It’s hard to believe it’s been over four decades since The Love Boat set sail into our living rooms. The iconic TV series may have ended, but the connections formed on set have only grown stronger. In an exclusive interview with Closer Weekly, actress Lauren Tewes reveals how the cast has remained close through life’s ups and downs. Whether it’s marriages, divorces, or even losses, this group has truly stood the test of time.
Lauren, now 67, shares how the cast has been there for each other through thick and thin. “We’ve been through so much together—marriages, deaths, divorces—you name it,” she says, reflecting on the bond she shares with her former co-stars Ted Lange, Fred Grandy, Jill Whelan, Bernie Kopell, and the late Gavin MacLeod. “Through it all, we’ve always had each other's backs when it mattered most.”
Not All Smooth Sailing: The Rough Waters of Filming
Though The Love Boat was known for its sunny vibes and glamorous settings, life on the open seas wasn’t always a breeze. Bernie Kopell, who played the affable ship’s doctor, recalls an unforgettable 1979 cruise to Alaska that tested the cast’s resilience. A stanchion fell dangerously close to a guest, prompting the real-life captain to order everyone back to their cabins. “He told us to ‘reacquaint ourselves with our life vests,’” Bernie remembers with a laugh. “Needless to say, it wasn’t the glamorous experience you saw on TV!”
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Despite such challenges, the cast found joy and camaraderie in their shared adventures. Over nine seasons and five TV specials, they forged friendships that transcended the screen. Led by the late Gavin MacLeod, who passed away in 2021 at age 90, the cast created memories that would last a lifetime.
Traveling the World: Adventures Beyond the Script
One of the many perks of working on The Love Boat was the chance to see the world. Fred Grandy, who played the lovable purser Gopher, recalls how groundbreaking it was to film in places like China in 1984. “Back then, traveling abroad was a big deal,” he says. “We were one of the first shows to actually shoot in China—it was an incredible experience.”
Ted Lange, who portrayed the charismatic bartender Isaac, shares a story about a wild night in Hong Kong with fellow actor Lee Majors. “He offered me directing gigs on The Fall Guy,” Ted jokes. “I wasn’t sure if it was because he was drunk or because he thought I was a good director!” On another occasion, Ted and Fred pulled off a playful "kidnapping" of guest star Brenda Vaccaro. “We took her all over Hong Kong,” Ted laughs. “Every time we saw her after that, she’d say, ‘Best damn car ride I ever had!’”
