For anyone who grew up watching The Love Boat, Vicki Stubing was one of those television characters who felt less like a sitcom regular and more like part of the family. The captain’s cheerful young daughter grew up in front of millions of viewers, becoming one of the most familiar child stars of the late 1970s and ’80s.
According to Parade, now, Jill Whelan has reached another milestone. The actress turned 60 on Sept. 29, and rather than simply looking back on the role that made her famous, she is still performing—this time onstage in a production of Dear Evan Hansen, where longtime fans may be surprised to discover another side of her talent.
Jill Whelan Was Only 11 When She Joined ‘The Love Boat’
Whelan started working professionally before she ever boarded the Pacific Princess. She appeared in commercials as a child and, at just 10 years old, earned a place in the national touring company of Annie as an orphan and understudy for the title role. She ultimately had to give up that opportunity after landing a starring role on the ABC series Friends.
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Not long afterward, she joined The Love Boat as Vicki Stubing, daughter of Gavin MacLeod’s Captain Merrill Stubing. She was just 11 when she took on the role, but the long-running ABC series quickly made her recognizable to viewers across the country. She also appeared in the 1980 comedy Airplane! as Lisa Davis, the young heart patient who becomes part of one of the movie’s most memorable running jokes.
At 60, She Has Returned to Her Musical Theater Roots
Her career took several turns after The Love Boat ended in 1986. She worked in television production, radio, and other areas of entertainment before eventually returning to acting and live performance. More recently, she joined a production of Dear Evan Hansen as Cynthia Murphy, giving audiences a chance to hear the singing voice that traces back to her childhood theater background. Her role in the 2026 Harbour Lights Theatre production was also confirmed by Playbill.
Her 60th birthday brought plenty of affection from longtime friends as well. Former One Day at a Time child star Glenn Scarpelli celebrated her on social media, recalling their decades of friendship and the many experiences they have shared. For fans who still picture Vicki wandering the decks of the Pacific Princess, seeing Whelan at 60 offers a lovely reminder of how much time has passed—and how a childhood career can evolve in unexpected directions.