Ricardo Montalban was a subject of conversation yesterday, in particular his starring role in the ABC television drama Fantasy Island, the original version running from 1978 to 1984. (In the short-lived revival for the 1998-99 season, the starring role was played by Malcolm McDowell.) Montalban played "Mister Rourke," the owner and proprietor of an island amusement park somewhere in the Pacific Ocean. It was here that, for a considerable price, guests came to live out their fantasies. It was through the living out of these fantasies, that Roarke was able to help the guest learn an important lesson about themselves. The series was Montalban's greatest role in television, and the character of Rourke was perfectly suited to the man.

Of course, many people remember Montalban's role as Khan Noonian Singh in the movie Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, where he rerpises a role as a nemesis of Captain James Kirk (William Shantner) from the original television series. Our Friday Afternoon Moment of Whimsy is presented earlier than usual this week, with a remembrance by Doug Savage of a great actor, and a man of great faith. (Click on image to enlarge.)

May he rest in peace. Amen.
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