Muli-talented Gavin MacLeod was an American actor, Christian activist, and author. He made his television debut in 1957 on “The Walter Winchell File” at the age of 26. His first movie appearance was a small, uncredited role in “The True Story of Lynn Stuart” in 1958. Soon thereafter, he landed a credited role in “I Want to Live!”, a 1958 prison drama starring Susan Hayward. Then, he achieved television success co-starring opposite Ernest Borgnine on “McHale’s Navy” (1962-1964) as Joseph “Happy” Haines, and on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” (1970-1977) as Murray Slaughter. He also starred on ABC’s “The Love Boat” (1977–1986) as Merrill Stubing, the ship’s captain. He has also appeared as a guest on several talks, variety, and religious programs. His career spanned six decades. He made his breakout role as Murray Slaughter on CBS’ “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” which won him lasting fame and two Golden Globe nominations. He was honored with a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars in downtown Palm Springs, California on 1st February 2014. Sadly, he passed away on 29th May 2021.
Famous For
- Achieving fame as sardonic TV news writer Murray Slaughter on the Mary Tyler Moore Show and cheerful Captain Stubing on The Love Boat.
- Known to sitcom fans for his bald head and wide smile, MacLeod toiled in near anonymity for more than a decade, appearing on dozens of TV shows and in several movies before landing the part of Murray Slaughter in 1970.
Source: @nbcnews
Death Cause
Actor Gavin MacLeod, “Love Boat” Captain and “Mary Tyler Moore Show” star, dies at 90 on May 29, 2021, after a period of ill health which was his cause of death. He died early Saturday at his home in Palm Desert, California, said Stephanie Steele Zalin, his stepdaughter. She attributed his death to his age, saying he had been well until very recently. “He had one of the most amazing, fun blasts of life of anybody I know. He enjoyed every minute of it,” Steele Zalin said. “I don’t even think in his wildest dreams he dreamt of the life that he ended up having and creating.” His death was confirmed by his nephew, Mark See. The “Moore” cast member, Asner paid tribute to MacLeod on Twitter, writing: “My heart is broken. Gavin was my brother, my partner in crime (and food), and my comic conspirator. I will see you in a bit, Gavin. Tell the gang I will see them in a bit. Betty! It’s just you and me now.” He is survived by Patti Kendig and four children by Devore.
Where was Gavin MacLeod from?
Gavin MacLeod’s date of birth was 28th February 1931 and his place of birth was Mount Kisco, New York, the United States of America. By nationality, he was American and he came from a White race belonging to American-White ethnicity. Pisces was his Zodiac sign and he follows the Christianity religion. He was born the first of two children to his parents. His father, George See (1906-1945) was an electrician, was part Chippewa (Ojibwe) and his mother, Margaret (nee Shea) See (1906-2004) was a middle school dropout, worked for Reader’s Digest. He experienced his childhood in his hometown; Pleasantville, New York. Gavin MacLeod was born with the born name/real name of Allan George See but he changed his name, drawing “Gavin” from a physically disabled victim in a television drama, and “MacLeod” from his Ithaca drama coach, Beatrice MacLeod. He said in a 2013 interview with Parade about his stage name, he “felt as if my name was getting in the way of my success.” Allan, he wrote, “just wasn’t strong enough,” and See was “too confusing.” For the last time, Gavin celebrated his 90th birthday with his close and dear ones. On 28th February 2011, he celebrated his 80th birthday aboard the Golden Princess on Princess Cruises in Los Angeles, California. His friends and family wished him a Happy Birthday, and presented him with a 5 ft. long, 3D replica in the cake of Pacific Princess, the original “Love Boat”.
Gavin MacLeod attended Ithaca College in his hometown and studied acting from where he graduated in 1952 with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts. He had also served in the United States Air Force. Then, he moved to New York City and worked at Radio City Music Hall.
How was the Career and Life Story of Gavin MacLeod?
Acting Career
- After studying acting, Gavin made his TV debut in the 1957 “The Walter Winchell File”. At that time he was 26.
- After a year, he made his movie debut in an uncredited role in “The True Story of Lynn Stuart”. Whereas he successfully landed a credited role in “I Want to Live!” in the same year.
- Being noticed by Blake Edward, he was then cast in the pilot episode of his NBC series “Peter Gunn”, two guest roles on the Edwards CBS series “Mr. Lucky” in 1959, and as a nervous harried navy yeoman in “Operation Petticoat”. Later, he was seen in Edwards comedies, “High Time”, with Bing Crosby and “The Party” with Peter
- Sellers.
- Likewise, he made numerous TV appearances after his fame which includes “Death Valley Days”, “The Dick Van Dyke Show”, The Case of the Grumbling Grandfather”, “The Case of the Grinning Gorilla”, “The Case of the Runaway Racer”, “Hawaii Five-O”, and made his guest appearances on The Untouchables, Dr. Kildare, Rawhide, Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C., The Man from U.N.C.L.E., My Favorite Martian, Hogan’s Heroes, Combat!, The Big Valley, The Andy Griffith Show, It Takes a Thief, The Flying Nun, The King of Queens, and That ’70s Show.
- In the year 1962, Gavin’s debut regular television role began as Joseph “Happy” Haines on “McHale’s Navy” but he left after two seasons to appear in the motion picture, “The Sand Pebbles” with Steve McQueen.
- He made his breakout role as Murray Slaughter on CBS’ “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and then starred as Captain Stubing on “The Love Boat”.
- He joined the Love Boat cast on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” in the year 1997 and also he toured with Michael Learned of “The Waltons in Love Letter.
- He and his wife were the hosts on the Trinity Broadcasting Network for 17 years, primarily hosting a show about marriage called “Back on Course”.
- Similarly, he made his role in the movie “Time Changer” and played the lead role in Christiano’s 2009 film “The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry”.
- He served as the honorary Mayor of Pacific Palisades for five years and left in 2011.
- He reunited with Betty White to film “Safety Old School Style” in 2013 and appeared on Today to begin the promotional tour for his new book “This Is Your Captain Speaking: My Fantastic Voyage Through Hollywood, Faith & Life”.
- He also joined his Love Boat castmates live on the CBS daytime show “The Talk” on 5th November 2013 and appeared on “The 700 Club” to discuss his life and career in December 2013.
- He appeared in the “Rose Parade” in January 2015 along with several members of the original cast of The Love Boat.
- He starred in the play Happy Hour at the Coachella Valley Repertory Theatre (CVRep) in Rancho Mirage, California in the year 2017 which was his last role.
Source: @ew.com
Writing Career
- As an author, Gavin and his wife, Patti, wrote about struggles with divorce and alcoholism in “Back On Course: The Remarkable Story of a Divorce That Ended in Remarriage” in the year 1987.
- After a long gap, he released his memoir, “This Is Your Captain Speaking: My Fantastic Voyage Through Hollywood, Faith & Life” in the year 2013 which recalls his upbringing, as well as his life after more than fifty years in Hollywood. In the book, MacLeod recounted his stories as a young actor trying to make a name for himself in Hollywood, the lifelong friends he made, his bout with alcoholism and divorce, and his journey through faith and Christianity.
Who was Gavin MacLeod Wife?
Gavin MacLeod was married two times during his lifetime. He was initially married to his first wife, Joan Devore in 1954 divorcing in 1972. He married his second spouse, Patti MacLeod in 1974. Due to some misunderstanding, the couple divorced in 1982. As the love between them was deep, Gavin and Patti remarried in the year 1985. During the mid-1980s, they became Evangelical Protestants and credited their faith for bringing them back together. The duo was also blessed with four children named Meghan, David, Julie, and Keith. Patti MacLeod was initially married to Jerry Lewis. Patti and Gavin separated after the death of Gavin on 29th May 2021. His sexual orientation was straight and he was not gay.
Source: @news.amomama.com
How much was Gavin MacLeod Net Worth?
Actor, Christian activist, and author, Gavin MacLeod had accumulated a huge net worth of $10 Million at the time of his death as per Celebrity Net Worth. His talent and good fortune allowed him to work consistently on two iconic TV shows, “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and “The Love Boat” due to which he will be remembered forever. Besides, he had appeared in numerous movies and shows during his long career as he even worked when he had to retired. Releasing a couple of books also added value to his net worth. Back then, he became the global ambassador for Princess Cruises in 1986. Whereas his exact salary is still to get disclosed yet. He was living a luxurious lifestyle from his earning and his major source of wealth was from his acting career.
How tall was Gavin MacLeod?
Gavin MacLeod stood tall at the height of 180 cm or 1.8 m or 5 ft 10 in with the bodyweight of 80 KG or 176 lbs. He had a bald head with white hair color. He had a pair of brown eyes. His body build was slim. He had a very wide smile with a glowing face.
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