Ted Lange, the beloved bartender Isaac Washington from the iconic television series “The Love Boat,” has finally broken his silence about working with Hollywood legend Gene Kelly, and the story he shared is not what fans might expect. In a candid revelation, Lange described how he was warned to stay away from Kelly, who was rumored to be angry and difficult, but a single, thoughtful question changed everything and led to an unforgettable friendship.
The warnings came before filming began on a 1984 episode of the hit ABC series, which aired from 1977 to ed 1986. Lange recalled that members of the crew told him and others on set, “Don’t talk to Gene. He’s an angry man.
Just leave him alone. When you do your scene, that’s fine, but don’t talk to Gene.” The cast, including Lange, agreed to heed this advice, accepting the narrative that Kelly was unfriendly and should be avoided at all costs.
For a time, Lange followed these instructions, but then he noticed Kelly sitting alone, quietly reading a magazine, wearing contact lenses and a pair of glasses. Instead of continuing to believe the rumors, Lange made a decision that would reshape his perspective on the legendary star.
He approached Kelly, sat down across from him, and offered a simple greeting. That introduction was enough to spark a conversation neither man anticipated. Lange did not ask about Kelly’s fame or his most famous films, like “Singin’ in the Rain.”
Instead, he chose a topic that genuinely mattered to him. He asked Kelly what it was like to work with the Nicholas Brothers, Fayard and Harold Nicholas, the brilliant Black tap dancers who rose to fame during the Harlem Renaissance and were widely admired for their extraordinary talent. Kelly had featured them in his films, and Lange was deeply impressed by their abilities and their contributions to dance history.
The moment Kelly heard the question, everything changed. According to Lange, Kelly lowered his glasses and became fully engaged in the conversation. Rather than offering a brief answer, he shared a wonderful story about the Nicholas Brothers, speaking passionately about their skill and their work together.
Lange listened intently as Kelly recounted tales of the two gifted dancers, and what began as a simple inquiry quickly evolved into a meaningful discussion between two actors who shared a deep love for performance. The conversation was cut short when the production called them back to work, but the connection had already been made
In the episode, Gene Kelly played a retired spy traveling on a cruise to Hong Kong. Lange and Kelly filmed their scenes together before returning to the small bus that transported crew members around the production area. By that time, their earlier conversation had already forged a friendly bond.
Before the day ended, Kelly surprised Lange with an invitation, asking if he would like to join him for a drink at the hotel after work. Lange gladly accepted, and after wrapping for the day, the two met at the hotel and spent more time talking together. Reflecting on that experience years later, Lange remembered Kelly as warm, welcoming, and enjoyable to be around.
The stories he had heard before meeting him were completely different from the person he actually got to know. Instead of finding someone cold or unfriendly, Lange met a man who was happy to share stories, discuss dance history, and spend time getting to know a fellow actor
This experience taught Lange a valuable lesson about not judging people based on rumors. Had he simply listened to what others said, he never would have started that conversation, which led to that unforgettable encounter. By choosing to introduce himself and ask a thoughtful question, he discovered a side of Gene Kelly that many people may never have seen.
Years later, Lange still remembers Kelly as one of the best guest stars to appear on “The Love Boat.” Their meeting began with a simple greeting, grew through a shared appreciation for great artists, and ended with a friendly evening after work. For Lange, this became one of the most memorable experiences during his long years on the beloved television series
The challenges Lange faced on set, however, extended far beyond this single encounter. As the only Black regular cast member on “The Love Boat,” he encountered numerous instances of unequal treatment that he has now detailed publicly. He explained that some guest stars judged him before knowing who he was, assuming he was a minor actor because of the red jacket his character Isaac wore.
One particular incident stood out in his memory for years. Following the advice of Gavin MacLeod, who played Captain Merrill Stubing, the regular cast members made it a tradition to welcome each guest star joining the show. It was a kind tradition that helped new actors feel comfortable on set.
Following that advice, Lange introduced himself to one guest star before filming began. Instead of receiving a friendly greeting, the actor turned away, refused to shake his hand, and walked off. Lange remembered feeling astonished because he was simply trying to welcome someone to the production
About half an hour later, that same guest star returned, accompanied by the director. This time, the director introduced Lange as the actor who would be sharing the scene with him. Once the actor realized Lange was one of the stars of the series, his treatment changed immediately, and he greeted him politely.
Lange remembers that moment but chose not to reveal the actor’s name, only describing him as someone well-known who hosted popular golf and tennis events. That experience was just one example of what Lange says would happen from time to time during the series. He explained that some guest stars would judge him before knowing who he was, based on the clothes Isaac wore on the show and the fact that he was the only Black actor in the regular cast
Lange’s concerns were not limited to encounters with guest stars. He also noticed differences in how his character was written. During the early years of the series, Isaac often offered advice to passengers about relationships and marriage.
However, Lange felt that when those stories reached their happy endings, it was usually another character who got the final moment instead of Isaac. He believed his character deserved the chance to be part of those important scenes too. Lange also noticed that the welcoming scenes at the beginning and farewell scenes at the end often only featured the white principal cast members during the first season.
Since Isaac was a regular member of the ship’s crew, he wondered why he was absent from those scenes. He approached the producers and asked them directly about it, but the answer he received was not satisfactory. He was told that the writers simply had not included him.
Lange felt that explanation was not fair, pointing out that if the writers could create reasons for other crew members to appear in those moments, they could do the same for Isaac. From his perspective, the issue was not about creativity but about equal treatment
As the series continued, Lange became more determined to voice his concerns. He wanted Isaac to be seen as a full member of the ship’s crew, not just someone who appeared when needed. He believed this mattered not only for himself but also for the many Black viewers who watched the show every week.
Seeing Isaac treated as an equal to the others would send a positive message to audiences everywhere. Not everyone ignored his concerns. Two of his fellow cast members, Fred Grandy and Bernie Kopell, recognized that Lange was not getting the same quality of stories as the others.
Wanting to support him, they wrote a romantic storyline specifically for Isaac’s character. Their efforts helped give his character more screen time and showed that he had friends on set who wanted fairness
Lange also recalled a producer who did not want to write romantic stories for a Black character. Instead of accepting the situation, Lange continued to advocate for himself, believing that Isaac deserved the same kind of stories as any other main character on the show. Eventually, executive producer Aaron Spelling intervened.
According to Lange, Spelling wanted to maintain peace among the cast, and his intervention helped ease tensions and ensure the work environment remained positive. Lange later said this was important not just for him but for everyone involved in the production. The challenges Lange faced were also shaped by the era in which the show was produced.
He explained that Black actors had to be extremely careful about how their actions were perceived to avoid misunderstandings or false rumors. He set a personal rule he applied whenever a white woman entered his dressing room or trailer. He always kept the doors open.
It was a simple step, but he believed it protected him and others from unfair accusations or unwanted gossip
Years after”The Love Boat” ended, Lange reflected on these experiences while participating in a Princess Cruises celebration aboard a ship at sea. Speaking about his years on the series, he described what it felt like to be the only Black regular cast member in a predominantly white show. While recalling many happy moments, he also spoke candidly about the obstacles he faced and the effort he put into ensuring Isaac received fair treatment.
Lange has often said he was not asking for special treatment. He just wanted equal opportunities. He believed his character deserved his place alongside the captain, the doctor, and the rest of the crew.
Through determination, respectful conversations, and the support of people who stood by him, he helped bring about positive changes on the show
Born in Oakland, California in 1948, Lange grew up in a family with strong ties to theater and television. His parents, Geraldine and Theodore William Lange Jr. , both worked in entertainment, giving him an early look at the world of performance.
During his school years, he attended Oakland Technical High School, where he served as class president and student body president. After graduating, he attended Merritt Junior College, earning an Associate of Arts degree. He continued his education at San Francisco City College, majoring in 𝒹𝓇𝒶𝓂𝒶, where his talent did not go unnoticed.
The Black Student Union honored his performance and named him Best Actor. His success continued when he received a scholarship to attend the University of Colorado Shakespeare Festival during the summer of 1968. Later in his career, he also became a graduate of the American Film Institute’s directing program
After finishing college, Lange began working in theater, appearing in local productions around Oakland and serving as an artist-in-residence at Santa Clara University. He joined the New Shakespeare Company and performed in productions at UC Berkeley. He eventually made his Broadway debut in the famous musical”Hair,” and was chosen for the first national touring company of that musical.
He also performed a one-man show titled”Behind the Mask, An Evening with Paul Laurence Dunbar,” focusing on the life and works of the renowned writer. His film career began in 1973 with his screen debut in the documentary”Wattstax,” followed by a role in the action film”Black Belt Jones” the next year. He then played Junior on the TV series”That’s My Mama” before landing the role that would make him famous worldwide in 1977
After leaving”The Love Boat” in 1987, Lange continued acting in television and film, appearing in numerous popular series over the years, including”227,””In the Heat of the Night,””Evening Shade,””Boy Meets World,””The King of Queens,””Scrubs,””Drake & Josh,””Psych,””The Cleveland Show,” and”Are We There Yet?” These guest appearances allowed audiences to continue enjoying his work long after his time on the famous TV cruise ship ended. Even while building a successful television career, Lange never stopped honing his craft.
During the early 1980s, actress Lynn Redgrave wrote him a letter of recommendation after working with him on an episode of”The Love Boat.” With her support, he attended a summer program at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, focusing on improving his Shakespearean acting skills
In addition to acting, Lange worked extensively behind the camera. In 1977, the same year”The Love Boat” began, he helped write the screenplay for the 𝒹𝓇𝒶𝓂𝒶”Passing Through.” He also directed and wrote several episodes of”The Love Boat” itself.
In 1999, he directed two episodes of”Love Boat: The Next Wave,” a UPN series based on the original show. He continued directing other popular TV shows, including”Moesha,””Dharma & Greg,” and”Eve.” His directing career continued until 2008 when he directed the 𝒹𝓇𝒶𝓂𝒶”For the Love of Amy.”
Theater remained a vital part of his life throughout his career. He wrote a total of 17 plays, covering various themes and styles. Among his most famous plays is”George Washington’s Boy,” a historical 𝒹𝓇𝒶𝓂𝒶 about the relationship between the first U.
S. president and his enslaved valet. He also wrote the comedy”Lemon Meringue Face,” showing his range as a writer
Lange maintained a close friendship with Gavin MacLeod for many years after the show ended. He often described MacLeod as his mentor in acting, someone who supported him both personally and professionally. Although they lived in different California cities, they stayed in regular contact and continued to encourage each other’s work.
Lange said that whenever he staged one of his plays, MacLeod would often travel from Palm Springs to watch the performance. In return, Lange would attend events related to MacLeod’s work whenever possible. He also stayed close with other cast members, including Bernie Kopell and Jill Whelan, and remained good friends with Fred Grandy despite living in different states
In September 2015, at age 77, Lange presented”Lady Patriot,” an Off-Broadway play he wrote and directed, at the Theater Row in New York City, proving his creative journey was still ongoing decades after his television success. He has received numerous honors for his theater work, including the NAACP Renaissance Man Award for Theater, the Heroes and Legends HAL Award for Lifetime Achievement, and a Dramalogue Award. He also received the James Cagney Directing Grant from the American Film Institute and the Paul Robeson Award from the Oakland Ensemble Theater.
Lange married Sheryl Thompson in 1978, and they had two children, Theodore William Lange IV and Terner Wallace Lange, before divorcing in 1989. He later married Mary Lee in 2001. His mother, Geraldine Dean Lange, worked as a personal secretary to the mayor of San Francisco before becoming director of public affairs at KBHK-TV during the early 1970s.
She passed away from COVID-19 on April 10, 2021, at the age of 96
Lange’s encounter with Gene Kelly remains a defining moment in his career, serving as a powerful reminder that first impressions can be deceiving. By choosing to ask about the Nicholas Brothers instead of Kelly’s most famous work, Lange unlocked a warmth and generosity that contradicted every warning he had received. The lesson he learned that day, about the importance of forming one’s own opinions rather than relying on hearsay, has stayed with him throughout his life.
For fans of”The Love Boat” and admirers of both actors, this story offers a rare glimpse behind the curtain of Hollywood, revealing that even legends like Gene Kelly could surprise those willing to look past the surface
