Los Angeles  - Mexico-born actor Ricardo Montablan, who starred in extravagant musicals in the 1950's, the Fantasy Island TV show from 1976 to 1984 and the comedy farce The Naked Gun in the 1980's, died Wednesday morning in his Los Angeles home according to an official announcement. He was 88.

Montalban was born in Mexico City in 1920 and was a star in Mexican movies before MGM brought him to Hollywood to play opposite Esther Williams in movies like Fiesta, Neptune's Daughter and On An Island With You.

His fame increased as the host of the TV hit Fantasy Island in which he would help fictional guests achieve a lifelong dream. He also formed an organization called Nosotros which sought to boost the image of Latino actors in the US and ensure they were not discriminated against. (dpa)