Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Its Caarrrnnee Asada.

Today is a sad day. Legendary actor and possessor of ripped pecs Ricardo Montalbán has passed away at the age of 88. Montalbán was perhaps best known to our generation as Khan Noonien Sighn from Star Trek. Khan was a genetic superman of superior strength, intellect, cunning, charm and passion, and Montalbán played brought him to life beautifully. Rumors abound that Montalbán wore a "fake chest plate" during filming, because Khan appeared so muscular and Montalbán was in his 60s at the time. These rumors turned out to be totally false, as apparently he was a regular piece of geriatric beefcake. We should all age so well.

Besides his role as Khan, Montalbán starred on the TV series "Fantasy Island", made appearances in dozens of other TV shows and films spanning most of the 20th century, and even starred on Broadway. He never stopped working, lending his voice work to commercials and movies even in his last years.

As would be expected from a man with such a distinguished career, Montalbán had a sense of humor about himself and his industry. Montalbán described the stages of his career as:

1. Who is Ricardo Montalbán?
2. Get me Ricardo Montalbán.
3. Get me a Ricardo Montalbán type.
4. Get me a young Ricardo Montalbán.
5. Who is Ricardo Montalbán?

Vaya con Dios, Senor Montalbán.

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