The Love Boat
Doris Roberts Then
Doris Roberts started her acting career in the 1950’s and never looked back. After some success on Broadway she had a recurring role on Remington Steele. In the 80’s she also appeared in The Love Boat, playing a difficult wife.
Doris Roberts Then
Doris Roberts Now
Sadly Doris passed away in 2016, but not before becoming a big star. For years running she was the clingy mother of Raymond in Everybody Loves Raymond. Never one for weight loss plans, Marie (as she was known on the show) used to make endless lasagnas, cakes and pastries. Obsessed with feeding everyone, and assured of her wisdom in most matters, Roberts had everyone chuckling with her well-timed comebacks and marital sparring with her difficult husband Frank.
Doris Roberts Now
Jamie Lee Curtis Then
In season 2 of The Love Boat, Jamie Lee Curtis lit up the screen as a young woman called Linda who had come on board the ship with her mother. Apart from TV, early on in her career, Curtis did a number of horror films – including Halloween, Prom Night and Terror Train.
Jamie Lee Curtis Then
Jamie Lee Curtis Now
This actress almost needs no introduction. One of the most recognized faces in Hollywood, Jamie became the smart, sassy actress whom everybody loves. Curtis now is an award-winning actress who has appeared in a string of films including Trading Places, Christmas with the Kranks and the iconic A Fish Called Wanda.
Jamie Lee Curtis Now
Betty White Then
Betty White got her start on radio before WWII, but by the 50’s she was already making waves in Hollywood. Sparky, funny, irreverant, White had it all. She charmed audiences on shows like The Mary Tyler Moore Show and The Love Boat – where she appeared for numerous episodes.
Betty White Then
Betty White Now
The fact that White’s career broke a Guiness world record says it all, as the longest-running television career for a female entertainer. Highly respected and loved, Betty appeared in many films, but television was where she was at home. Laterally she became a superstar as Rose on The Golden Girls.
Betty White Now1
Heather Locklear Then
Now familiar to us as soap opera and daytime TV queen, Locklear was less well know in the 80’s when she appeared on The Love Boat. Dazzling everyone with her tiny bikini, Heather swpet onto set as a swinger – and rocked the boat! The actress forged a good relationship with the show’s producer and would go on to appear in many Aaron Spelling productions, like Dynasty and T.J. Hooker.
Heather Locklear Then
Heather Locklear Now
Heather Locklear now is a cool working mom who continues to pursue a full professional and private life. Nominated for Golden Globes on numerous occasions for her work on Spin City and Melrose Place, she continues to impress her audiences.
Heather Locklear Now
Andy Warhol Then
In the 1980’s Andy Warhol appeared for one episode on the show. A slightly cheekier version of himself, Warhol waltzed around set talking about art and photography. His slightly dark persona was at odds with the smiling, glittering world of The Love Boat, but he did report afterwards how when he went to Sotheby’s, that lots of ‘old ladies’ were excited that they’d seen him on TV.
Andy Warhol Then
Andy Warhol Now
Andy Warhol, it comes as no surprise, is a 20th Century icon. Credited with fomenting a new artistic movement in the 60’s called Pop Art – Warhol, his factory and his quotes have gone down in history. Who doesn’t recognize his Campbell’s soup tins, or his arresting portraits of people like Marylin Monroe? Andy actually did appear in and direct several films and documentaries over the course of his career, including The Velvet Underground and Nico.
Andy Warhol Now
Florence Henderson Then
Although best known for her role as Carol Brady in the Brady Bunch, Florence Henderson made multiple appearances on the Love Boat in the late 70’s. With her perky attitude and bright smile, she was the perfect addition to the shenanigans on board the Pacific Princess as they sailed the deep blue sea.
Florence Henderson Then
Florence Henderson Now
Hard to escape it, Henderson became an icon as Carol Brady, breezy mother of 6 on the hit show The Brady Bunch. Florence also had a glittering stage career and spent a long time on Broadway. She also hosted many cooking and variety shows and interestingly became the first woman to guest host The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.
Florence Henderson Now1
Tony Danza Then
Although brief, Tony Danza’a appearance as Bud O’Hara on The Love Boat made a splash. With his twinkly eyes and tell-it-like-it-is demeanour, audiences couldn’t help being charmed.
Tony Danza Then
Tony Danza Now
Naturally with on screen presence like that, Tony went on to become one of television’s best known faces in the 70’s and 80’s. Danza became one of the family in shows like Taxi and Who’s the Boss, where his housekeeping skills and good looks keep everyone in the family happy.
Tony Danza Now
Vanessa Williams Then
The first African American to be crowned Miss America, Vanessa was no stranger to notoriety. Her first appearance on television, The Love Boat was a new, exciting adventure for her.
Vanessa Williams Then
Vanessa Williams Now
What has Vanessa Williams not done? After her guest spot on The Love Boat, she focused on music and released two albums back to back. Williams also strutted her stuff on Broadway, but ultimately found great commercial success on TV in shows like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Saturday Night Live, MADtv and Ally McBeal.
Vanessa Williams Now
Morgan Fairchild Then
Instantly recognizable, Morgan Fairchild had a solid career in television throughout the 70’s and 80’s. She appeared in such classics as Dallas, Happy Days and Mork and Mindy. Once a year the Pacific Princess went on an actual cruise. Fairchild was in the episode where they were actually out at sea; she is reported to have said that many cast members were sea sick.
Morgan Fairchild Then
Morgan Fairchild Now
In the late 80’s Morgan went on to star Paper Dolls and Falcon Crest, two successful TV series of the time. She also sparkled on the set of Murphy Brown – a performance which earned her an Emmy nomination. She later ventured onto the stage, as well as guest-starring in many popular sitcoms like Roseanne, Cybill and Friends.
Morgan Fairchild Now
Tom Hanks Then
Rick Martin, who frolicks through all of season 4 of The Love Boat – is none other than Tom Hanks. The best weight loss program is having to appear on camera in your bathing suit. And Tom looks great as the young, funny Rick; it was Hanks’ first time acting on TV.
Tom Hanks Then
Tom Hanks Now
Hanks has gone on to garner more awards than you can count. Over the course of a dazzling career, Tom has won six Emmys and two Oscars – for his astounding work in films like Sleepless in Seattle, Philadelphia, Forrest Gump and Apollo 13.
Tom Hanks Ist Von Der Deutschen Filmgeschichte Begeistert
Joan Rivers Then
In the early 80’s Joan stepped on board for one episode of the show as Allison Newman, a recent divorcee who had had a mastectomy. Finding her sea legs with a new romance with Max (Alex Rocco) was tricky as she battled her new found independence and insecurities.
Joan Rivers Then
Joan Rivers Now
If Joan Rivers is not a household name, I’m not sure who is. Sadly her career ended in 2014 when she passed away, but she was one of the most successful female entertainers of all time. With a career spanning more than 60 years, Joan hosted numerous talk, fashion and late-night shows. In a groundbreaking moment, she became the first woman to host a late night talk show – The Late Show with Joan Rivers.
Joan Rivers Now1
Janet Jackson Then
The Love Boat was a party and everyone was invited. The star little sister of Michael, Janet Jackson was only 19 when she filmed episodes of the show where she played Delia Parks – the love interest of Isaac, the bartender. Janet’s performance was great – the only criticism from audiences was that she seemed too young for the almost middle-aged Isaac.
Janet Jackson Then
Janet Jackson Now
Happiness is the best cosmetic surgery and it certainly seems like Janet has had lots of it. A singer, songwriter, dancer and actress, Jackson has been a force in the entertainment industry for more than 30 years. Having sold more than 100 million records worldwide, Janet is one of the best selling artists in contemporary music.
Janet Jackson Now
Dana Plato Then
In 1984 Dana played the part of Patty Springer in an episode of the show. Foiled by her on-screen mother’s attempts to foil the relationship, never the less she tries to win the heart of Peter (Christopher Knight) on board The Love Boat.
Dana Plato Then
Dana Plato Now
Much to our loss, Dana’s glittering career was cut short in her 30’s when she died a tragic, premature death. Plato had become a childhood star as Kimberley Drummond in Diff’rent Strokes, one of the most successful shows of the time. Although she found some success, Dana failed to work consistently after leaving the show.
Dana Plato Now
The Temptations Then
When The Love Boat was on air, The Temptations were at the top of their game. They certainly had
everyone’s toes tapping when they boarded the Pacific Princess and sang ‘Treat Her Like a Lady’ on deck.
The Temptations Then
The Temptations Now
On the now iconic label Motown Records, The Temptations made music history by selling tens of millions of records and changing the course of R&B and soul music. They continue to perform today with one original member – Otis Williams.
The Temptations Now
Gene Kelly Then
In the 1990’s Gene Kelly played a retired spy looking for some R&R aboard the Pacific Princess. Always a favourite with audiences, Kelly had been there during the golden age of Hollywood, and still had a lot of magic to offer on screen.
Gene Kelly Then
Gene Kelly Now
Gene Kelly made his name in musicals, when they were the next big thing in Hollywood. With his athletic dancing style and good looks, he helped transform the genre and make it more mainstream. He worked with all the greats, and acted, danced, produced and directed. He passed away in the late 90’s – but he will always be remembered for films like Singin’ in the Rain, An American in Paris and Hello Dolly!.
Gene Kelly Now
Tori Spelling Then
The daughter of the show’s producer Aaron Spelling, Tori was invited as a child to come aboard and play a part on The Love Boat. She was cute and sweet – and appeared numerous times on the show. Who knew she would become one of television’s most successful teen faces.
Tori Spelling Then
Tori Spelling Now
Beverley Hills 90210, it was required viewing for a while in the 90’s. Tori Spelling had an important role to play as Donna Martin amogst the entitled group of Hollywood youth. After the show she went on to appear in a host of made-for-tv films, become an author and have a large family!
Tori Spelling Now
Gavin McLeod Then
Gavin MacLeod, the energetic Captain Merrill Stubbing on The Love Boat, is one of a handful of characters who appeared on every episode of the popular TV series of the 70’s and 80’s. His acting career started in the 50’s, and by the 70’s he was a well-recognized Hollywood face.
Gavin MacLeod Then
Gavin MacLeod Now
In a career spanning more then 60 years of television, Gavin has kept audiences laughing in many programs – (apart from The Love Boat) including The Mary Tyler Moore Show. He has also acted in films, done work as a Christian activist and written several books.
Gavin MacLeod Now
