There’s no denying that ABC’s 'The Love Boat' was a TV phenomenon. Running from 1976 to 1986, this iconic series not only captivated audiences but also managed to attract some of Hollywood’s biggest stars as guest appearances. Oscar winners like Tom Hanks, Kathy Bates, and Ginger Rogers graced the decks of this legendary ship, leaving an indelible mark on television history. Let’s take a closer look at how these Academy Award-winning talents made waves on 'The Love Boat.'

Ginger Rogers: Dancing Her Way Into Our Hearts

Who could forget Ginger Rogers, the queen of the silver screen? On 'The Love Boat,' she didn’t just glide across the dance floor—she brought her charm and wit to the small screen. In a memorable 1979 episode, she shared the screen with the dashing Douglas Fairbanks Jr., leaving viewers breathless. Jill Whelan, who played Vicki, reminisced about working with such legends. "I was only 11 when I started on the show, so I didn’t fully grasp the enormity of the talent we had around us," she shared. "But looking back, it was truly remarkable."

Jamie Lee Curtis: From Horror to Humor

Before she became an Oscar-winning sensation for her role in 'Everything Everywhere All at Once,' Jamie Lee Curtis made a splash on 'The Love Boat.' Following her breakout role in the 1977 horror classic 'Halloween,' Curtis found herself struggling to land new roles. So, in 1978, she decided to take the plunge and guest-star on the show—alongside her mom, Janet Leigh! "The storyline was hilarious," Curtis recalled. "My parents crash my honeymoon, and chaos ensues. It was a fun experience, and I’m so glad I did it."

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Kathy Bates: A Star is Born

Long before she terrified audiences as Annie Wilkes in 'Misery,' Kathy Bates made her TV debut on 'The Love Boat.' In a 1978 episode, she played a newlywed bride who couldn’t seem to catch a break. "Every time we tried to consummate our marriage, something would go wrong," Bates joked. "One time, my husband had a rash. Another time, I accidentally boarded the wrong boat in Mexico. It was a whirlwind adventure, but I loved every minute of it."

Tom Hanks: A Fraternity Buddy Makes Waves

Even superstars like Tom Hanks have humble beginnings, and his first TV role came on 'The Love Boat.' In 1980, he played Gopher’s old frat buddy, a part that left a lasting impression on him. "When the episode aired, my fifth-grade teacher called me up and said, 'Tom, I can’t believe my eyes! You’re on 'The Love Boat,'" Hanks remembered. "That moment meant the world to me. It was a huge milestone in my career."

Jane Wyman: A Star Who Loved the Spotlight

Jane Wyman, the Oscar-winning star of 'Johnny Belinda,' was no stranger to guest appearances on TV shows. In 1980, she joined the crew of 'The Love Boat,' bringing her charisma and talent to the series. But this wasn’t her only foray into television; she also appeared on 'My Three Sons' and 'Charlie’s Angels.' "Guest-starring on these shows was always fun," Wyman said. "It kept me busy and allowed me to connect with new audiences."

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Joan Fontaine: Adding Suspense to the Seas

Gavin MacLeod once said, "One quality we had was surprise," referring to the unexpected guest stars who joined the show. Joan Fontaine, the Oscar-winning actress from 'Suspicion,' brought her talent to 'The Love Boat' in 1981. She played a woman trying to reconnect with an old flame, adding a touch of intrigue to the series.

Patty Duke: A Triple Threat

Known for her Oscar-winning performance in 'The Miracle Worker,' Patty Duke wasn’t afraid to dive into the world of 'The Love Boat.' She guest-starred three times, including a memorable appearance in 1977 with fellow Oscar winner Ruth Gordon. In that episode, Gordon played a meddling grandma determined to find love for Patty’s character.

Olivia de Havilland: A Family Reunion at Sea

Olivia de Havilland, a two-time Oscar winner, set sail on 'The Love Boat' in 1981. She portrayed Captain Stubing’s Aunt Hilly, embarking on an adventure with fellow screen legend Joseph Cotten. This pairing wasn’t entirely new; they had played lovers in 'Airport ’77' just a few years earlier.

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Donna Reed: Making a Grand Return

After an 18-year hiatus from television, Donna Reed returned to the small screen in 1984 with a role on 'The Love Boat.' She played a businesswoman during the show’s Hong Kong cruise episode, setting her sights on a dashing presidential hopeful played by Efrem Zimbalist Jr. Reed’s return was a momentous occasion, as she had previously won an Oscar for her role in 'From Here to Eternity.'

Ernest Borgnine and Shelley Winters: A Feisty Pair

Ernest Borgnine and Shelley Winters brought their A-game to 'The Love Boat' in 1982 during the Italian cruise episode. Bernie Kopell, who played Doc, recalled a particularly memorable moment when Borgnine’s character got so frustrated with his onscreen wife that he unleashed a barrage of Italian curses. "It was something no one had ever heard before," Kopell laughed. "Ernie really went all out."