This past Wednesday veteran stage, television and film actor Ricardo Montalbán died at the age of 88.

In a career that spanned decades, the talented Montalbán was consistently suave, debonair and stylish. His diverse roles ranged from character parts in Westerns, to musicals to Fantasy Island's Mr. Roake, who did as much to popularize the impecable white suit as John Travolta.

Whether he was extolling the virtues of "soft Corinthian leather", explaining the intricacies of love to his assistant Tattoo on Fantasy Island, or achieving the impossible by upstaging William Shatner as the villanous Khan, it was always a pleasure to watch Mr. Montalbán work.

The cause of death was not released, although a spokesperson for the family said that he died peacefully in his home. He will be missed by legions of fans, friends and colleagues.