Wait…Weren’t They Just on the Boat?
There was a very specific moment every 70s and 80s TV fan experienced. You’re watching The Love Boat and then Fantasy Island and suddenly you think, “Wait… weren’t they just on the boat?” You weren’t imagining it. ABC recycled guest stars like it was part of the business model—and honestly, we loved them for it.
Ken Berry
Ken Berry had that dependable sitcom charm. On both The Love Boat and Fantasy Island, he often played the decent guy trying to do the right thing while the plot swirled around him. Think steady hand in a sea of melodrama—with a reassuring smile.
ABC Television, Wikimedia Commons
Loni Anderson
On The Love Boat, Loni Anderson played Ginger, a glamorous passenger whose storylines usually involved romance and misunderstandings. Over on Fantasy Island, she appeared as Diane, arriving with high expectations—because on that island, someone always does. Either way, she understood primetime sparkle.
Screenshot from The Love Boat, CBS Media Ventures (1977–1987)
Tippi Hedren
Tippi Hedren tackled a personal-stakes fantasy on Fantasy Island, proving she didn’t need Hitchcock-level suspense to hold the screen. Then she slid into a romantic storyline on The Love Boat with calm, elegant authority. It’s still funny watching a screen legend deal with problems that can be solved by a heartfelt talk on deck.
Hollywood Press Syndicate, Wikimedia Commons
Robert Wagner
Robert Wagner’s island appearance carried that classic “I’m charming, but I might be hiding something” vibe. On The Love Boat, he leaned into romantic lead mode like it was second nature—smooth smile, perfect timing, zero sweat. If ABC needed someone to sell love-at-sea in five minutes, Wagner was the call.
unknown (20th Century Fox), Wikimedia Commons
Mary Ann Mobley
Mary Ann Mobley appeared multiple times on The Love Boat, often playing poised women navigating complicated relationships. On Fantasy Island, she stepped into a fantasy that came with emotional strings attached. She had that calm-but-commanding presence that made even wild storylines feel believable.
Mississippi Department of Archives and History, Wikimedia Commons
Susan Anton
Susan Anton played Laura on Fantasy Island in a music-centered fantasy mixing ambition and romance. On The Love Boat, she appeared as Janet, where—surprise—romantic complications followed. If a heartfelt ballad moment appeared in the script, she was probably standing near a piano.
DENISE A. RAYDER, Wikimedia Commons
John Astin
John Astin brought his wonderfully offbeat energy to Fantasy Island as Mr. Brooks. Later, on The Love Boat, he played Charles Custer, another character with a slightly unpredictable streak. Even on vacation, Gomez energy finds a way.
ABC Television, Wikimedia Commons
Don Ameche
In Fantasy Island, Don Ameche played Arthur Grayson, a dignified man facing unfinished business. On The Love Boat, he later appeared as Ernie, navigating matters of the heart. Watching Ameche in these roles felt like classic Hollywood calmly steering the ship while everyone else panicked.
NBC Television, Wikimedia Commons
Michelle Phillips
Michelle Phillips appeared on Fantasy Island in “The Chain Gang / The Boss,” playing a woman caught in a fantasy with unexpected consequences. On The Love Boat, she stepped into emotionally charged guest roles that leaned into romance and reflection. She brought that cool, knowing presence.
Screenshot from Fantasy Island, ABC (1977–1984)
David Hedison
David Hedison popped up on Fantasy Island multiple times, usually as the polished gentleman who clearly had secrets. When he later appeared on The Love Boat, he brought that same suave energy. He always looked like he either funded the cruise—or was about to deliver a dramatic confession at dinner.
Nightscream, Wikimedia Commons
Roddy McDowall
In his Fantasy Island episode, Roddy McDowall stepped into one of the show’s more layered fantasy arcs. When he showed up on The Love Boat, you immediately knew this wouldn’t be a quick misunderstanding situation.
Adrienne Barbeau
Adrienne Barbeau appeared on Fantasy Island as Diane, caught in a high-stakes emotional scenario where the “wish” part comes with a real price tag. On The Love Boat, she portrayed Patty, bringing confidence and a little bite to a romantic tangle. Either way, she wasn’t playing the meek passenger—she was steering the plot.
Stuart Whitman
Stuart Whitman logged multiple appearances on both The Love Boat and Fantasy Island, usually playing strong, authoritative men with complicated pasts. Whether confronting regret on the island or rediscovering love aboard ship, his characters carried weight.
unknown (20th Century Fox), Wikimedia Commons
Cesar Romero
Cesar Romero played Dr. Symington on Fantasy Island, delivering charm with just a hint of mischief. On The Love Boat, he appeared as Mr. Devlin, once again leaning into suave authority. No Joker makeup required.
Photographer not credited, Wikimedia Commons
Morgan Fairchild
Morgan Fairchild showed up on Fantasy Island ready to disrupt the emotional equilibrium—because that’s basically her brand. On The Love Boat, she often played glamorous socialites who boarded and instantly caused romantic ripple effects. If a love triangle needed a perfectly coiffed catalyst, ABC had her on speed dial.
escaped.monkey at https://www.flickr.com/photos/escaped_monkey/, Wikimedia Commons
Linda Evans
On Fantasy Island, Linda Evans leaned into emotional drama long before *Dynasty* made her a full-time icon of elegant suffering. When she appeared on The Love Boat, the romantic stakes followed close behind—soft lighting, meaningful looks, and at least one character rethinking their life choices by dessert.
McFadden, Strauss, Eddy & Irwin for Armstrong, the program's sponsor., Wikimedia Commons
Tony Curtis
Tony Curtis brought movie-star charisma to Fantasy Island, playing into themes of second chances and “what if I’d done it differently?” energy. When he later appeared on The Love Boat, it felt like the cruise ship had landed an A-list upgrade. If anyone could make a shipboard misunderstanding feel cinematic, it was him.
Unknown author, Wikimedia Commons
Stephanie Powers
Stephanie Powers brought sleek sophistication to Fantasy Island, the kind that makes every scene feel a little smarter. When she turned up on The Love Boat, she made glossy romance look effortless—like she’d already picked the best seat at dinner and the best person to sit next to. Very chic, very Saturday night.
Joan Collins
Joan Collins helped establish the Fantasy Island universe in the original pilot film—because naturally she did. Later, on The Love Boat, her mere presence elevated the drama. She’s the type of guest star who makes every other character suddenly start acting like they’re in a fancier show.
Template:Files by Simon www.Simiak.com, Wikimedia Commons
Barbara Parkins
Barbara Parkins’ island storyline revolved around romantic complication and personal revelation—prime Fantasy Island material. When she later appeared on The Love Boat, the emotional stakes felt sunnier but still layered. ABC clearly understood that Parkins + longing + soft lighting = ratings… and we kept watching.
Rob Mieremet, Wikimedia Commons
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