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How did Gavin MacLeod die? ‘The Love Boat’ captain, 90, was 'unwell for months'

In a career spanning six decades, Gavin MacLeod appeared in several sitcoms. His acting career began with films in 1957

Gavin MacLeod, who is best known for his work in popular sitcoms like ‘The Love Boat’ and ‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show’, died in the early morning of May 29 at his home in Palm Desert, California. He was 90. The sad news was first shared by his nephew to the publication Variety. He is survived by his wife, his children, three stepchildren, 10 grandchildren, and his first great-grandchild, who arrived in December.

Speaking to AP, the sitcom veteran’s stepdaughter Steele Zalin said, “He had one of the most amazing, fun blasts of a life of anybody I know. He enjoyed every minute of it” adding, “I don’t even think in his wildest dreams he dreamt of the life that he ended up having and creating.” A lot of social media users rushed to Twitter to pay their condolences including Ed Asner, who played opposite MacLeod on ‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show’.
 
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How did Gavin MacLeod die?

While speaking to Variety, the late actor’s nephew did not share the cause of the death but it is believed he died of natural causes due to his old age. His stepdaughter Zalin later confirmed to AP that he was unwell for the last few months attributing his death to old age. In a career spanning six decades, Gavin MacLeod appeared in several sitcoms. His acting career began with films in 1957 but his best roles came in the form of Murray Slaughter on ‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show’ (1970-1977) and Captain Merrill Stubing on ABC’s ‘The Love Boat’, which ran from (1977-1986). MacLeod’s final TV credits included ‘Touched by An Angel’, ‘JAG’ and ‘The King of Queens’.

MacLeod was born Allan George See in Mount Kisco, New York. His father was an electrician and his mother worked at Reader's Digest. He graduated in 1952 from Ithaca College and later worked at Radio City Music Hall as an usher and elevator operator after moving to New York City before finally making it in the world of entertainment.

‘Tell the gang I will see them in a bit’

As soon as the news of Gavin MacLeod’s death hit the Internet, his former colleagues and friends along with other social media users paid their final condolences on Twitter. MacLeod’s close friend and colleague from ‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show’, Ed Asner, tweeted, “My heart is broken. Gavin was my brother, my partner in crime (and food) and my comic conspirator.  I will see you in a bit Gavin. Tell the gang I will see them in a bit.  Betty! It’s just you and me now.” Another user stated, “Gavin MacLeod will always be a member of our family and the best neighbor anyone could ever have. Our hearts are aching, we will miss him terribly and love him forever. Godspeed, dear friend.”
 
The next one posted, “So sorry to hear about Gavin MacLeod’s passing. He was a great guy. I worked with him multiple times, and enjoyed it immensely. God bless, Gavin” while another added, “I listened to Gavin Macleod on @realgilbert’s podcast. He was sharp and engaging and got truly choked up when talking about Ted Knight. It was enjoyable.”  One individual said, “Brutal day. Gavin Macleod was, by all accounts, a great and very talented man. I always looked forward to watching him on the Love Boat. He left an impression on me that I still hold many years later. I hope his family can find peace in these tough times. RIP Captain!”