Gavin MacLeod - This Is Your Captain Speaking: My Fantastic Voyage Through Hollywood, Faith & Life

PRAISE FOR THIS IS YOUR CAPTAIN SPEAKING

What a wonderful walk down memory lane with one of my favorite people! Not only did Gavin safely helm the ship to all the great ports of the globe, but he calmed the seas of egos, old and young. But I was the lucky oneI got to marry the captain.

MARION ROSS, MRS. C. FROM HAPPYDAYS

Incredible is a word used to describe the amazing, as well as something we dont believe to be true. Gavins book demands the first interpretation! Thats an unqualified assertion made on the grounds of knowing him wellin triumph or through trial, at both high and low points of lifes ebb and flow. I have been Gavin and Pattis pastor for over thirty years. Thus, I endorse a man of character and kindness: the Captain of the Love Boat was, and is, a gracious, thoughtful, reliable, and trustworthy man of accomplished professionalism. So as you meet the host of personalities he introduces from his life experience, or read his interactions with life and people, you can believe youre hearing the real storynot a puff job or schmooze treatment. Gavins real! And his story is amazing! And its both a fun and hearttouching read.

DR. JACK W. HAYFORD, CHANCELLOR,
THE KINGS UNIVERSITY-LOS ANGELES/DALLAS

From struggling on the wrong side of the tracks in poverty to sailing the seven seas in luxury, from hot dog lunches to ship launches, Gavin MacLeods life is a story of an American dreamer and his dream, and it shows how tenacity, faith, and talent (and a gorgeous smile doesnt hurt) can get you where you need to go, with or without hair. Reading his book has been a little unnerving for me because I know Gavin as my friend and neighbor and love him dearly, but now, after reading about his sometimes difficult journey, I treasure him even more. What a wonderful man, a true American ambassador.

NANCY SINATRA, SINGER, ACTOR, AND AUTHOR

When The Love Boat set a course for adventure in 1977, who could have predicted the enormous impact this TV show would have on the then-nascent cruise industry, let alone how it would introduce Princess Cruises to a wonderful ambassador? Ive had the privilege of calling Gavin my friend and inspiration for over two decades. Like a rising tide that lifts all boats, Ive seen him lift the spirits of all he comes into contact with. His enthusiasm for life, for people, for storytellingand also for cruisingis infectious. I dont think theres ever been a better spokesperson for a company or industry, ever. Sailors set their course by the stars, and Gavin has been our shining star.

JULIE BENSON, VICE PRESIDENT OF
PUBLIC RELATIONS, PRINCESS CRUISES

I just got back from the most delightful cruise and I never got seasick! I just cruised through Gavin MacLeods wonderful book This Is Your Captain Speaking, and only a real cruise on the real Love Boat would equal it. Like everyone else in America, I knew he was a great actor and always seemed like the kind of man youd love to live next door to and have as a friend. After reading his compelling and candid story, I understand why I felt this way. Gavins life story is fascinating just to read, but I found it far more than another book about a celebritys life. Its a book about life, period, and the insights, lessons, and life experiences he so honestly shares will leave you inspired, refreshed, and encouraged. Whether you feel like your ship is setting sail or sinking, you will be in good hands with this Captain! This book is like the midnight buffet without the calories!

MIKE HUCKABEE, SYNDICATED TV AND
RADIO HOST AND BEST-SELLING AUTHOR

Who wouldnt love to spend an intimate evening or two with one of the most beloved actors in the country? A few hours in which he tells of his countless experiences with a whos who of show business and then takes you behind the curtain into his own checkered, almost unbelievable life, with its highs and lows and remarkable accomplishments. Best of all, he shares how he came to know and love and devote his life to his own Captain, the Creator of the Universe.

I love it. Its a modern-day Pilgrims Progress.

PAT BOONE, ENTERTAINER

Gavin epitomizes the old-fashioned concept of a gentleman. He is a loving, generous, and authentic seeker of Gods truth. His life story speaks for itself.

KATHIE LEE GIFFORD, COHOST OF THE TODAY SHOW

You will love this book. Its filled with fun, faith, and hope. Just like my friend Gavin MacLeod!

FLORENCE HENDERSON, ACTOR, SINGER,
AND AMERICAS FAVORITE TV MOM

With his characteristic, contagious exuberance, Gavin recounts his life story with unvarnished candorbeginning as a young boy from the wrong side of the tracks who goes on to reach the pinnacle of acting success while encountering a lot more than just bumps and bruises along the way. Inspirational and richly evocative, Gavins story isnt simply a celebration of his life and those with whom hes workedits a heart-lifting, encouraging celebration of that often forgotten American dream itself.

JOHN TINKER, EMMY AWARD
WINNING TELEVISION PRODUCER

Copyright 2013 by Gavin MacLeod

All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meanselectronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, scanning, or otherexcept for brief quotations in critical reviews or articles, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Published in Nashville, Tennessee, by W Publishing Group. W Publishing is a registered trademark of Thomas Nelson.

Thomas Nelson titles may be purchased in bulk for educational, business, fund-raising, or sales promotional use. For information, please e-mail SpecialMarkets@ThomasNelson.com.

Author is represented by the literary agency of Alive Communications, Inc., 7680 Goddard Street, Suite 200, Colorado Springs, CO 80920; alivecommunications.com

ISBN: 978-0-8499-4762-9

Library of Congress Control Number: 2013941972

Printed in the United States of America

13 14 15 16 17 RRD 6 5 4 3 2 1

This book is dedicated to the Captain of my life, who came that I might have life and have it more abundantly.

CONTENTS

Preface One Door Closes...

Chapter 26 Enjoying the Blessings

PREFACE
ONE DOOR CLOSES...

I REMEMBER IT LIKE IT WAS YESTERDAY. I WAS SO excited. Here I was, this young actor with a single Broadway credit to his name, newly planted in Los Angeles with my beautiful wife, ready to take on the world. It was my first day shooting on a new television sitcom pilot with Hal March. Hal March! The incredibly popular host of The $64,000 Question! I couldnt have been happier if Id been called to sing opera at the Met straight out of glee club, or to pitch for the Mets straight out of the minor leagues. I went out and bought myself a new sweater at Bullocks. (I wanted to look good for my first day.) I didnt own a car then, so I rented a car to drive to the studio. I was flying.