Ted Lange, best known for his role as Isaac Washington, the friendly and ever-smiling bartender on The Love Boat, has been a familiar and beloved figure in American television for decades. His portrayal of the charismatic bartender became iconic, making Isaac Washington one of the most memorable characters in television history. However, Lange’s talents extend far beyond his time serving drinks aboard the Pacific Princess. Over the course of his prolific career, Lange has worked as an actor, director, writer, and producer, becoming a multifaceted figure in Hollywood. His journey from humble beginnings to television stardom reflects not only his enduring talent but also his commitment to artistic expression and storytelling.
Early Life and Education
Theodore William Lange was born on January 5, 1948, in Oakland, California. Raised in a working-class family, Lange developed an interest in performing arts from a young age. His mother, Geraldine, worked as a waitress, and his father, Ted Sr., was a building contractor. Despite growing up in modest circumstances, Lange’s family was supportive of his dreams, encouraging him to pursue his passion for acting.
Lange’s interest in theater blossomed during his high school years. He participated in drama classes and school plays, discovering a natural talent for performing. After graduating from high school, Lange attended San Francisco City College, where he continued to study theater. His dedication to his craft and determination to succeed led him to further his education at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, one of the most prestigious acting schools in the world. There, Lange trained in classical theater, honing his skills in Shakespearean acting and other dramatic techniques.
This formal education and exposure to both American and European theater traditions gave Lange a solid foundation upon which to build his career. His experiences in London expanded his view of acting as an art form and motivated him to pursue a wide range of roles, from stage to screen.
Early Career: Stage and Television
Ted Lange’s professional acting career began on the stage. He appeared in numerous theater productions during the late 1960s and early 1970s, quickly earning a reputation as a versatile and charismatic performer. Lange’s early success in theater allowed him to break into the world of television, where he landed guest-starring roles on popular shows like That’s My Mama, The New Dick Van Dyke Show, and Here’s Lucy. These early television appearances showcased his ability to bring both humor and warmth to the screen, making him a natural fit for sitcoms and lighthearted dramas.
One of Lange’s early breakout performances was in the off-Broadway play Hair, a countercultural musical that became a defining work of the 1960s. Lange’s role in Hair not only gave him exposure but also helped him establish connections within the entertainment industry. He later appeared in several other stage productions, including Summer and Smoke and The Blacks, a play by French dramatist Jean Genet.
Lange’s work on stage led to his first major film role in the 1973 comedy Trick Baby, based on the novel by Iceberg Slim. Lange’s portrayal of a small-time con artist earned him positive reviews and demonstrated his ability to handle more serious, dramatic material. However, it was in television where Lange would find his greatest success and lasting fame.
The Love Boat: A Star-Making Role
In 1977, Ted Lange was cast as Isaac Washington, the charming and quick-witted bartender on The Love Boat. Created by Wilford Lloyd Baumes and produced by Aaron Spelling, The Love Boat was an anthology-style series set aboard a luxurious cruise ship, the Pacific Princess, where passengers would embark on romantic and comedic adventures. Isaac, the ship’s bartender, became a fan-favorite character almost instantly, thanks to Lange’s infectious smile, natural charisma, and ability to bring warmth to every scene.
Isaac Washington was not just a bartender; he was a confidant to the passengers and crew, often dispensing advice and witty commentary alongside cocktails. Lange’s portrayal of Isaac was both fun-loving and heartfelt, giving audiences a character they could relate to and root for. His chemistry with the ensemble cast, including Gavin MacLeod as Captain Stubing, Bernie Kopell as Doc, and Fred Grandy as Gopher, helped make The Love Boat one of the most popular shows of its era.
Lange’s signature gesture as Isaac—the double-pointing finger guns—became a defining aspect of his character and one of the most recognizable elements of the show. Isaac Washington was a bartender who always had a joke, a smile, and a listening ear, and Lange’s performance was central to the show’s success over its nine-season run from 1977 to 1987.
Expanding Beyond Acting: Directing and Writing
While Ted Lange achieved stardom through his role on The Love Boat, he did not limit himself to acting. His passion for storytelling extended beyond performing, and he soon ventured into writing and directing. Lange directed several episodes of The Love Boat during its run, demonstrating his ability to lead behind the camera and his deep understanding of the show’s comedic and dramatic beats.
Lange’s success as a television director opened doors for him to work on other projects. He directed episodes of popular shows such as Moesha, Dharma & Greg, and Eve. His talent for directing sitcoms, in particular, allowed him to bring out the best in both actors and scripts, crafting episodes that resonated with audiences.
Lange’s contributions to the entertainment industry also include his work as a playwright. He wrote several stage plays, many of which explored African American history and the complexities of race relations in America. Notable works include George Washington’s Boy, a historical drama about a manservant to President George Washington, and Lady Patriot, which delves into the lives of women involved in the American Civil War. Lange’s ability to blend historical narratives with human drama demonstrated his versatility as a writer and his dedication to telling meaningful stories.
Post-Love Boat Career
After The Love Boat ended in 1987, Ted Lange continued to work steadily in television, film, and theater. While his role as Isaac Washington remained his most iconic, Lange consistently sought out opportunities to expand his range as an actor and director. He appeared in guest-starring roles on numerous television shows, including Scrubs, The King of Queens, and General Hospital. Lange also made appearances in films, including Othello (1995), a modern adaptation of the Shakespearean classic, showcasing his continued dedication to dramatic acting.
Lange’s passion for theater remained a significant part of his career. In addition to writing and performing in his own plays, he has also worked as a theater director, bringing his expertise to a wide range of productions. His work in theater has earned him critical acclaim, particularly for his efforts to highlight important social and historical issues through his plays.
Personal Life and Legacy
Throughout his career, Ted Lange has been recognized not only for his talent but also for his kindness, professionalism, and dedication to the craft of acting and storytelling. In interviews, Lange has spoken about the importance of persistence and hard work in the entertainment industry, attributes that have undoubtedly contributed to his long and varied career.
Lange’s commitment to giving back to the arts is evident in his work as a mentor and advocate for young actors. He has taught acting and directing workshops, sharing his wealth of knowledge with the next generation of performers. Lange’s impact on television, particularly through The Love Boat, remains significant, as fans of the show continue to celebrate his portrayal of Isaac Washington, a character that brought warmth and joy into millions of homes.
Ted Lange’s contributions to the entertainment industry as an actor, director, writer, and producer have made him a true Renaissance man in Hollywood. His versatility, both on and off-screen, demonstrates his deep commitment to his craft and his ability to adapt to various aspects of the industry. Whether behind the bar on the Pacific Princess or behind the camera directing a hit sitcom, Lange’s legacy is one of talent, hard work, and enduring charm.