RIP - RICARDO MONTALBAN

One of the original Hollywood Latin Lovers, Ricardo Montalban, has passed away. He was known mainly as Mr. Roarke from Fantasy Island and was a star of Hollywood musicals in the 40's and Broadway in the 50's. He was also well known for his portrayal of Khan in the Star Trek TV show and movie. His suave, smooth, elegant, sexy, refined voice and mannerisms endeared him to millions.

Born to Spanish emigrants in Mexico City, Ricardo first achieved fame in NYC summer stock theater and Mexican films.

The thing that most stood out about this man, other than his movie star good looks, was his involvement in his community. I always have an affinity for minorities who give back to their communities. Mr. Montalban was instrumental in establishing the ALMA awards, awards for Spanish speaking actors. In 1970, he founded NOSOTROS and became it's first president, a group that fought the discrimination of Spanish speaking actors, sought to improve their image on screen and urged them to perfect their craft. This was groundbreaking. He had felt the sting of racism in America where he faced Texan signs barring "Dogs and Mexicans". How heartbreaking and disgusting? What most people don't realize is that we are all the same, when Latin actors win, I win; when coal miners in Kentucky win, I win. When single mothers win, I win. Any progression is good for all humanity. Any discrimination makes us all losers.

Vaya con Dios, Papi!!!!!

EARTHA, BABY!!!

The legendary icon Ms. Eartha Kitt left us on Christmas day. She will be greatly missed. She was an ultra modern renaissance woman who crossed the color line, worked and spoke out for human and civil rights for all, was a stage, screen, TV and recording superstar and was a real man-magnet, attracting some of the world's most wealthy and attractive men.

Eartha was far ahead of her time in many ways - she oozed sexuality and sensuality in a time when that was considered improper. It was that raw, unapologetic energy that drew people to her for well over 50 years. Now that is a career, dammit!!! And mother kept that body SNATCHED all those years!!!!!

During her long career, she had more than nine lives thanks to her sold out cabaret act, her Emmy winning TV appearances, her UNFORGETTABLE appearance in Boomerang, her stint as Catwoman (BRILLIANT!) and her brutally honest views on war, homelessness and bad politics. Her truest essence was always put forth at the right moment and those moments kept propelling her forward and deeper into our hearts.

Eartha - you were a one-of-a-kind Lady!!!