Ted Lange, a celebrated actor from the iconic television series 'The Love Boat', recently recounted a significant incident involving a guest star who declined to shake his hand. This experience left a lasting impression on Lange, highlighting an unexpected moment of disrespect on set. The narrative, shared during an interview, delves into the impact of such an encounter and its implications within the hierarchical world of television production.
During a segment on the 'Still Here Hollywood' podcast, the 78-year-old actor, Ted Lange, vividly described the event to host Steve Kmetko. Lange recalled receiving advice from his co-star, Gavin MacLeod, to always greet and welcome guest stars to the show. Adhering to this practice, Lange approached a particular guest star to introduce himself and extend a welcome. However, to his dismay, the guest star recoiled, visibly displaying disdain before walking away without acknowledging Lange's outstretched hand.
Lange, who portrayed the charismatic bartender Isaac Washington on the popular romantic comedy series from 1977 to 1986, pondered if his character's uniform might have contributed to the guest star's dismissive reaction. He noted that he was wearing his distinctive red jacket, similar to other crew members, leading him to believe the guest star might have mistaken him for an extra. Lange questioned the appropriateness of such behavior, regardless of the perceived status of the individual.
Approximately thirty minutes later, the same guest star, accompanied by the director, approached Lange. The director introduced Lange as the guest star's scene partner. Upon this realization, the guest star awkwardly offered a belated greeting, to which Lange responded with a reserved acknowledgment. Lange further revealed that this guest star was a prominent figure who frequently hosted golf and tennis tournaments, to which Lange was invited but consistently chose not to attend, implicitly due to this initial negative interaction.
Lange, however, chose not to disclose the identity of the guest star, preserving a sense of discretion while still conveying the profound impact of the incident. 'The Love Boat' was renowned for its extensive roster of guest stars throughout its run, featuring an array of luminaries from classic Hollywood figures like Ginger Rogers and Olivia de Havilland to emerging talents such as Tom Hanks and Jamie Lee Curtis. The series, which aired on ABC from September 24, 1977, to May 24, 1986, also inspired several specials and a television movie, all of which included Lange's participation.
This particular incident underscores the unpredictable nature of celebrity interactions and the lingering effects of professional slights. Lange's recollection serves as a testament to the importance of mutual respect, regardless of status or role, within any professional environment. The story, decades later, continues to resonate as a cautionary tale of first impressions and the enduring memory of disrespectful behavior.