Jan 15 2009
Ricardo Montalban BigShoes Tribute
We must pay tribute to Ricardo Montalban (November 25, 1920 – January 14, 2009) who passed yesterday at the age of 88. There is probably as much that we don’t know about him as that which we do. How much you may ask, well move over Khan Noonien Singh. Put Ricardo Montalban in a room with Cyd Charisse or Jane Powell and ladies you will certainly go weak in the knees.
Ricardo Montalban is credited with saying “Ask not what the role can do for you; ask what you can do for the role.” I’d say whatever he was doing, he was doing it. It is unfortunate that later in his life his roles were few and far between. He once said “Hollywood does not write parts for people like me, an elderly gentleman, and when they find out you’re crippled, forget about it. No, I’ll never work again.” Despite his spinal injury in 1993 after surgery he did return to work. I remember seeing him in one of the Spy Kids’ movies. He also did vocal work in animation including on Dora the Explorer.
It was tough picking a YouTube so I’ll give you a two-for…and don’t forget to visit the Ricardo Montalban Writely Applied Tribute.
Ricardo Montalban and Cyd Charisse
Ricardo Montalban and Jane Powell
Rest in Peace Ricardo Gonzalo Pedro Montalban y Merino
I was so sad to hear about his death. He was great!
I hope that TCM plays some of his old movies. I’d love to see them.