- This is Fred Grandy today
- Grandy is 74 years old now
- He played "Gopher" in the 'Love Boat'
Lights! Camera! Legislation! Fred Grandy's (75, former actor and politician) journey from the glitz of Hollywood to the gritty corridors of the House of Representatives is nothing short of a prime-time drama. Best known for his role as the cheeky Burl "Gopher" Smith on the hit series 'The Love Boat' (1977-1986), Grandy traded in his sailor's cap for a seat in the Iowa House of Representatives, serving four terms with the same charisma that won over TV audiences.
Setting sail for politics
Unlike his fellow entertainers-turned-politicians Clint Eastwood and Sonny Bono, Grandy's political voyage may not have been headline-grabbing, but it was a testament to his dedication to public service. Despite the chuckles about his TV past, he steered his campaign with dignity and won the hearts of Iowans.
Post-congressional life saw Grandy at the helm of Goodwill Industries, amplifying his voice on conservative radio, and even co-hosting a talk show for the silver-haired set on 'Retirement Living TV'. Though his days of bill drafting and debate may be behind him, Grandy's commitment to his causes sails on, proving that you can take the man out of the 'Love Boat,' but you can't take the 'Love Boat' out of the man.
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For a generation who grew up tuning in to 'The Love Boat,' Grandy remains a cherished figure, a reminder of simpler times when love and laughter were just a channel away. His story is a reminder that the journey doesn't end when the credits roll—it just takes a different course.
