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Orson Welles Almost Played Fantasy Island's Mr. Roarke
28 Jun
Summary
- Orson Welles was considered for Mr. Roarke's role.
- ABC wanted Welles, but Spelling preferred Montalban.
- Spelling detailed the casting choice in his memoir.
ABC executives reportedly favored Orson Welles for the role of Mr. Roarke in the 1977 'Fantasy Island' TV movie. Executive producer Aaron Spelling, however, championed Ricardo Montalban for the part. Spelling revealed in his 1996 memoir, 'Aaron Spelling: A Prime-Time Life,' that ABC had strongly considered the renowned Welles for the suave, white-suited host.
Despite ABC's preference, Spelling ultimately cast Montalban, a decision he defended as crucial for the show's specific tone. He believed Montalban's charisma was essential to embodying Mr. Roarke, the enigmatic figure who granted guests' wishes on the mysterious island.
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