Fred Grandy

Fred Grandy played Barr “Gopher” Smith throughout all nine seasons of the show. After “The Love Boat” wrapped, he took a break from acting to focus on politics and later transitioned into nonprofit work. He represented Iowa’s Fifth Congressional District in the House for four terms between 1987 and 1995.

Later, he became the president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International, hosted a radio show in Washington, D.C., and returned to acting in 2003 with roles in shows like “Law and Order” and “Fuller House.” He married twice, first to Jangoff from 1969 to 1983 and then to Katherine Mann in 1987, with whom he has one child.

Ted Lange

Ted Lange, who portrayed Isaac Washington, had appeared in a brief sitcom called “That’s My Mom” before landing his iconic role. In later seasons, he began directing episodes, a passion that he has pursued in subsequent years, directing for shows like “The New Gidget” and “Moesha.” He also continued guest-starring in various series and featured in the film “Twelve.”

Lange was married to Sheryl Thompson from 1978 to 1989, sharing two children, and then to Mary Ray since 2001.

Bernie Kopell

Bernie Kopell was the charming Dr. Adam Bricker on the show. Before this role, he had appearances on classics like “Get Smart” and “Bewitched.” After “The Love Boat,” Kopell continued to make guest spots in popular TV series and even reprised his role as Siegfried in the 1989 “Get Smart” film sequel.

His marital history includes a brief marriage to Celia Whitney and a long one to Yolanda Verros from 1974 to 1995. He has been married to Katrina Honador since 1997, and the couple has two children.

Jill Whelan

Jill Whelan joined the cast as Vicki Stub, the daughter of Captain Merrill, starting in the third season. Following her time on the show, she explored various television roles and later transitioned into regional theater and cabaret. Notably, she co-hosted a radio show called “The Brian and Jill Show.”

Whelan has sailed more than 100 voyages with Princess Cruises as their ambassador and married Brad St. John in 1993, although they divorced in 2001. She later had another son with her husband Michael Tchaikovsky, whom she married in 2004 but divorced in 2014.

Gavin McLeod

Gavin McLeod had a long career before becoming Captain Merrill, including a stint on “McHale’s Navy.” After “The Love Boat” ceased airing, he made guest appearances on various TV shows before retiring from acting in 2014. He ventured into writing two memoirs and became an ambassador for Princess Cruises.

His first marriage with Joan F. Ludvik lasted from 1955 to 1972, and he was married to Patty Kendich twice, first from 1974 to 1982 and again after a brief separation. McLeod passed away in May 2021 at the age of 90.

Lauren Tewes

Lauren Tewes was a key player in the first seven seasons as cruise director Julie McCoy. Unfortunately, she had to leave the show due to substance abuse issues, but she returned as a guest in the final season and appeared in a TV movie in 1990. Tewes found her way onto the stage and also ventured into catering and culinary training.

Her marriage history includes two marriages, first to John Wassel and then to Paolo Nonniss, and later to Robert Nadir until her passing in 2002.