Between 1977 and 1987, Ted Lange was a beloved figure on The Love Boat, where he played the ever-enthusiastic bartender Isaac Washington. Isaac was the guy who served up tiki cocktails, advice, and laughter in equal measure, making him an unforgettable part of the show.
Ted recently opened up to Closer about his ten years on the iconic series. He reminisced about the camaraderie among the cast, saying, “We were like one big, happy family. It was a truly magical time in our lives, and every member of the cast felt incredibly fortunate to be part of it.”
Even now, at 74, Ted is still recognized by fans of The Love Boat. But let’s not kid ourselves—Ted Lange isn’t just a one-trick pony. He’s also a distinguished playwright, director, and a Shakespearean actor who trained at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London. “Lynn Redgrave, who made a guest appearance on The Love Boat, encouraged me to go there because of my love for Shakespeare. She even wrote me a recommendation letter!” Ted recalls with a smile.
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From Oakland to Acting: Ted Lange’s Journey
How did Ted Lange, born and raised in Oakland, California, end up in the world of acting?
It all started in high school when Ted took a drama class. His drama teacher saw potential in him and suggested that acting might be his calling. “That’s where it all began,” Ted says, reflecting on the pivotal moment that set him on his path.
Ted’s Broadway Breakthrough
One of Ted’s early successes came when he landed a role on Broadway in Hair, alongside legendary performers like Ben Vereen and Melba Moore.
“I met Ben and Melba during my early days in New York,” Ted shares. “And wouldn’t you know it, we all ended up working together on The Love Boat. Isn’t that something?”
The Secret to 'The Love Boat's' Success
What was the magic behind the cast's chemistry on The Love Boat?
Ted explains, “We had a real understanding of each other’s sense of humor. We genuinely thought each other was funny, and that translated on screen. Even more impressive? We’ve stayed friends all these years. How often does that happen in show business?”
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A Special Bond with Fred Grandy
Ted shares a particularly close friendship with Fred Grandy, who played Gopher on the show.
“Fred and I have been tight both on and off the set for over four decades,” Ted says. “We’re both theater enthusiasts, and recently, we started a production company called Five for the Show with three other artists. Our mission is to bring high-quality theater to the masses.”
Have Ted and Fred worked on any projects together?
Absolutely. Ted directed Fred in a one-man show titled Give ’em Hell, Harry!, performed at the Wagon Wheel Theatre in Warsaw, Indiana. “Fred is amazing to work with. He trusts my direction without question, which is a testament to the trust we’ve built over the years,” Ted explains.
Adventures Beyond the Screen
Did Ted and Fred share any memorable adventures during their time filming The Love Boat?
“Oh, absolutely,” Ted chuckles. “Fred and I would rent a car and explore the ports we visited. One time, we were driving along the coast in Athens, Greece, when we stumbled upon a little taverna. Fred ordered calamari, which I had never tried before. Seeing him enjoy it so much, I decided to give it a try, and it turned out to be delicious!”
Memorable Encounters with Guest Stars
Who was one of Ted’s favorite guest stars on The Love Boat?
“There were so many legendary stars over the years,” Ted recalls. “But one encounter with Gene Kelly stands out. The producers warned us that Gene was a bit grumpy, so we should stay clear. Yet, there I was in Hong Kong, sitting in a van with Gene. No one else was around. I tapped him on the shoulder and asked, ‘Mr. Kelly, can I ask you a question?’”
What happened next?
“Gene sighed and asked what I wanted to know. I inquired about his experience dancing with the Nicholas brothers, two incredible Black tap dancers. He looked at me for a long moment, then put down his magazine and shared a story with me. Later, I realized that most people probably asked him about Singin’ in the Rain. Here was a Black actor asking about his connection to two Black tap dancers.”
Did Gene warm up to Ted after that?
“Yes, we ended up meeting in the hotel bar later that day. We sat there all afternoon swapping show business stories. When it came time to settle the bill, I insisted on paying. I told him, ‘Years from now, I want to be able to tell my kids I bought Gene Kelly a drink in a Hong Kong bar.’ He let me, and it was a truly sweet moment.”
