Side Characters Who Stole the Show from the Lead

The Love Boat (1977) relied on a rotating cast of guest stars, with Captain Stubing at the helm as the show’s steady anchor. The formula mixed romance, comedy, and heartwarming stories on the high seas, with the captain meant to embody the series’ core.

Ted Lange’s Isaac Washington became a breakout presence. As the ship’s bartender, he delivered humor, warmth, and smooth one-liners that made him instantly likable. His “two-finger point” greeting became iconic, and fans looked forward to his interactions even more than the celebrity guests. Isaac often stole the spotlight from the supposed leads.