Ted Lange, best known for his role as bartender Isaac Washington on the long-running, popular television show The Love Boat. Recently, he shared the story of his unforgettable debut meeting movie star and Broadway dancer Gene Kelly for a 1984 episode. The show, which ran from 1977 to 1986, wowed fans with its parade of fancy guest stars. Iconic figures such as Ginger Rogers, Olivia de Havilland, and Joan Fontaine gave memorable turns.
Lange’s experience with Kelly was particularly unique. The producers had warned him not to get into a conversation with the now-famous actor, who played a retired spook in the episode. But that’s it—Lange decided to disregard the rest of the warnings.
I said, ‘To hell with this, I’m just going to go meet Gene Kelly,’” Lange recalled. He walked up to Kelly, introduced himself and said, “Hello.
Though the producers were understandably wary at the outset, Lange found the exchange to be tremendously gratifying. He has praised Kelly as one of his favorite guest stars on the show. That in itself is a testament to how rare and historic the moment is for his own career.
During their conversation, Lange seized the opportunity to ask Kelly about the Nicholas brothers—Fayard and Harold Nicholas, two renowned Black tap dancers who gained fame during the Harlem Renaissance. Kelly had notoriously featured the Nicholas brothers in his film productions, and Lange was hungry to learn more about them.
Interested in learning who the Nicholas brothers are? Kelly asked him. To which Lange enthusiastically responded, “Yeah.”
Kelly gave the most incredible story with this account of the Nicholas brothers. Most importantly, she highlighted their extraordinary artistry and tremendous impact on the global dance community.
The Love Boat not only served as a platform for seasoned stars like Kelly but highlighted emerging talent from the entertainment industry. Actors such as Tom Hanks, Kathy Bates, Jamie Lee Curtis, Heather Locklear, and Billy Crystal were among those who made appearances on the series, which showcased a diverse range of guest stars throughout its run.
