Family Theater Productions supporter, Ricardo Montalbán, dies at age 88 
By Fr. Willy Raymond, National Director of Family Theater Productions

HOLLYWOOD, CA  (Jan. 14, 2009)  -  Actor Ricardo Montalbán, a longtime friend and supporter of Family Theater Productions, died Wednesday, January 14, at his home in Los Angeles at age 88.

His career was launched with musicals for MGM, but he will also be remembered for his role as Mr. Roarke in TV’s Fantasy Island and his role as Khan Noonien Singh in both the 1967 television episode of Star Trek and 1982 film Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.

“Ricardo was a gracious and generous man who shared his gifts and talents in many ways. He has supported our work at Family Theater Productions for more than 60 years through our radio programs and our student film festival,” said Father Willy Raymond, CSC, National Director of Family Theater Productions.

Ricardo offered his support to Father Peyton in the early days of production, acting in a radio program, Blue Memorandum, with Lionel Barrymore. Ricardo was introduced to Father Peyton, the founder of Family Theater Productions, by Loretta Young, Ricardo’s sister-in-law and close friend of Father Peyton’s.

In recent years, Montalbán participated in Family Theater Productions’ Spanish-language radio programs, including, Sabor a Vida, a series of highly entertaining episodes that explore Latino life through drama and comedy with a special focus on young Latino families.

Ricardo Montalbán was the 2001 Honorary Chair of the Angelus Student Film Festival conducted by Family Theater Productions each year to honor and showcase young filmmakers. In 2002, he was the recipient of the “Spirit of Angelus” award, which honors individuals in the film and television industry for a body of work of surpassing quality complemented by a faith lived with integrity and generosity

Ricardo was a devout Catholic and would appreciate your prayers,