While tensions on a television set are nothing new, fans can rest assured that there was little tension on the set of Fantasy Island.

In his memoir, Reflections: A Life in Two Worlds, series star Ricardo Montalbán explained that he and co-star Hervé Villechaize, who played Tattoo, were not only colleagues, but friends.

“That is one of the blessings of Fantasy Island,” wrote Montalbán. “I have great fondness for Hervé. I respect him, I admire him, and I look forward to each time I work with him…I am blessed with a co-star who is extremely talented and intelligent, and possessed of a marvelous sense of humor.”

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Montalbán, himself the more experienced actor, served as a mentor to Villechaize. “Hervé and I have arrived at an understanding that is essential for co-stars,” wrote Montalbán. “Because I have had more experience in acting, I sometimes say, ‘Now, Hervé, I have a suggestion that might help this scene play better.’ Often he will say, ‘Hey, that’s a good idea!’ Once in a while, he says, ‘No, I think it’s better this way.’ He is secure enough to accept or reject a suggestion; he never resents one.”

In order to ensure that their on-screen relationship meshed well, the two actors ensured that they remained cordial off-screen as well.

“Our relationship must be permeated by love,” wrote Montalbán. “I feel that for him, and I have reason to believe that he feels the same toward me. It is essential that Roarke and Tattoo have affection for each other, and so it is convenient that Montalbán and Villechaize also do. I have always felt that the relationship between Roarke and Tattoo should be the same as that between Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. They could push each other or throw pies in each other’s faces or cut off ties, and we never resented that. Because we knew they loved each other.”