Ted Lange Advised Against Speaking to Gene Kelly on ‘Love Boat’

Ted Lange, known for his role as bartender Isaac Washington in The Love Boat, has shared warm memories of working with iconic actor Gene Kelly. This encounter, however, came with a warning: producers advised Lange to stay away from Kelly, labelling him "a grumpy guy."

Lange reflected on their meeting during a recent interview on the Still Here Hollywood podcast. He recalled how the producers instructed him and his co-stars to keep their distance while filming a 1984 episode in which Kelly portrayed a retired spy. Despite the advice, Lange decided to approach Kelly anyway.

"He was reading a magazine," Lange explained. Ignoring the warnings, he introduced himself with a simple "Hi." Although Kelly initially seemed uninterested, Lange pressed on, asking about his experiences dancing with the Nicholas brothers, renowned tap dancers from the Harlem Renaissance. This question sparked a warm exchange, as Kelly shared a delightful story about the duo.

After their scene together, Kelly surprised Lange by inviting him for a drink at the hotel. Excited, Lange accepted, describing the meeting as "wonderful" and a stark contrast to the initial perception he had of Kelly.

In retrospect, Lange considers Kelly one of his favourite guest stars from the series, which featured a range of well-known actors over its run from 1977 to 1986. The show welcomed numerous Hollywood legends, such as Ginger Rogers and Tom Hanks, making Lange’s experience with Kelly particularly memorable.

How much do you know?

What role is Ted Lange known for?

Doctor in Grey's Anatomy

Pilot in Airplane!

Bartender in The Love Boat

Detective in NYPD Blue

When did Ted Lange reflect on his meeting with Gene Kelly?

During the filming of The Love Boat

During an interview on Still Here Hollywood podcast

During a stage play

During a cooking show

What did producers advise Ted Lange regarding Gene Kelly?

To invite him for dinner

To stay away and label him as grumpy

To ask for an autograph

To recommend him for another role

What sparked a warm exchange between Ted Lange and Gene Kelly?

Talking about the weather

Asking about the Nicholas brothers

Discussing politics

Sharing recipes

What surprised Ted Lange after filming the scene with Gene Kelly?

Kelly offered him a job

Kelly invited him for a drink

Kelly asked for his autograph

Kelly ignored him

What years did The Love Boat run from?

1960 to 1970

1980 to 1990

1977 to 1986

1995 to 2005

Ted Lange considers Gene Kelly to be one of his least favorite guest stars.

True False

The producers of The Love Boat advised Ted Lange to approach Gene Kelly during filming.

True False

Gene Kelly initially showed no interest when Ted Lange introduced himself.

True False

Ted Lange described his meeting with Gene Kelly as unpleasant.

True False

Gene Kelly portrayed a retired police officer in the 1984 episode of The Love Boat.

True False

The Love Boat featured various Hollywood legends like Ginger Rogers and Tom Hanks.

True False

Gene Kelly portrayed a retired in the 1984 episode of The Love Boat.

Lange described his meeting with Kelly as "."

The Love Boat ran from 1977 to .

Ted Lange considers Gene Kelly one of his favorite guest stars from The Love Boat series due to his .

This question is required