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Fred Grandy—known to millions as Gopher—takes John Cato on a rich, and at times hysterical behind-the-scenes look at The Love Boat. He recounts his unexpected casting, early skepticism from executives (except Gavin MacLeod and Aaron Spelling), unforgettable adventures filming on cruise ships in China and Turkey and his near death burning mishap while shooting The Love Boat. From writing episodes for The Love Boat and working with legends like Don Ameche, Ethel Merman, and Ricardo Montalban, to hilarious pranks involving Leslie Nielsen’s fart buzzer and a monkey brains story in Hong Kong, Fred shares it all. He also reflects on his friendship with the cast, the rise of the cruise industry because of The Love Boat, his son, Charlie's Hollywood writing career, and his emotional path from actor to Congressman. Thanks a bunch Fred!

Hosted by John Cato, actor, voiceover artist, and moderator for over 20 years for the television and movie industry. John's background brings a unique insight and passion to the podcast.


00:00:00 Introduction
00:00:57 Fred talks about auditioning for Gopher on The Love Boat
00:04:21 How only Aaron Spelling and Gavin MacLeod believed it would be a hit
00:05:42 The first time Fred met the other cast members
00:07:21 The cast is still close today/ The Love Boat podcast
00:09:03 Fred talks about the upcoming The Love Boat podcast he is part of
00:12:34 Fred on Gavin MacLeod
00:14:14 Some of Fred's funniest moments shooting The Love Boat
00:19:13 Fred explains how the sets were laid out for The Love Boat when they shot at the studio
00:20:31 Fred tells a funny story about his father and Jimmy Walker on the Panama Cruise of The Love Boat
00:23:09 Fred talks about the back deck set
00:26:23 How much the cruise industry exploded due to Love Boat
00:28:22 A typical day on the Love Boat set
00:31:18 Fred tells a hysterical story of The Love Boat trip to Turkey
00:32:59 Fred tells a great story of the first international Love Boat trip and the crowds waiting for them
00:35:05 What it was like for Fred to go from nobody to somebody
00:36:56 Fred talks about Juliet Mills and her father, John Mills
00:39:32 Fred talks about working with Don Ameche
00:41:23 Fred talks about writing episodes for The Love Boat
00:44:25 Fred talks about his goal as an actor then and now
00:51:43 Fred talks about when Ray Bolger was on The Love Boat
00:54:00 Fred talks about Ethel Merman
00:55:08 Fred on a funny moment between Ernest Borgnine and Ethel Merman
00:55:52 Leslie Nielsen and his fart buzzer
00:59:19 Fred and Love American Style
01:00:31 Working on the Joan Rivers film "The Girl Most Likely"
01:01:10 Fred talks about working on Maude for 7 - 8 episodes
01:02:17 Fred talks about Monster Squad
01:03:22 Fred on working with George Carlin
01:04:16 Charlie's Angels Love Boat crossover episode
01:05:15 Fred doesn't watch what he is in generally
01:06:30 Fred on working with Ricardo Montalban on Fantasy Island
01:07:31 Frad tells a funny story about Lee Horsley "Matt Houston" in China
01:09:39 Fred tells a difficult momemt in Hong Kong with Monkey brains
01:11:24 Fred talks about the amazing writing career of his son, Charlie from SNL to the Office and on
01:14:55 Fred talks about losing both of his parents by age 12 and the affect on his life
01:17:33 Fred talks about his run for Congress
01:18:22 Fred talks about almost dying from a balloon accident in Turkey
01:28:27 Fred talks about Helen Hayes sending him $100 for his congressional run