Ricardo Montalbán, the legendary actor known for his roles in over 40 films, including “The Mark of Zorro” and “Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan,” made a memorable appearance on the talk show, “David Letterman.” During his interview, Montalbán discussed his seven-year stint on the hit TV series “Fantasy Island” and his current role on the show “Colbe.” Montalbán and his co-star, Hervé Villechaize, had a great working relationship, despite occasional language difficulties. Montalbán praised Villechaize’s artistic abilities and charming personality. The actor also revealed an amusing behind-the-scenes story of Villechaize struggling to pronounce certain words, providing some laughter on set.
Moving on to his role on “Colbe,” Montalbán explained that his character, Zach Powers, is an ambitious and wealthy man with a soft spot. Unlike other roles he played, Montalbán found “Colbe” to be a different experience, as the show’s storyline provided surprises, similar to real life. Each script presented an opportunity for Montalbán to react in unexpected ways, keeping him engaged and avoiding staleness.
During the interview, Montalbán also discussed his long-standing endorsement of Chrysler’s Cordova car, which he promoted for an impressive thirteen years. The actor shared how the name “Corinthian leather” came about, explaining that it was chosen to sound elegant and add a touch of sophistication to the car’s marketing. Montalbán humorously compared the name to “David Letterman,” emphasizing that sometimes a name is simply a name.
As for Montalbán’s current projects, he mentioned his involvement in ongoing “Star Trek” movies. While his character in the original movie appeared to meet an untimely demise, the actor disclosed that the scene narrowly avoided showing his on-screen death, leaving room for a potential return. Montalbán expressed his enjoyment of playing diverse roles, adding that after playing Mr. Roarke in “Fantasy Island” for seven years, he was glad to take on different characters.
In conclusion, Ricardo Montalbán‘s appearance on “David Letterman” provided an entertaining and insightful look into his career and personal experiences. From his rapport with Hervé Villechaize to his role in “Colbe” and his endorsement of the Cordova car, Montalbán showcased his charisma and talent. With his ongoing contributions to the “Star Trek” franchise, it is evident that Montalbán’s legacy in the entertainment industry continues to flourish.
