“The Love Boat” Star Jill Whelan Recalls “Special Bond” She Had With Late Costar Gavin MacLeod

Sometimes, the bonds that we see represented on screen go beyond the cameras. That is the case with The Love Boat stars Jill Whelan and Gavin MacLeod. Jill got candid in a recent interview and Q&A session discussing the special bond that she shared with her on-screen father.

Jill Whelan and Gavin MacLeod: A Connection Beyond The Screens

PEOPLE Magazine reported that the former child star said she and her on-screen dad had “a really special bond and a special chemistry.” Several of The Love Boat stars gathered on the Enchanted Princess for the Princess Cruise’s “Love Boat” Celebration at Sea.

The stars included Fred Grandy, Bernie Kopell, Ted Lange, and Jill Whelan. However, Jill’s on-screen dad, Gavin MacLeod, was not there. Unfortunately, he passed away in 2021 at age 90, but his memory was alive on this trip.

Whelan made sure to share wonderful memories of her late costar. She stated, “He is such a fine actor, truly a gifted, full-of-range actor.” Then, she continued to reflect on MacLeod’s skills. She said, “And so many people don’t have that knowledge about what an amazing actor he was and as a human being, which is what I was saying before.”

“Love Boat” Memories

The star went on to mention how Gavin MacLeod was more than just a wonderful actor, he was a wonderful person. She discussed one of her favorite things about him. “The thing about Gavin that I will remember more than anything is his love for life.” From there she mentioned a phrase that he said often, which was, “Isn’t this just the best?”

Besides just being kind and uplifting individuals, another thing bonded The Love Boat costars—their love of food. Jill Whelan added, “He loved food probably more than anything. And that’s why I loved him because me too.”

Jill goes on to explain that she took a lot of Gavin’s lessons to heart, including his optimistic outlook on life. She also credited the show and her character’s success in large part to him. “All roads lead back to Gavin MacLeod,” she said in the Q&A. “I really believe that. And Gavin and I had a really special bond and a special chemistry that I think brought another side of the captain to an audience who already loved him.”

Whether it was his incredible acting skills, the way he effortlessly connected with people, or the special friendships he formed with his costars, Gavin MacLeod is a name to remember. Seeing his costars honor his memory with so many loving words was so touching.

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