The Enchanted Princess’ captain, Gavin MacLeod, was dearly missed on the cruise ship as Love Boat stars Fred Grandy, Bernie Kopell, Ted Lange, and Jill Whelan reunited on it for the celebration at sea last Saturday. Gavin died of an undisclosed illness in 2021, leaving a void on the Princess Cruises ship.
His co-star Whelan remembered him during the Love Boat Legacy: Original Cast Reflections Q&A, for which the rest of the crew were present alongside moderator Jim Colucci. Whelan played Gavin’s daughter, Vicki Stubing, in the nine-season series, and the duo formed an admirable bond beyond set.
Jill Whelan gushes about her late TV father
Whelan had numerous graceful things to say about Gavin, who died just three months after his 90th birthday. She noted that he was talented and full of range and that his awesomeness was never talked about enough.
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The 57-year-old added that Gavin was full of love and lived a gratitude-filled life. She humorously recalled Gavin’s love for food and how he would marvel at the most mundane things, such as a hot dog. Whelan claimed she has since adopted Gavin’s perspective on life and is better for it.
Whelan credits Gavin MacLeod for her character’s success
Whelan debuted as a guest star on Love Boat season two while working on Friends— not the one starring Jennifer Aniston, but the one in 1979. She then returned after her other project wrapped up, and her character soon became a fan-favorite.
She credits Vicki’s success to Gavin, whose warmth created a special chemistry between them that drew fans in. Other cast mates at the reunion shared their thoughts about the late Captain, with Kopell saying he was a pleasure to work with and Grandy adding that he was conservative regardless of his Hollywood celebrity status.