Statement from Princess Cruises on the Passing of Gavin MacLeod

Gavin MacLeod (The Love Boat’s Captain Stubing) served as Princess Cruises Global Ambassador for 35 Years.
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May 29, 2021
Statement on the passing of Gavin MacLeod

It is with sadness felt to the depth of the oceans that we mourn the passing of actor Gavin MacLeod our beloved global ambassador, dearest friend and treasured member of the Princess Cruises family for more than 35 years.

From his 10 seasons staring as Captain Merrill Stubing on the hit TV show “The Love Boat” (1977 to 1986) and for more than three decades following the show’s final season, Gavin enthusiastically shared his passion about the joys and adventures of exploring the world while cruising. He always reminded us that - like the popular TV series, “cruising gives people something to dream about.”

Gavin, who celebrated his 90th birthday in February, officially became Princess Cruises’ global ambassador in 1986, appearing in a vast array of advertising campaigns and countless public and media appearances for the company. His role for Princess continued until his passing.

All of us at Princess Cruises and our loyal guests around the world whom, to this day, remain avid fans of Gavin’s, send our heartfelt condolences to his wife Patricia (Patti) and his entire family who have lost a loving husband, father and grandfather. We offer our sincerest gratitude to them for sharing Gavin with all of us for so many years.

Note to Editor: Gavin MacLeod served as Princess Cruises’ global ambassador for 35 years, starting in 1986, distinguishing him as the longest serving celebrity spokesperson and brand ambassador in history.

Background on Gavin’s impressive acting career spanning theater, film and television is available online using the links below.

Statement from Jill Whelan (Gavin MacLeod’s TV daughter Vicki Stubing)

“Gavin was one of the sweetest people I've ever known in my whole life. When I first started working with him on ‘The Love Boat,’ he welcomed me as though I was one of his own kids and that never changed. That's just who he was. He was gregarious and interesting and welcoming and loving and one of the most positive people that I've ever encountered in my life. And that's the way he led his life. He was a custodian of love, and that's what I think of every time I think of him. He was more than a TV dad for me. Gavin was like my real dad and his kids were gracious enough to share him with me. And for that, I'll be ever grateful.”

Statement from Fred Grandy (Yeoman Purser, Burl ‘Gopher’ Smith of The Love Boat)

"Gavin loved life and life loved him back. If you were lucky enough to know him you realized he was dedicated to three things, his family, his friends, and his faith. His joy was infectious and you could not come away from him without feeling better about yourself and the world we live in. I am unbearably sorry he is gone but indescribably happy knowing somewhere up in heaven a crew of angels is piping him aboard."

Statement from Bernie Kopell (Adam "Doc" Bricker, The Love Boat Doctor)

"Gavin was one of my dearest friends. We met and bonded in 1963 on McHale's Navy which he was a regular on. We spoke often these last few years reminiscing about the many happy times we spent together especially on the beautiful Princess ships traveling the world and the familial bond that our whole cast shares. He was my loving brother and I will miss him terribly."

Statement from Cynthia Lauren Tewes (Julie McCoy, The Love Boat Cruise Director)

"He was a gem in a world of rocks. I'm so grateful for his positivity, faith and the surety of heaven."

Statement from Ted Lange (Isaac Washington, The Love Boat Bartender)

"Gavin was not only the star of The Love Boat, he was our fearless leader. He was a shining example of what the best things are about being in show business. He taught me grace and the fine art of being a host to the many guest stars that shared our screen. He was a friend, an artist and a damn fine actor. I miss him already."

Statement from Lee Mimms, Gavin MacLeod’s Representative and Family Friend

“Gavin was a light within the entertainment industry and was never shy about expressing his faith. He always said his most cherished professional relationship was with Princess Cruises and his most cherished personal relationships were with God, his wife Patti and all their children and grandchildren.”

Biography and History Content

Video Content

Download video clips

Video Clips (Courtesy of Princess Cruises) - free to use by media worldwide

Gavin MacLeod Interview Soundbites (Miscellaneous)
Gavin MacLeod Video Tribute (no music bed)
Gavin MacLeod Video Tribute (with music – rights included worldwide)
Gavin MacLeod B-Roll Highlights – Princess Cruises Global Ambassador
Jill Whelan (Vicki Stubing), Celebrations Ambassador, Princess Cruises (Video Clips)
Jill Whelan Tribute to Gavin MacLeod (Edited) TRT 4:54

Media Contacts:

Primary Email: media@princesscruises.com
Briana Latter (Specialist): blatter@princesscruises.com
Negin Kamali (Director): nkamali@princesscruises.com
Brian O’Connor (Vice President): Princess Cruises Spokesperson

Images for Download

Gavin MacLeod

Gavin MacLeod as The Love Boat’s Captain Merrill Stubbing
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Princess Cruises celebrating Gavin MacLeod on his 80th Birthday with a Pacific Princess cruise ship cake.
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Gavin MacLeod with The Love Boat co-star Jill Whelan celebrating his 30th Year serving as Princess Cruises Global Ambassador and Spokesperson.
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Original ensemble cast of The Love Boat celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Princess Cruises (Dec 4, 2015).
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Original ensemble cast of The Love Boat and Princess Cruises honored by Hollywood Walk of Fame. Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises (behind cast).
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Statement from Princess Cruises on the Passing of Gavin MacLeod

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