After so many years of playing the same character, it’s not surprising that fiction may begin to blur with reality. While Bernie Kopell wasn’t exactly like his character, Doctor Adam Bricker, the two men certainly shared more than a few similarities. Both were kind and well-loved by the people in their lives. The two even shared hobbies.

During an interview with The Times Tribune, Kopell revealed that his character’s love of jumping rope and fitness is something that the writers took from his own life.

“Frequent watchers will notice that Adam Bricker does a lot of skipping rope stuff on The Love Boat. That’s because I do that.”

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After a conversation with his own doctor, Kopell decided to begin jumping rope in an effort to improve his general well-being. “This is weird business, this energy stuff, but it’s very important to me,” said the actor.

Kopell was so passionate about the exercise that it was included in the series at the time. “This is what happens when you’re on a show for years and years,” said the actor. “The writers get tuned into you and put you into your characters.”

Kopell didn’t mind sharing a few traits with his character. He loved Adam Bricker, and he loved his time on The Love Boat. “Do you have any idea how many actors there are out there who don’t have the opportunity to work?” Kopell asked.. “Sure, I love being on a series that has lasted this long. I feel blessed and privileged. I work steadily...What could be wrong with that?”