Italian Carry Out Ithaca

By Roy Witman

I recently had the great privilege of sitting with one of my favorite television and screen stars for an interview. Gavin MacLeod's career has been diverse and interesting act that began in the 1950s. As we talked, I was both impressed and moved by his genuine personality, gentle spirit and professional manner.

Born Allan George See February 28, 1930, New York native Gavin MacLeod completed a tour in the Air Force before returning to New York, changing his name and work at Radio City Music Hall. After breaking into the business in 1958 with his role in I Want To Live!, MacLeod went on to star with some of the most famous stars of Hollywood and respected. Topping the list were Cary Grant, Tony Curtis, Bing Crosby and Mary Tyler Moore.

In the mid-80s, and MacLeod and his ex-wife Patti, remarried and became evangelical Christians. They were serving as hosts on the Trinity Broadcasting Network for about 14 years. Follow me as I walk Down Memory Lane with Mr. MacLeod.

ROY: Hawaii Five-0 is my favorite time television show at all. In the series you have played a major crime boss difficult. compare the character and personality was unlike most audiences roles you equate today ... The Love Boat, Mary Tyler Moore Show and more. The link between my job in the travel industry, specializing in cruises, and my personal hobbies has been the catalyst for my desire to interview you. Did you spend much time in Hawaii before the show? What was it like living and working there?

GAVIN: No, I flew over and had to wait for my hotel room is ready. Ricardo Montalban was the first guest star and had not finished running. I played a tough drug dealer called Big Chicken. When they threw me in the game, I told my agent, "It does not describe me. They want someone six feet four inches, slim, with a goatee." And I said, "I am wrong. I mean, I am only 1005 feet and a half squat with no hair."

We shot the first film studio built on the island. The show was titled, they painted daisies on his coffin. They wrote the character in a show later that the first season called The Box. It was filmed in a real prison.

ROY: The actors who worked with Jack Lord called him a perfectionist. I read that when he began directing the show in recent years it would take up to 30 takes until he is satisfied with the scene. What was your experience working with him as an actor? Would you say that the description applies? Have you ever worked with him after the show?

GAVIN: I heard many players it was difficult to work with. We get along! I worked with Jack in a B movie with Betsy Palmer, who was a few years later, a guest on The Love Boat and The True Story of Lynn Stuart in 1957. I was very lucky. The other cast members were jealous that I learned to eat with Jack in his private life, trailer air conditioning. Jack says to do a film together in Spain that has never happened. He was so busy with the series. It happens in show business ... you keep moving.

ROY: You're gorgeous! Very fit and healthy. What was your secret to being fit after-Hawaii Five-0 "and how do you maintain your physical health today?

GAVIN: I had a heart attack and I want to live! My family has great genes stock ... strong. I exercise every morning. The best is yet to come!

ROY: You have been associated with some of the generation, the oldest television, our. Hawaii Five-0 is one of the longest police series - 12 seasons. The Love Boat lasted 9 seasons. The Mary Tyler Moore Show - 7 seasons. What was these shows that made such huge AUD.