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This Is Your Captain Speaking: My Fantastic Voyage Through Hollywood, Faith and Life Hardcover – Illustrated, October 29, 2013

by Gavin MacLeod (Author), Mark Dagostino

4.6 426 ratings

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The remarkable life, career, and faith journey of Gavin MacLeod, the beloved star of The Love Boat and The Mary Tyler Moore Show.

For 16 years, millions of Americans welcomed Gavin MacLeod into their living rooms every Saturday night. This veteran of stage and screen transformed himself from a seasoned character actor into the leading, lovable father-figure of Captain Merrill Stubing in The Love Boat at the height of TV’s boom years.

From his humble theatrical beginnings in upstate New York to Radio City Music Hall and on to Hollywood, Gavin MacLeod was on the fast track to success. However, a few hard life lessons—like dealing with a divorce—taught him that the key to happiness can only be found through a deep faith in God, and he feels his work for Christ is more important than any award.

The consummate storyteller, Gavin shares his fondest memories of meeting and working with countless stars, such as Cary Grant, Steve McQueen, Gregory Peck, Bette Davis, Frank Sinatra, Ethel Merman, Ella Fitzgerald, Ronald Reagan, Milton Berle, and Fred Astaire.

In This Is Your Captain Speaking, Gavin shares:

Behind-the-scenes accounts from the early days of New York theatre, TV shows, and Hollywood
Personal stories never shared before on the death of his father, struggles with depression, and his painful divorce
How he found an enduring faith in the hostile world of entertainment, calling on God and never giving up

A nostalgic look back at the golden era of American television, This is Your Captain Speaking will take readers on an uplifting and inspiring journey into the life of one of TV’s most beloved actors.

Praise for This Is Your Captain Speaking:

“Gavin epitomizes the old-fashioned concept of a gentleman. He is a loving, generous, and authentic seeker of God’s truth. His life story speaks for itself.”—Kathie Lee Gifford

From the Publisher

Get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into some of Gavin's biggest roles, including:

McHale's Navy

The Mary Tyler Moore Show

The Love Boat

On His Biggest Role

"This show, just like the MTM Show, was life-altering for everyone involved. We worked together for nine straight years. That’s a long time! Two years longer than MTM lasted. So once again, there would be romances, heartbreaks, marriages, divorces, even deaths. The show marked each of us in different ways.

"No matter where we went for the rest of our lives, we would always be a part of that big, crazy Love Boat family. In so many ways, this was the big one. For all of us. And we’d all have to learn what to do with that massive gift of a hit that Aaron Spelling gave to each and every one of us.”

Fans Will Treasure Gavin's Story

The consummate storyteller, Gavin shares his fondest memories of meeting and working with countless stars, such as Cary Grant, Steve McQueen, Gregory Peck, Bette Davis, Frank Sinatra, Ethel Merman, Ella Fitzgerald, Ronald Reagan, Milton Berle, and Fred Astaire.

The book also includes:

Behind-the-scenes accounts from the early days of TV and Hollywood
Personal stories never shared before

WARNING: California’s Proposition 65

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Gavin MacLeod is best known as Captain Stubing on ABC’s worldwide smash The Love Boat but also as Murray Slaughter on The Mary Tyler Moore Show. He and wife Patti hosted TBN's Back on Course for 17 years, but for 30 years, and still today, Gavin is the global ambassador for Princess Cruises. He dedicates acting talents to Christian films and is often called to MC or speak at events.

Mark Dagostino is a multiple New York Times bestselling coauthor who is dedicated to writing books that uplift and inspire. Prior to writing books, he spent ten years on staff in New York and Los Angeles as a correspondent, columnist, and senior writer for People magazine. He now lives a somewhat quieter life in New Hampshire.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Thomas Nelson; Illustrated edition (October 29, 2013)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 288 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0849947626
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0849947629
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.1 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.45 x 1.15 x 9.45 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #888,236 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #4,645 in Religious Leader Biographies
- #7,349 in Actor & Entertainer Biographies
- #26,297 in Memoirs (Books)

Customer Reviews:
4.6 426 ratings

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Mark Dagostino
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Mark Dagostino is a multiple New York Times Bestselling co-author, and a former Senior Writer at People Magazine.
For more, be sure to visit Mark's website, www.markdagostino.com; and Mark's Author Page on Facebook (search @MarkDagostino.Author)
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Gavin MacLeod
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For 16 years, millions of Americans welcomed Gavin MacLeod into their living rooms every Saturday night. This veteran of stage and screen transformed himself from a seasoned character actor into the leading, lovable father-figure of The Love Boat at the height of TV’s boom years.
For more than 30 years, Gavin MacLeod has served as the global ambassador for Princess Cruises. Speaking to thousands of travelers each year, and signing hundreds of autographs at every port, he stands poised to celebrate his amazing journey with a look back at the golden era of American television.
The consummate storyteller, Gavin has worked with countless stars, such as Cary Grant, Steve McQueen, Gregory Peck, Bette Davis, Frank Sinatra, Ethel Merman, Ella Fitzgerald, Ronald Reagan, Milton Berle, and Fred Astaire.
From his humble theatrical beginnings in upstate New York, to Radio City Music Hall and on to Hollywood, Gavin MacLeod was on the fast track to success. Through hard life lessons like dealing with divorce, Gavin has learned that the key to happiness is only through deep faith in God and he feels his work for Christ is more important than any award. Three years later his remarriage proved that a great struggle can culminate in a happy ending.
See more on the author's page

Customer reviews

426 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book an engaging and entertaining read with a straightforward story. They appreciate the author's honest and forthright approach to sharing his faith and outlooks. The writing style is described as well-crafted and easy to follow. Readers describe the actor as personable and honest, making the book a positive experience.

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Readability Inspiration Story quality Writing quality Actor profile Humor Uplifting content Memories

97 customers mention "Readability"97 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's readability. They find it interesting, fun, and charming. The book is inspiring and holds their attention. Readers mention it's refreshing and not a tell-all book like many Hollywood stars'.

"...If you're a fan, even if you're not, this is a great read!!" Read more

"...I was captivated by this book...." Read more

"This was a very enjoyable memoir...." Read more

"...These shows were all great TV favourites on this side of the Pacific as well and Gavin always struck me as an actor who really put that effort into..." Read more

52 customers mention "Inspiration"48 positive4 negative

Customers find the book inspiring and entertaining. They appreciate the author's faith journey and openness in sharing his views. Readers describe the author as positive and gracious, with messages of gratitude for life's gifts. The book will delight Christians who appreciate a wonderful testimony of God's plan unfolding over 80 years in Gavin's life.

"...This can annoy non-Christians, but it will delight the followers of Christ. Those in the middle are likely to be convinced by Gavin...." Read more

"...Always discussed with a refreshing humility. Later on the the book he talks a lot about his growing faith and becoming a serious Christian...." Read more

"...with either in more than 40 years -- but I remember very well what good people they were and what pain he was in during "High Button Shoes"..." Read more

"...best thing about this book is that MacLeod shines through as a genuinely positive and gracious person who unabashedly admires the work of his..." Read more

36 customers mention "Story quality"36 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's story. They find it entertaining and interesting, with a straightforward narrative of Gavin MacLeod's life. The book presents a revealing journey of one of the veteran actors, told with wit and openness. Readers appreciate the Hollywood stories and brushes with legends.

"...Guess what I'm watching tonight! He tells his story with honesty and humor. If you're a fan, even if you're not, this is a great read!!" Read more

"...It's obvious that Gavin MacLeod is a wonderful human being...." Read more

"...In summary a well written, very revealing journey of one of the veteran actors of the last 50 years, it is well balanced in terms of joy and dismay..." Read more

"...I enjoyed reading about his life - as much as he was willing to share. I wish that he had shared more about working on MTM and his co-stars...." Read more

28 customers mention "Writing quality"28 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well-written and easy to read. They appreciate the honest conversational style and the author's genuine personality. The dialogue makes it feel like a real person is speaking.

"...I found the writing very good: there's a lot of dialogue and it seems like you are part of what's happening...." Read more

"...In summary a well written, very revealing journey of one of the veteran actors of the last 50 years, it is well balanced in terms of joy and dismay..." Read more

"...I loved him as the Love Boat Captain. This book is clearly written and transparent as he describes growing up, dealing with life, addictions, his..." Read more

"THIS IS YOUR CAPTIAN SPEAKING. IS TURLY WONDERFUL FUNNY WARM AND FULL OF LOVE FOR LIVE HIS FAMILY AND HIS GOD, I HAD THE CHANCE MEETING AND SEEING..." Read more

22 customers mention "Actor profile"22 positive0 negative

Customers find the actor profile interesting and engaging. They describe him as honest, personable, and forthright. The autobiography is described as positive and entertaining, with interesting memories from his career. Readers appreciate the author's forthrightness and praise his good fortune in roles.

"Mr. Gavin MacLeod has always been an actor who delivers a great 'character' in his various films and TV shows...." Read more

"...MacLeod is classy in the way he shares his experiences. Some people he met along the way were nasty but he doesn't badmouth them...." Read more

"...He has, indeed, had good fortune in his roles and in his career...." Read more

"...Gavin sounds like he's a great guy and a devoted friend. I was just left wanting to know more." Read more

15 customers mention "Humor"15 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the humor in the book. They find the stories engaging and laugh at times. The author's warm tone and contented personality are also appreciated.

"...It's a fun, very happy walk through his life, from childhood to his up and down early acting career to opportunities which skyrocketed him to fame...." Read more

"...He's a funny and candid storyteller and very honest about his struggles and successes, both professional and personal...." Read more

"...His story is filled with drama, laughs and brushes with legendary actors...." Read more

"...This book is a fun name-dropping romp through his life and career and I could genuinely feel his enthusiasm, gratitude, and happiness throughout...." Read more

12 customers mention "Uplifting content"12 positive0 negative

Customers find the book uplifting and well-balanced. They appreciate the author's positive attitude and interesting life story. The book is described as a homey, fun diversion with all the highs and lows.

"...It's a fun, very happy walk through his life, from childhood to his up and down early acting career to opportunities which skyrocketed him to fame...." Read more

"...one of the veteran actors of the last 50 years, it is well balanced in terms of joy and dismay and is a reading pleasure...." Read more

"...Look them up. This book was a nice, homey interesting diversion- especially for those of us who never missed an episode of Love Boat or The Mary..." Read more

"Gavin is a fascinating, upbeat person. I so enjoyed his life story and candidness. His message of not quitting in the face of adversity is uplifting...." Read more

8 customers mention "Memories"8 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's nostalgic content. They find it a joyful trip down memory lane with interesting stories about people they remember. The author shares his own memories and those of others.

"...I liked the honesty of this book and also the generosity of his memories of others...." Read more

"...What a truly joyful trip down memory lane. Some of the names were before my time; many others I hadn't heard or thought of for years...." Read more

"This is a positive autobiography from the actor, who shares interesting memories of his career, and is honest enough to share his own failings...." Read more

"Very good book. Tons of insider information and memories of this vintage favorite show...." Read more

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McFly
Excellent book!
Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2025
Verified Purchase

I've been a fan of Gavin's for decades and had been wanting to read this for a long time! I first discovered him on reruns of The Mary Tyler Moore Show then followed him onboard the Pacific Princess on The Love Boat. I finally downloaded his book and took my Kindle with me on my recent cruise, what better place to read an autobiography by the Captain right, but I digress. This is a page turner, I hated having to put it down for excursions, meals and pool time! Gavin takes you on yet another fantastic voyage, this one through his fascinating life and career! I had not remembered for example that he was in Kelly's Heroes! Guess what I'm watching tonight! He tells his story with honesty and humor. If you're a fan, even if you're not, this is a great read!!

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Alinka Rutkowska
WARNING: some will be annoyed
Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2014
Verified Purchase
Reviewing the actor, the writer and the human being:

I was intrigued by this book. I've been in love with the Love Boat since I was a little girl. Even though I would choose Doc over the Captain if I were to go to dinner with one of them, Captain Stubing has a charm few can resist.

I was captivated by this book. I love it how Gavin MacLeod takes us back to his childhood and his relationship with his parents, then shows us his ups and downs as an actor (so many downs!), his love stories and his relationship with his faith.

Actors will be inspired - if you go through all of MacLeod's stories, you will see how persistence and determination got him to where he is. Endless auditions, rejections, side jobs, poverty paved the way to his fame.

I found the writing very good: there's a lot of dialogue and it seems like you are part of what's happening. Gavin really takes you to all these situations, lets you listen, reflect and get a taste of his life. I am very impressed that he would recall so many situations with such detail.

It's obvious that Gavin MacLeod is a wonderful human being. The warning in the title refers to the fact that he describes vividly how he converted to the Christian Faith. This can annoy non-Christians, but it will delight the followers of Christ. Those in the middle are likely to be convinced by Gavin. Christian or not, the story of how he left his wife and then wanted to win her back is very inspiring.

Another thing that I was astounded by was how humble Gavin MacLeod is. He talks about "all these great stars" and how he interacted with them feeling less glamorous than them. Gavin, you are the star!

Alinka Rutkowska, author of Maya & Filippo Play Chef at Sea

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7 people found this helpful

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Daniel G Keohane
namely Mary Tyler Moore and The Love Boat, but he's done so much more
Reviewed in the United States on August 21, 2015
Verified Purchase
This was a very enjoyable memoir. I grew up with the shows MacLeod is famous for, namely Mary Tyler Moore and The Love Boat, but he's done so much more. It's a fun, very happy walk through his life, from childhood to his up and down early acting career to opportunities which skyrocketed him to fame. Always discussed with a refreshing humility. Later on the the book he talks a lot about his growing faith and becoming a serious Christian. Such a mix of two worlds, or so it seems, made for an interesting contrast. In this respect I found it very inspiring, being a Christian writer. He's met and worked with so many big name stars in movies and television, too, gives some good behind the scenes glimpses into that world. I was surprised as how I didn't want to put the book down as I was reading.

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4 people found this helpful

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Bomb Man58
Great Story from a Great Actor
Reviewed in the United States on June 24, 2014
Verified Purchase
Mr. Gavin MacLeod has always been an actor who delivers a great 'character' in his various films and TV shows. I first noticed him as 'Seaman Joseph 'Happy Haines' in McHale's Navy. Mr. MacLeod went on to star as 'Murray Slaughter' in the Mary Tyler Moore Show and then his big hit ' The Love Boat'. These shows were all great TV favourites on this side of the Pacific as well and Gavin always struck me as an actor who really put that effort into making his 'character' seem so much more 'real'.

Having read his book I am also moved by his journey through life and his career, it has had its 'ups' and 'downs' along the way; although he was not altogether comfortable at playing 'Happy Haines' and the subsequent downturn in his personal life, Gavin, you did give 'Happy' a light to shine as part of that misfit crew that gave us so much enjoyment. His later performances in MTM and the 'Love Boat' allowed us to see Gavin work on his characters and give them just that something extra that made audiences tune in to these shows.

Gavin's book does show how when you need a change in life and you are not happy with it, you can make a change. You just have to have faith in you and the determination to make that change.

For these reasons I enjoyed this book immensely and commend it to anyone who is both curious about Gavin MacLeod the actor and what led him along the path of life. Life is a journey and we need to see a direction in order to derive the utmost from it.

In summary a well written, very revealing journey of one of the veteran actors of the last 50 years, it is well balanced in terms of joy and dismay and is a reading pleasure. Thank you for your contribution to the entertainment industry, Mr. MacLeod, I have enjoyed watching you help make these shows what they were.

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Kindle Customer
Very entertaining read!
Reviewed in Canada on July 9, 2021
Verified Purchase

A walk back in time with my favorite tv shows. I fun read for summer or to de stress anytime.

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mandy
great read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 11, 2019
Verified Purchase
really enjoying reading this book ... so many struggles in his line of work to get where he is today

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Simon
Mr Love Boat
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 30, 2017
Verified Purchase
Wonderful book covering Gavin Mcleods life whether it be in showbusiness ot his personal life. Contains sections of photographs. RECCOMENDED

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Amazon Customer
Avoid this book.
Reviewed in Canada on May 17, 2014
Verified Purchase
After reading Carl Reiner and Billy Crystal's books I read this one. Unfortunately this book falls flat. Extremely boring. Sorry.

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barjona
Entertaining read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 14, 2018
Verified Purchase
Fans of Gavin will enjoy this book.

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This Is Your Captain Speaking: My Fantastic Voyage Through Hollywood, Faith and Life Hardcover – Illustrated, October 29, 2013

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From the Publisher

Get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into some of Gavin's biggest roles, including:

McHale's Navy

The Mary Tyler Moore Show

The Love Boat

On His Biggest Role

Fans Will Treasure Gavin's Story

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Product details

Videos

About the authors

Mark Dagostino

Gavin MacLeod

Customer reviews

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Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book!

5.0 out of 5 stars WARNING: some will be annoyed

4.0 out of 5 stars namely Mary Tyler Moore and The Love Boat, but he's done so much more

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Story from a Great Actor

Top reviews from other countries

5.0 out of 5 stars Very entertaining read!

5.0 out of 5 stars great read

5.0 out of 5 stars Mr Love Boat

1.0 out of 5 stars Avoid this book.

5.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining read

Excellent book!

WARNING: some will be annoyed

namely Mary Tyler Moore and The Love Boat, but he's done so much more

Great Story from a Great Actor

Very entertaining read!

great read

Mr Love Boat

Avoid this book.

Entertaining read