10 Biggest Stars to Appear on ‘The Love Boat’

First on our list of the biggest stars to appear on The Love Boat was the legendary Motown group The Temptations. They sailed onto the Pacific Princess in a 1980 episode titled “Your Money or Your Wife/Joint Custody/The Temptations“, that had fans buzzing with excitement.

The Temptations played themselves as the ship’s entertainment, weaving their smooth harmonies and classic hits into the episode’s plot. Both the passengers and crew went wild for the group.

Their appearance proved The Love Boat could attract the biggest names in talent from all corners of showbiz, not just Hollywood. By mixing The Temptations’ tunes with the usual shenanigans, the show created a fan-favorite episode that perfectly blended celebrity culture with its storylines.

Next, Teri Hatcher was another one of the biggest stars to appear on The Love Boat. Hatcher guest starred in 19 episodes of The Love Boat throughout Season 9 as a character named Amy.

She later went on to become a household name, starring in hit series like Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman and Desperate Housewives. While she wasn’t a major celebrity at the time, her later success made her appearance a highlight when looking back at the show’s impressive guest roster.

Before she became known as the ultimate scream queen, a young Jamie Lee Curtis set sail on this beloved show. She appeared in a 1978 episode titled “Till Death Do Us Part-Maybe/Chubs/Locked Away.”

At the time, Curtis was just starting her acting career. Her celebrity appearance on The Love Boat came shortly before her breakout role in the horror classic Halloween. On the show, she played Linda, a passenger caught up in the ship’s romantic escapades.

Her performance hinted at the star power that would soon make her a Hollywood icon, earning her a spot on our list of the biggest stars to appear on The Love Boat. This guest spot served as a glimpse into the early career of an actress who would go on to become one of the most versatile and beloved figures in the American entertainment industry.

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Next, Tom Hanks made an early career appearance on The Love Boat in 1980. He was featured in the episode “Sergeant Bull/Friends and Lovers/Miss Mother.”

Hanks was just 24 at the time, before his breakout roles in Splash and Big. He played Gerry, a young man dealing with relationship issues. The guest spot showcased Hanks’ early acting skills and hinted at the charm that would make him a Hollywood superstar.

Hanks’ appearance came during The Love Boat’s fourth season. It was a typical stepping stone for rising actors of the era. Hanks continued to rise to fame and, ultimately, became one of the biggest stars to appear on The Love Boat.

Another one of the biggest stars to appear on The Love Boat was Gene Kelly. He starred in a two-part episode titled “Hong Kong Cruise: Polly’s Poker Palace/Shop Ahoy/Double Date/The Hong Kong Affair/Two Tails of a City.”

Kelly was famous for his innovative choreography. He gave unforgettable performances in classic musicals like “Singin’ in the Rain” and “An American in Paris“. He brought this same charm to the cruise ship series. Kelly was in his late 60s at the time, but he still showed the charisma and energy that made him a star.

Kelly’s appearance was a treat for fans as it bridged the golden age of Hollywood musicals with 1980s television. He was one of the biggest stars to appear on The Love Boat, even today, showing his enduring appeal and star power. It proved he could shine even outside of movie musicals.

Comedy legend Joan Rivers brought her wit and larger-than-life personality to The Love Boat in Season 6. As one of the most recognizable faces in entertainment, Rivers’ appearance was a big deal for the show.

In the episode “Gopher’s Daisy/Our Son, The Lawyer/Salvaged Romance,” Rivers played Allison Newman, a character who had undergone a mastectomy and was grappling with insecurity after her husband left her. This complex role allowed Rivers to show off her acting and comedy skills.

The episode showed Rivers’ character falling for Max Glutovsky, a junk dealer played by Alex Rocco. Her appearance highlighted The Love Boat’s ability to mix serious topics with its usual lighthearted ones, all while showcasing the biggest stars in show business.

As a young actress, Tori Spelling made multiple guest appearances on The Love Boat. She appeared in two episodes during the show’s run. Her first appearance was in the episode “Doc’s Big Case/Senior Sinners/A Booming Romance.” She later returned in “Best Ex-Friends/All The Congressman’s Women/Three Faces Of Love.”

As the daughter of the show’s producer, Aaron Spelling, Tori’s appearances were early steps in her acting career. Her distinct on-screen presence showed her future potential in the entertainment industry. These roles predated her famous appearance on Beverly Hills, 90210. She ultimately became one of the biggest stars to appear on The Love Boat.

Spelling’s appearances on The Love Boat highlight the show’s family-friendly appeal and its connection to Hollywood’s behind-the-scenes players. Her guest roles demonstrated how the series often featured up-and-coming talent alongside established stars.

Betty White’s guest spots on The Love Boat showcased her versatility and timeless appeal.

Whether playing a passenger rekindling an old flame or a mother orchestrating her daughter’s love life, White’s humor made her a standout guest. Each role allowed White to show off her comedy skills, proving why she was one of television’s most beloved personalities.

At the same time, White’s adaptability made her a perfect fit for the show’s playful tone and romantic entanglements. Her recurring guest spots on The Love Boat highlighted her longevity in the entertainment industry. As television evolved, White remained a constant, beloved figure, captivating audiences whether she was on a sitcom or a cruise ship.

Betty White’s appearances on The Love Boat foreshadowed her later career resurgence, showing that her appeal was truly timeless and setting the stage for her continued success.

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Another one of the biggest stars to appear on The Love Boat was Frank Sinatra, Jr. He brought his own star power to The Love Boat in Season 3. His appearance added a touch of showbiz royalty to the already star-studded series.

In the episode “Cindy/Play by Play/What’s a Brother For?“, Sinatra Jr. played Preston Maddox, a pop singer. His character helped a young passenger named Cindy Jerome get her shot at stardom by giving her a chance to perform on the ship. This storyline showcased Sinatra Jr.’s real-life musical background and his natural charm on screen. Ultimately, this made him one of the biggest stars to appear on The Love Boat.

Capping our list, Sonny Bono, famous for his music career with Cher. He appeared in episodes in Seasons 2 and 5, bringing his star power to the show each time he guest-starred.

Bono played several characters, but his most memorable role was Deacon Dark, a wild rock star. Decked out in KISS-style makeup, Bono gave a fiery performance that fans loved. It showed off his range beyond his usual public persona.

These appearances on The Love Boat were just part of Bono’s diverse career. He went from pop star to actor to politician, eventually even becoming a U.S. Congressman. His repeated guest spots and later success make him one of the most notable celebrities to cruise on The Love Boat.

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