'Love Boat' had some of the most beloved character actors of its time, from Dick Van Patten to Peter Graves and Edie Adams. But did you know that one of the actors on the show would go on to become a U.S. congressman?
That actor was Fred Grandy, who played Gopher on 'The Love Boat' from 1977 to 1986. After leaving the show, Grandy was elected to Congress as a Republican from Iowa, serving from 1987 to 1995.
With 176 years of history, Iowans have not only shaped the course of Iowa's history but the nation and — on occasion — the world. Grandy was one of those Iowans, and his time on 'The Love Boat' no doubt helped him connect with voters.
But Grandy's political career wasn't the only remarkable thing about 'The Love Boat.' The show was a cultural phenomenon, running for nine seasons and 249 episodes from 1977 to 1986. It was a star-studded affair, with a rotating cast of guest stars ranging from musical icons like Ethel Merman to Hollywood legends like Lana Turner.
'Love, exciting and new. Come aboard. They're expecting you!' Here's a look at what happened to the crew of the TV classic 'The Love Boat.' Captain Stubing (Gavin MacLeod) presided over the Pacific Princess, with his loyal crew members including Gopher (Grandy), Isaac (Ted Lange), and Julie (Lauren Tewes). Together, they welcomed guests aboard the luxury cruise ship and helped them navigate their romantic and personal problems.
The show was known for its feel-good stories and happy endings, but it also tackled serious issues like divorce, illness, and death. Executive producer Jan Nash also addresses crafting the cases to leave time for personal stories.
Fans eagerly hopped aboard The Love Boat, making it one of the most beloved TV shows of its era. But it's been a long time since the series' finale aired in 1986. So what happened to the cast members?
Gavin MacLeod went on to star in 'The Love Boat' spin-off 'Love Boat: The Next Wave,' as well as the hit sitcom 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show.' Ted Lange continued to act and direct, while Lauren Tewes struggled with addiction before getting sober and focusing on theater work.
As for Fred Grandy, he left politics after serving four terms in Congress and went on to host a radio show and work as a public speaker. He also appeared in the films 'Independence Day' and 'The Grand.'
Fans of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit are preparing to bid farewell to Amanda Rollins. Kelli Giddish, the third longest-serving current... She rocked the boat quite a bit for five seasons on Below Deck Mediterranean as the toughest chief stew to ever grace the high seas, but Hannah Ferrier's time on the Bravo reality series has come to an end.
While 'The Love Boat' may have been a lighthearted diversion from the real world, it's interesting to note that one of its stars went on to become a member of Congress. It just goes to show that you never know where life will take you, or what experiences will shape your future.
