In Memoriam: Gavin MacLeod
by Emily Nagle
Gavin MacLeod, an actor best known for his performance as “The Love Boat” as Captain Stubing, died on Saturday, May 29 at the age of 90.
With an acting career spanning more than 50 years, MacLeod first started acting on television with The Walter Winchell File in 1957, when he was only 26. His big break, however, didn’t come until two years later, when MacLeod played the role of a yeoman in “Operation Petticoat”. This role was given to him by Blake Edwards, who ended up also casting him in “High Time” and “The Party”.
MacLeod filmed more than 150 episodes of “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” as the character of Murray, followed by over 200 episodes of romantic comedy “The Love Boat” as Captain Stubing. The latter ended up being one of his favorite roles, as even after the show’s 10 seasons finished filming, Macleod became an ambassador for Princess Cruises for 35 years, becoming the longest-serving celebrity spokesperson in the company’s history. Having served as an ambassador for the cruise line until his death, MacLeod loved to share with the world that “cruising gives people something to dream about.”
MacLeod is survived by his wife, fellow actress Patti Kendig in addition to four children with his first wife, Joan Rootvik.