ONE FINAL SALUTE TO THE CAPTAIN 1931 – 2021

Love Boat icon Gavin MacLeod bows out

Television legend Gavin MacLeod, whose iconic role as matchmaking Captain Merrill Stubing on hit ’70s show The Love Boat brought him worldwide fame, passed away on May 29 at the age of 90, following months of deteriorating health.

The beloved actor was a regular sight on TVs around New Zealand during the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s, starring in hit comedies McHale’s Navy and The Mary Tyler Moore Show, before being cast on The Love Boat in 1977, where he remained at the cruise ship’s helm for nine seasons.

While the Aaron Spelling produced show was criticised for being too safe and formulaic, Gavin defended its old-fashioned fun. “I don’t care if it reflects life or not,” he once said. “I love happy endings. Life’s so heavy these days that people want to escape.”

A WONDERFUL LIFE

But it wasn’t all smooth-sailing for the affable star. He dealt with two divorces, two heart attacks and battles with alcohol and depression, which he explored in his 2013 memoir, This Is Your Captain Speaking: My Fantastic Voyage Through Hollywood, Faith & Life.

“I’ve gotten to do what I wanted to do. I’ve been a captain!” he wrote.