Ricardo Montalbán (1919-2009), an acclaimed Mexican-American actor with a career spanning seven decades, has passed away following a long illness. He was 88 years old. Montalbán began his career in radio, theatre, and Mexican cinema in the 1940s, and made his American film debut in 1944. With an illustrious film and television career, his work in both mediums earned him numerous awards and accolades. Notable film credits include 1947's Fiesta, 1949's Border Incident, 1951's Across the Wide Missouri, 1952's The Happy Time, 1953's Back to God's Country, and 1979's Star Trek: The Motion Picture. He is perhaps best remembered for his iconic role in the 1970s TV series, Fantasy Island, in which he played the mysterious Mr. Rourke. Montalbán also had a successful stage career, appearing in plays such as Shaw's Don Juan in Hell and Macbeth with the Los Angeles Repertory Company. In addition to his acting successes, Montalbán was an active community leader and advocate. He served as president of the Screen Actors Guild and co-founded the Latino Legal Voice of California. Montalbán was pre-deceased by his first wife Georgiana Young. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Lydia Marie Montalbán, and their four children.