Book Description
The remarkable life, career, and faith journey of the star of The Love Boat and The Mary Tyler Moore Show.
For 16 years, millions of Americans welcomed Gavin MacLeod into their living rooms every Saturday night. This veteran of stage and screen transformed himself from a seasoned character actor into the leading, lovable father-figure of The Love Boat at the height of TV’s boom years.
For more than 30 years, Gavin MacLeod has served as the global ambassador for Princess Cruises. Speaking to thousands of travelers each year, and signing hundreds of autographs at every port, he stands poised to celebrate his amazing journey with a look back at the golden era of American television.
The consummate storyteller, Gavin shares his fondest memories of meeting and working with countless stars, such as Cary Grant, Steve McQueen, Gregory Peck, Bette Davis, Frank Sinatra, Ethel Merman, Ella Fitzgerald, Ronald Reagan, Milton Berle, and Fred Astaire.
From his humble theatrical beginnings in upstate New York, to Radio City Music Hall and on to Hollywood, Gavin MacLeod was on the fast track to success. However, a few hard life lessons—like dealing with a divorce—taught Gavin that the key to happiness was only through a deep faith in God, and he feels his work for Christ is more important than any award. Three years later his remarriage proved that a great struggle can culminate in a happy ending.
This Is Your Captain Speaking: My Fantastic Voyage Through Hollywood, Faith & Life by Gavin MacLeod
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
First of all, I know that in some way, it makes no sense that I would adore this book as much as I do. I am “too young” to know about the majority of the Hollywood stars discussed within this book. Again, I do not fit the bill–I know more about “old Hollywood” than I do “new Hollywood.” And I have memories of my mom watching “Love Boat” as I was growing up. In case you didn’t guess it, those memories were not fond. I was quite young, and I endured those shows. Permit me to say that following the reading of this book, I wish to sit down and watch the entire series start to finish!
This amazing memoir was one of the best I had read in a while. I grew up reading Hollywood biographies and autobiographies, and this is the pinnacle, as far as I am concerned. Practically no profanity (yes, he says one word twice that is an actual quote that does not constitute profanity, as far as I am concerned). It was a shock to me when I discovered that I had seen this actor in many things throughout the years without realizing it was he! I loved “High Times” with Bing Crosby, and I never would have guessed that he was the professor who danced with Crosby! I felt like I stepped back in time, and the multitude of stories was a real treat for me to read.
Notwithstanding, the purpose of this book is for Gavin MacLeod to share his personal testimony of Christianity. The story was simple, amazing, and powerful. I was enthralled and practically confounded at the ways in which God worked (and continues to work) in his life. One of his stories truly caused me to well up with emotion, and I have become a super fan of this actor! I suddenly long to rent out every movie and television show he has ever done. I highly recommend this book to all because I believe that everyone can derive some joy, entertainment, and veritable life lessons from some portion(s) of this book.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
Be sure to check out his website for more information!
