Reflections: A Life in Two Worlds

by Ricardo Montalban

A Life in Two Ricardo A Life in Two FIRST First Edition, Later Printing. Published by Doubleday, 1980. Octavo. Hardcover. Book is very good. Dust jacket is very good with price whited out on left flap. Excellent copy of this engaging biography. 100% positive feedback. 30 day money back guarantee. NEXT DAY SHIPPING! Excellent customer service. Please email with any questions. All books packed carefully and ship with free delivery confirmation/tracking. All books come with free bookmarks. Ships from Sag Harbor, New York.Seller 354570 Biography & Letters We Buy Books! Collections - Libraries - Estates - Individual Titles. Message us if you have books to sell!

164 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1980

About the author

Ricardo Gonzalo Pedro Montalbán y Merino was a Mexican-born American radio, television, theatre and film actor. He had a career spanning seven decades (motion pictures from 1943 to 2006) and multiple notable roles. During the mid-to-late 1970s, he was the spokesperson in automobile advertisements for the Chrysler Cordoba (in which he famously extolled the "soft Corinthian leather" used for its interior). From 1977 to 1984 he starred as Mr. Roarke in the television series Fantasy Island. He played Khan Noonien Singh in both the 1967 episode "Space Seed" of the first season of the original Star Trek series, and the 1982 film Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. He won an Emmy Award in 1978, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Screen Actors Guild in 1993. Into his 80s, he continued to perform, often providing voices for animated films and commercials.

Reviews

[Christy Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

After recently watching The Wrath of Khan I was reminded of this fantastic actor that I remembered largely from Fantasy Island and more recently from Spy Kids. It had been about 20 years since I had seen Wrath of Khan so I was so very impressed with the performance Ricardo Montalban gave. In fact, I was deeply intrigued. Further searching found many qualities I admired- a very talented dancer and singer during MGM's golden age of musicals, a very romantic and monogamous husband,a devoted father, a deeply religious man, an advocate for equal opportunities for Latin actors, and someone who was very professional, cheerful and loved and was loved by nearly everyone who met him. Just the bits I had found were fascinating. Naturally I had to hunt down and read his autobiography.

This book isn't long. It's not a name dropping of every famous person he came in contact with. It's not a play by play of life on a Hollywood set. It's not filled with shocking scandals or deep secrets. While Montalban gives us a few glimpses of his private life, the book is every bit as elegant and gracious as the actor himself was. I don't recall anything said in a bad light of any other actor/actress, or anyone he worked with. No, this isn't your typical Hollywood biography, but this isn't your typical Hollywood star either.

The frame work for the voice and stories told is a Catholic retreat that Montalban spends a weekend at to deal with the unexpected loss of his brother. His unwavering devotion to his faith is inspiring. He causes us to feel the peace permeating him while he is at the retreat, and gives us his reflections of his life to that point beginning with his childhood an ending with the time current to the writing of the work. Mr. Montalban is generous- he gives us enough to see what kind of a person he is and what has made him so. He gives highlights of the events that have shaped him the most.

I especially loved to hear him talk of his definition of a 'real' Latin Lover. He gives his father who was faithful to his wife of 53 years until his death and kept the romance alive the whole time, as an example of the perfect 'Latin Lover'. He states that he believes that while we may feel the thrill of the chase, going from one conquest to another is nothing honorable- dogs do that. His recollections and moments he shares of his wife are particularly heartwarming.

I only wish that the book had been written just a couple of years later to perhaps show his perspective of playing Khan again, what many consider his greatest role.

Thirty years after watching him on Fantasy Island (I scarcely missed an episode), seeing him in a few other places, and then hearing of his passing several years ago, NOW I have become a big fan and ardent admirer. I wish I could have met him in person. Thank heaven for youtube.

[Autumn Kearney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reflections A Life in Two Worlds was an interesting book to read. It was filled with the joys and sorrows of a man that I watched regularly on Fantasy Island. I also enjoyed his Chrysler Cordova commercial. I had a serious boyfriend who owned a silver one. I heard Ricardo Montalban’s seductive voice in my ear every time I got into that car.

[Anne Hendricks · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story about a father, a devout Catholic, a fine actor, and most of all, a wonderful person. Get to know mr. Roarke a little A great personal narrative and a must in a Catholic library.
bit better

[seemoya · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think Ricardo Montalban was very candid discussing aspects of his life and career. He refers to himself as a white man towards the end, so that clears up any confusion I had about him being Latino. He was the Mexican born son of Spanish parents. He spoke Spanish, had an accent, and didn't resemble the typical white man so that's why he never had any star making vehicles in Hollywood and why he was never treated like a white man. I wish he had focused a little more on his films, like Battleground (1949), which was a pretty big deal even if he didn't play the lead. I'm also amazed by his tolerance for pain and how he persevered after what could've been a career and life ending accident. A compelling read about one of the most genuinely good movie stars ever.

[Oscar · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quite enlightening book from Ricardo. I can definitely identify with his two worlds as they are also-my own two worlds. I am surprised to the fact that--although he felt his time was a "busy-and hectic time"...I can really appreciate how it is that the world can only get worse as time goes by. He is indeed an excellent example to emulate when it comes to discipline, at home as well as at work.

Strongly suggest this book for anyone trying to find his own meaning of life--and how to find happiness while looking for it.

[Nada Sheppard · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a refreshing, beautiful story of a true and masculine man. His whirlwind love story that lasted a lifetime, his commitment to his family and his faith, and the way he saw his craft as a craft, instead of a way to boost his ego. And the delight is, this was written before his famous reprisal of his role as Khan in "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan". A wonderful read and glimpse into a time of Hollywood by a man who, somehow, was not tainted by it's stains.

[Rachel Carrera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only was Mr. Montalban an incredible actor, he was an incredible man. It was a joy to read about his life in his own words. Even though this was written with Bob Thomas, it had much of the same language and style I've witnessed Mr. Montalban use numerous in interviews, and as I read, I could almost hear his voice. The book was a fast read and was difficult to put down.

[Suzann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though it was created with a writer’s help, Ricardo‘s voice and philosophy comes through clearly. A man of deep faith, he hasn’t shied away from acknowledging his mistakes and expressing gratitude for his blessings.

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting