History of Gavin MacLeod in Timeline

Gavin MacLeod was an American actor known for his roles in 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show' and 'The Love Boat'. His career spanned six decades and included acting, Christian television hosting, writing, and appearances on various talk, variety, and religious programs. Raised Catholic, he became an evangelical Christian in 1984.

1906: Birth of MacLeod's Parents

Both of Gavin MacLeod's parents, Margaret (née Shea) See and George See, were born in 1906.

February 28, 1931: Birth of Gavin MacLeod

Gavin MacLeod, originally named Allan George See, was born on February 28, 1931.

1945: Death of MacLeod's Father

George See, Gavin MacLeod's father, died in 1945.

1952: Graduation from Ithaca College

MacLeod graduated from Ithaca College with a bachelor's degree in fine arts in 1952.

1955: Marriage to Joan F. Rootvik

While working at Radio City Music Hall, Gavin MacLeod met dancer Joan F. Rootvik, a Rockette. They married in 1955.

1957: Television Debut

Gavin MacLeod made his television debut in 1957 on the crime drama series "The Walter Winchell File" at the age of 26.

1958: First Credited Film Role

MacLeod secured his first credited film role in "I Want to Live!", a prison drama starring Susan Hayward, in 1958.

1959: Collaboration with Blake Edwards

MacLeod's talent earned him recognition from director Blake Edwards, who cast him in various projects in 1958 and 1959, including the pilot episode of the NBC series "Peter Gunn" and guest roles in "Mr. Lucky."

December 1961: Guest Appearance on "The Dick Van Dyke Show"

In December 1961, MacLeod made a guest appearance on "The Dick Van Dyke Show," marking his first collaboration with Mary Tyler Moore.

1962: MacLeod's Perspective on "Happy" Haines

Despite landing his first regular television role as Joseph "Happy" Haines in "McHale's Navy" in 1962, MacLeod expressed dissatisfaction with the role's limitations.

1962: "McHale's Navy" Debut

MacLeod's first regular television role began in 1962 as Joseph "Happy" Haines on the popular sitcom "McHale's Navy."

1964: Departure from "McHale's Navy"

MacLeod left the show "McHale's Navy" in 1964 after two seasons to pursue other opportunities.

1965: "The Sword of Ali Baba"

In 1965, MacLeod starred in the film "The Sword of Ali Baba."

1968: "A Man Called Gannon" Release

MacLeod appeared in the Western film "A Man Called Gannon" in 1968.

1969: Appearance in "The Thousand Plane Raid"

In 1969, MacLeod was part of the war film "The Thousand Plane Raid."

1970: Role in "Kelly's Heroes"

Gavin MacLeod had a role in the war comedy "Kelly's Heroes" in 1970.

1972: Divorce from Joan F. Rootvik

Gavin MacLeod and Joan F. Rootvik divorced in 1972. They had two sons and two daughters together.

1974: Marriage to Patti Kendig

Gavin MacLeod married Patti Kendig in 1974.

1977: Jack Jones Debuts "The Love Boat" Theme Song

Jack Jones first performed "The Love Boat" theme song in 1977.

1977: "The Love Boat" Premieres

MacLeod's second breakout role as Captain Stubing on "The Love Boat" began airing in 1977.

1980: Born Again Marriages Seminar

In the 1980s, Gavin and Patti MacLeod launched the "Born Again Marriages" seminar. The seminar focused on sharing their personal experiences to help others facing separation or divorce, aiming to promote reconciliation.

1982: Divorce from Patti Kendig

Gavin MacLeod and Patti Kendig divorced in 1982.

1984: Gavin MacLeod's Religious Conversion

In 1984, Gavin MacLeod underwent a significant religious transformation, converting to evangelical Christianity.

1985: Remarriage to Patti Kendig

Gavin MacLeod and Patti Kendig remarried in 1985. They became evangelical Christians during the mid-1980s and attributed their renewed faith to their reconciliation.

1986: End of "The Love Boat"

"The Love Boat," which aired in 90 countries worldwide, ended in 1986 after a successful run.

1986: MacLeod Becomes Princess Cruises Ambassador

Gavin MacLeod was named the global ambassador for Princess Cruises in 1986.

1987: Publication of "Back On Course"

Following his conversion to evangelical Christianity and remarriage, Gavin MacLeod and his wife, Patti, co-authored "Back On Course: The Remarkable Story of a Divorce That Ended in Remarriage" in 1987. The book details his struggles with alcoholism and the couple's divorce.

1997: MacLeod Performs in Musicals

Between 1997 and 2003, MacLeod graced the stage in several musicals, including "Gigi" and "Copacabana."

1997: "The Love Boat" Cast Reunites on "Oprah"

In 1997, MacLeod reunited with the cast of "The Love Boat" on "The Oprah Winfrey Show."

2003: End of Run in Musicals

MacLeod wrapped up his string of appearances in musicals such as "Gigi" and "Copacabana" in 2003.

2004: Death of MacLeod's Mother

Gavin MacLeod's mother, Margaret (née Shea) See, passed away in 2004.

December 2008: Performance with Colorado Symphony

MacLeod took the stage with the Colorado Symphony in Denver in December 2008.

September 20, 2009: Discussion on Evangelicalism at The Rock Church

On September 20, 2009, Gavin MacLeod spoke at The Rock Church in Anaheim, California, discussing his conversion to evangelicalism.

2009: "The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry" Release

MacLeod starred in "The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry," a film directed by Rich Christiano, which was released in 2009.

April 2010: "The Love Boat" Cast Attends TV Land Awards

The cast of "The Love Boat" attended the TV Land Awards in April 2010. MacLeod was unable to attend due to a back surgery.

February 28, 2011: MacLeod's 80th Birthday Celebration

Gavin MacLeod celebrated his 80th birthday on February 28, 2011, aboard the Golden Princess cruise ship in Los Angeles, California.

January 17, 2012: Appearance on Betty White's 90th Birthday Special

MacLeod made an appearance on Betty White's 90th birthday special, which aired on January 17, 2012.

2012: Guest Speaker at The Rock Church

Gavin MacLeod was a guest speaker at The Rock Church in Anaheim, California in 2012.

January 2013: Air New Zealand Safety Video Reaches Two Million Views

By January 2013, the Air New Zealand in-flight safety video featuring MacLeod and Betty White had garnered two million views on YouTube.

October 2013: Promotional Tour for "This Is Your Captain Speaking"

In October 2013, MacLeod embarked on a promotional tour for his newly released book, "This Is Your Captain Speaking: My Fantastic Voyage Through Hollywood, Faith & Life," beginning with an appearance on the "Today" show.

November 5, 2013: "The Love Boat" Cast Reunion on "The Talk"

On November 5, 2013, MacLeod joined his fellow "Love Boat" cast members for a live reunion on the CBS daytime talk show, "The Talk."

December 2013: Appearance on The 700 Club

In December 2013, Gavin MacLeod appeared on The 700 Club to talk about his life and career.

2013: Release of Memoir: "This Is Your Captain Speaking"

Gavin MacLeod released his memoir, "This Is Your Captain Speaking: My Fantastic Voyage Through Hollywood, Faith & Life," in 2013. The book covers his early acting career, friendships, struggles with alcoholism, divorce, and faith.

2013: MacLeod Discusses Stage Name

In a 2013 interview with Parade, MacLeod shared the story behind his stage name, explaining how he felt his birth name hindered his acting career.

January 2015: Rose Parade Appearance

In January 2015, Gavin MacLeod joined other original cast members of The Love Boat in the Rose Parade.

2017: Ted Lange Discusses Gavin MacLeod

In a 2017 interview on "The Wiseguyz Show," Ted Lange, who played bartender Isaac Washington on "The Love Boat," fondly recalled his time working with Gavin MacLeod, emphasizing their enduring friendship.