Jill Whelan Shares What She Believes Her ‘The Love Boat’ Character Would Have Become Today

With a career spanning more than 40 years, Jill Whelan has made a name for herself as a gifted and adaptable performer, with a diverse variety of credits in radio, television, and movies and most especially for her portrayal of Vicki Stubing on the hit television series, The Love Boat, a show, which ran from 1977 to 1986, became a mainstay of American television.

In a recent interview, the 58-year-old actress offered an intriguing look into the life of her The Love Boat character, Vicki Stubing, which many still hold in high regard, sharing her thoughts on what she believes Vicki may be up to today.

Jill Whelan talks about her ‘The Love Boat’ character

In a discussion with PEOPLE, the actress reflected on what the future of her cherished character might have been like while taking a sentimental trip down memory lane. Whelan explained that Vicki’s career goals would have taken center stage, and her character would have pursued a career that would have made her father, Captain Merrill Stubing, quite proud by fulfilling her ambition of becoming a ship’s captain, just like him.

She also pointed out that in the last episode of The Love Boat, Vicki was already laying the groundwork for this idealistic trajectory through her work as a travel agent.

What is Jill Whelan up to now?

While on board the Enchanted Princess for Princess Cruises’ The Love Boat Celebration at Sea in August 2024, Whelan had already aroused fan interest with teases of a possible sequel. She shared her thoughts with PEOPLE about revisiting the classic show.

During the interview, the 58-year-old also spoke about her expectations of her onscreen character. Whelan revealed that she would like to see Vicki settled in a happy relationship, a far cry from the tumultuous romances she experienced in the original series. She also hilariously explained that perhaps Vicki could even be married for the third time, mirroring her own life exactly.