Gavin MacLeod, who made his name on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and The Love Boat, has died aged 90.
The legendary sitcom actor was known for playing Captain Stubing on The Love Boat as well as seaman 'Happy' Haines on McHale's Navy.
MacLeod's nephew, Mark See, confirmed his death to Variety.
Gavin was one of the main stars of classic comedy The Mary Tyler Moore Show, playing newswriter Murray Slaughter for evert one of the 168 episodes during its run on CBS, from 1970 to 1977.
He was choosy with his roles as Gavin auditioned for the role of Archie Bunker on All in the Family but was turned off the role after reading the script.
Writing in his memoir, Gavin revealed: "Immediately I thought, 'This is not the script for me. The character is too much of a bigot. I can't say these things.'"
Ed Asner, one of two surviving members of The Mary Tyler Moore Show cast, tweeted that his "heart is broken."
He wrote in a tweet: "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."
After the end of The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Gavin landed a prominent part in The Love Boat in 1977.
He would star in the romantic comedy, which was set on a cruise ship, for 10 years on ABC.
The actor's Captain Stubing was known for his signature salute, with the New York Times writing in 2010: "Perhaps no actor has embraced a signature role the way Mr MacLeod has with Captain Stubing.
"Since 'The Love Boat' went off the air, he has been a spokesman for Princess Cruises."
Gavin was first married to Joan F Rootvik from 1955 to 1972, having four children - two sons and two daughters - who have survived him.
He married Patti Kendig in 1974 before divorcing in 1982. They found love again and remarried in 1985.
Tributes flooded social media with Nancy Sinatra tweeting: "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."
Princess Cruises, who worked with Gavin for over three decades, wrote: "It is with sadness felt to the depth of the oceans that we mourn the passing of actor #GavinMacLeod, our beloved global ambassador, dearest friend, and treasured member of the #PrincessCruises family for more than 35 years.
"From his 10 seasons starring as Captain Merrill Stubing on the hit TV show #TheLoveBoat, and for decades after, Gavin shared his passion about the joys of exploring the world while cruising. He always reminded us that, 'cruising gives people something to dream about.'
"All of us send our heartfelt condolences to his entire family, and offer our sincerest gratitude to them for sharing Gavin with all of us for so many years."
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