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Aaron Spelling used The Love Boat as an opportunity to hire acting legends that had been forgotten by Hollywood
"If we can use an established star who’s not working, it’s a privilege."
In Hollywood, it seems that youth frequently trumps talent. Actors of a certain age are shunned by the film industry, denounced as “past their prime.” The reality is, many older actors are that much more talented due to so many years of experience.
A titan of the television industry, Aaron Spelling was more than willing to give older actors the respect they deserved. In his memoir, Aaron Spelling: A Prime Time Life, Spelling revealed that he used his power as executive producer for good while working on The Love Boat.
“On The Love Boat, I was able to fulfill my own dreams by hiring some of the great old Hollywood legends to guest star on the show,” wrote Spelling. “The studios weren’t banging their doors down with offers, but these actors and actresses still had lots of talent, and I was happy to provide an outlet.” Known for its wide array of guest stars as an anthology series, The Love Boat provided a second act for many older actors, including Ginger Rogers, Lana Turner, and Don Ameche.
Not only was Spelling willing to give these actors the spotlight, but he considered it a high honor.
“I hate the way old actresses are literally thrown out to sea when they reach a certain age,” wrote Spelling. “It’s criminal the way they’re treated...In our crazy country, once you reach a certain age, you’re dead. It’s a very sad statement. So if we can use an established star who’s not working, it’s a privilege.”
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