27 buoyant behind-the-scenes photos from The Love Boat
If you had to make of list of celebrities who perfectly capture the spirit and culture of the 1970s, you might include names like the Village People, Sonny Bono, Charo, Loni Anderson, the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader and the Harlem Globetrotters.
There was one place you could find all those famous faces — and just about everyone else, too. That place was a boat, The Love Boat.
The Aaron Spelling–produced romantic comedy series welcomed a who's-who of Seventies celebs. If you were anybody, you were aboard.
And there is photographic evidence to prove it was a good time for all. Cruise back to The Love Boat era with these charming behind-the-scenes pictures. No lifejacket required.
Wall Walkers
AP Photo/Liu Heung ShingThe cast walks along the Great Wall near Beijing, China, in 1983.
Pop Art
AP PhotoGavin MacLeod poses with Joan Collins and Andy Warhol at a Love Boat party. Yes, Warhol was a guest star on the show.
In the Middle of Dallas
The Everett CollectionMacLeod sits with the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders.
It Takes a Village
The Everett CollectionGuest stars Loni Anderson (WKRP in Cincinnati) and the Village People strike a pose. Hey, they did have a hit song called "In the Navy."
Isaac the… Director
The Everett CollectionTed Lange directed his first of several episodes in 1982. He continues to direct television today.
Cuchi-Cuchi Gang
The Everett CollectionCharo was a frequent guest star aboard The Love Boat.
Ping Pong Pals
AP Photo / George BrichMacLeod and Ed Asner paddle along at a fund-raising ping pong tournament in 1980.
Prince Albert in a Boat
AP PhotoPrince Albert of Monaco sits with cast members Pat Klous and Jill Whelan.
One of Tewes
The Everett CollectionLauren Tewes strikes a pose in denim.
European Vacation
The Everett CollectionLange and Fred Grandy are two buddies in a dinghy off a scenic coastline.
Bring Your Daughter to Work Day
AP Photo / Nick UtJamie Lee Curtis poses with mom Janet Leigh aboard the Pacific Princess.
A Kiss from Bono
The Everett CollectionSonny Bono shows off his heavy metal side as "Deacon Dark" in a 1979. Of course, he would later become a Congressman, just like Fred "Gopher" Grandy.
The Van Dyke Show
The Everett CollectionJerry Van Dyke poses with casts members from his bro's show, The Dick Van Dyke Show, Richard Deacon, Morey Amsterdam and Rose Marie.
Reddy to Go
The Everett CollectionHelen Reddy of "I Am Woman" fame chats with Lange.
A Bonanza of Guest Stars
The Everett CollectionYou can spot Lorne Greene in this group shot.
From Behind the Bar to Behind the Camera
The Everett CollectionLange directed 12 episodes of The Love Boat.
Reynolds Wrap Party
The Everett CollectionDebbie Reynolds laughs with MacLeod.
High Fashion on the High Seas
AP Photo / Wally FongDesigners and fashion icons Halston, Bob Mackie, Gloria Vanderbilt and Geoffrey Beene all appeared in a quite fashionable episode together.
Kopell Cabana
AP Photo / Wally FongBernie Kopell points the way to the Caribbean.
The Andy Show
The Everett CollectionAndy Warhol appeared in the same episode as Andy Griffith. Two great Andys, brought together by The Love Boat.
Light Entertainment
The Everett CollectionMacLeod shares a smoke (we presume, eventually) with Barbara Rush.
Smiles Away from Shore
The Everett CollectionGrandy and Tewes enjoy the scenery in the 1980s.
Playing Papa
The Everett CollectionMacLeod and Whelan made for a great father-daughter team.
A Merman Sighting
The Everett CollectionMacLeod welcomes Ethel Merman aboard.
Boo Who?
The Everett CollectionCan you recognize the cast in their Halloween costumes?
Catch the Bouquet
The Everett CollectionCatch all these wonderful people aboard The Love Boat!
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