During this week’s special sailing of the Ruby Princess, the guests and crew of the Ruby Princess have been ecstatic to be sharing our ship with the one and only, the doctor of love, Bernie Kopell. For any cruiser who may have been living under the hull, Bernie Kopell starred as Doctor Adam Bricker, or Doc, on ABC’s hit television show, The Love Boat. For years, Bernie, sailing as Doc, helped countless couples and his fellow crew in a number of romantic predicaments. Doc was also known to have an open door policy in his shipboard office, especially for the ladies. While Doc became an instant visual for love at sea, Bernie continues to keep the Love Boat alive this week for the guests and crew of the Ruby Princess.
Earlier today, Bernie hosted an open mic presentation, discussing his life experiences, his acting, and of course his time aboard the Love Boat.
Since the Love Boat has ended, Bernie, who is now 80 years old, has settled down with a family of his own. After marrying his wonderful wife, Catrina, Bernie is currently raising two children of his own. Bernie recalled today a moment when he ran to the market for diapers and was questioned by the cashier, asked if the diapers were for his grandchild. Bernie laughed and relied that they were for his son, to the amazement of the cashier. Bernie showed much love and care for his family, even pointing to Katrina, saying how madly in love he was with her.
Later in the presentation, Bernie opened the floor to questions from the guests, answering a variety of questions relating to his appearances on The Love Boat, Get Smart, and The Doris Day Show. Bernie discussed his fellow cast on The Love Boat, describing the chemistry between them, and how they became a true family over the years. Bernie reminisced on the day Gavin Macleod joined the cast, relived that his buddy and pal had joined him on The Love Boat. For Bernie, he described his time on The Love Boat as play not work. He explained that each person should do what they love, not to become trapped in something they don’t love. This way of life seems to not have escaped Bernie, as he truly was able to do what he loved.
