obit! It really makes a difference when a true fan writes it.

Montalban Fan Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 11:39 PM EST

One of the best actors to have ever graced movie and TV screens. He should have been nominated for his role of Kahn back in 1983. He played one of the coolest villians of all time.

And to those doubters.. Yes, that was really his chest.

SA Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 11:07 PM EST

As a Mexican-American, I've always had a special place in my heart for Mr. Montalban. He was, I thought, the true & ideal example of a gentleman, someone I wished had been a part of my family. Khan would not have been the same with another actor. Vaya con Dios.

Mikey M Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 11:06 PM EST

I will chase him round the moons of Nibya....
Sad to hear that he is gone.

ary Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 11:06 PM EST

anybody else remember him as a villain on the cartoon Freakasoid?
"LAUGH with me, LAUGH with me!!" he would shout...i loved his maniacal voice it was perfect for the over-the-top cartoon show.

Shatner Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 10:54 PM EST

"I've done far worse than kill you, Admiral. I've hurt you. And I wish to go on hurting you." Classic Khan

GVardaman Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 10:37 PM EST

Another loss for Star Trek fans as well as many, many others. Very sorry to hear this.
Nice piece Marc!

Barbra Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 10:26 PM EST

What a great talent. He really never earned the level of stardom his ability deserved, but he left many performances that will be remembered. And yeah, he was brilliant as Khan.

Al Fredo Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 10:23 PM EST

I agree with mikey below; the characterization of Montalban as Mr. Roarke is off. The benign outward demeanor of his character masked something quite different. Either way - whether you remember him as Roarke or Khan, both are pretty iconic characters.

Rthomas Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 09:07 PM EST

He was awesome as Khan ... My favorite lines were "why are you here?" and "later, as they grow, comes madness, and death." (when he "bugged" Chekov).

Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 08:51 PM EST

forgot about those commercials Rich, I thought they were funny too :)

Rich Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 08:44 PM EST

We used to mock his adds for Chrysler: "Rich Corinthian leather...."

Tony Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 08:39 PM EST

Oh, he was such an amazing actor. He will be missed!

Son of Khan Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 08:32 PM EST

Revenge is a dish that is best served cold...and it is very cold...in space.

wg Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 08:31 PM EST

Well said/written. RIP Mr. Montalban. And thank you - for Khan and Mr. Roarke and so many other greats.

John Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 08:29 PM EST

You can read all about how big a scumbag he was at http://brokencountry.com

Randy Greenberg Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 08:27 PM EST

Tammy, you're right on the money. Best of the Trek series movies, and BEST line of the movie. Also, "I wish to hurt you...and KEEP hurting you." I also hope that Shatner is shouting "KKKKHHHHAAAAANNNNNN!!!!!" someplace. :)

Gary Earl Ross Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 08:19 PM EST

Just yesterday I was quoting to one of my classes Khan's quoting Ahab near the end of ST II. Absolutely, he will always be Khan, one of the best villains ever, anywhere. Of course, we mustn't forget his turn as Vincent Ludwig, who tries to have Reggie Jackson assassinate Queen Elizabeth in The Naked Gun. The look on his face when he pulls from his fish tank a pen-speared lionfish (the work of Leslie Neilsen's Frank Drebbin) is priceless. Vaya con Dios, Mr. Montalban.

ks Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 08:12 PM EST

The best Trek bad guy ever! he stole the show! he will be dearly missed by me. I always loved the line "we are all one big happy fleet" and "aft torpedo's-fire, damn you" RIP

Tammy Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 08:03 PM EST

Marc I completely agree with you. Montalban really elevated that movie (actually, he stole it)to not only the absolute, bottom line best of the Star Trek series, but one of the best Sci-Fi films ever. However, my favorite line of that film is "Revenge is a dish that is best served cold. It is very cold in space."
RIP Mr. Montalban - we will miss your talent, style and warmth.

mikey Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 07:59 PM EST

I agree that Khan was his best character, but feel the need to point out that Mr. Roarke was far from a benign wish granter. Behind the pineapple-cup hoist and the seemingly warm "Smiles, Everyone. Smiles!" toast lurked a very dangerous man that you did not want to cross. Guests who had secrets or ulterior motives tied to their fantasies or questioned his methods found themselves in far darker places than they bargained for.

Even when he played it for comedy as in The Naked Gun, I can think of no one who has brought the combination of charm and malice to a character on the scale of Ricardo Montalban.

StarTrekLives Michael Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 07:43 PM EST

"You still remember. I cannot help but be touched. I, on the other hand, remember YOU......"

Dean Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 07:41 PM EST

And that was his real chest in Khan. God bless him. He was such a fine man and a great actor. I hoped this day would never come.

Brad Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 07:33 PM EST

What made Khan so memorable was the way he, more than the Klingons or Romulans before him, came the closest to taking out Kirk and his crew in the Space Seed episode. Without the Wrath of Khan, would they now be trying to bring Star Trek back to the big screen in May?

Mr.G Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 07:28 PM EST

Amen! Nicely written. Yes, Mr. Montalban will always be Khan to me as well.

B Ro Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 07:23 PM EST

Can only hope somewhere Shatner is shouting KKKKAAAAAAAAAHHHHHNNNN!!!

Mr. Williams Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 07:16 PM EST

The news is very sad indeed - he will be missed. Ricardo played Khan to such a perfection - making him one of the greatest fictional villains of all time.