Tattoo – Fantasy Island’s Iconic Sidekick

Herve Villechaize, the actor who portrayed the iconic character of Tattoo from the TV show “Fantasy Island”, was a beloved figure in the entertainment world. Born in France in 1943, Villechaize’s unique appearance and talent made him stand out in Hollywood. He was only 3’11” tall, but his impact on the world of television was enormous.

From 1978 to 1983, Villechaize played the role of Tattoo on “Fantasy Island”. The show was a hit with audiences, and his character became one of the most memorable in television history. Tattoo was the sidekick to the show’s host, Mr. Roarke, played by Ricardo Montalban. Whenever a guest arrived on the island by plane, Tattoo would ring a bell and announce in his thick French accent, “De plane! De plane!” This catchphrase became synonymous with the show and Villechaize’s character.

Despite his success on “Fantasy Island”, Villechaize was not witout his struggles. He had a difficult childhood and was diagnosed with a rare form of dwarfism that caused him physical pain. He also struggled with alcoholism and drug addiction throughout his life. By the time “Fantasy Island” was cancelled in 1984, Villechaize had already spent much of his earnings from the show.

Villechaize continued to act in smaller roles after “Fantasy Island”, but he never achieved the same level of success. In 1993, at the age of 50, he tragically took his own life. Despite the challenges he faced, Villechaize left a lasting impression on audiences with his portrayal of Tattoo. His catchphrase and character are still remembered fondly by fans today.

Herve Villechaize’s portrayal of Tattoo on “Fantasy Island” was an unforgettable part of television history. Despite his personal struggles, Villechaize’s talent and unique appearance made him a beloved figure in the entertainment world. His catchphrase “De plane! De plane!” will always be remembered as a part of television history.

What Happened To Tattoo Off Of Fantasy Island?

Herve Villechaize, the actor who played the character of Tattoo on the TV show “Fantasy Island” in the 1970s and 1980s, committed suicide on Saturday. He was 50 years old at the time of his death. Villechaize was well-known for his famous line on the show, “The plane, the plane,” which he would shout to announce the arrival of guests on the island. Despite his success on the show, Villechaize struggled with various personal and professional issues throughout his life, including health problems and difficulty finding work ater “Fantasy Island” ended. His death was a tragic loss for his fans and loved ones.

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Why Was Tattoo Fired From Fantasy Island?

Tattoo, played by Hervé Villechaize, was not fired from Fantasy Island. In fact, he played the role of Tattoo from 1978 to 1983, quitting over a salary dispute a year before the show’s cancellation. After his departure, the show continued for one more season without him. Villechaize was known for his iconic catchphrase, “The plane! The plane!” and his portrayal of Tattoo helped make Fantasy Island a popular and long-running television series in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

What Did Tattoo From Fantasy Island Say?

Tattoo, the diminutive sidekick of Mr. Roarke on the television show Fantasy Island, would announce the arrival of a guest by plane with the words “De plane! De plane!” This catchphrase, delivered in a thick French accent, became a signature element of the show and a memorable pop culture reference. The announcement would signal the start of the guest’s fantasy, as the island was known for making visitors’ dreams come true.

How Much Was Tattoo From Fantasy Island Worth?

According to reports, the actor who played Tattoo on Fantasy Island, Herve Villechaize, earned a total of $3.6 million from the show. However, by late 1986, he had spent most of this money, leaving him with little to show for his time on the hit television series.

Conclusion

Herve Villechaize’s portrayal of Tattoo on “Fantasy Island” will always be remembered as an iconic character in television history. His catchphrase, “De plane! De plane!” became a cultural phenomenon and is still referenced today. Despite his success on the show, Villechaize struggled with personal and financial issues, ultimately leading to his tragic death at the age of 50. However, his legacy lives on through his memorable performance as Tattoo, a beloved character that brought joy and entertainment to millions of viewers.

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William Armstrong

William Armstrong is a senior editor with H-O-M-E.org, where he writes on a wide variety of topics. He has also worked as a radio reporter and holds a degree from Moody College of Communication. William was born in Denton, TX and currently resides in Austin.