This former TV star suffered a precipitous fall from glory, battling addiction and facing Hollywood’s ostracism. She finally discovered a new path and overcame personal hardship. Take a peek at her story and discover why her followers continue to laud her beauty after all these years.
This actress, a popular character on television, rose to prominence in the late 1970s. She is best known for her role as the charming cruise director Julie McCoy on the hit show “The Love Boat,” where she handled both the high seas and the emotions of millions of fans.
Week after week, the actress was a member of the ensemble cast, which included Vicki Stubing, and the program became a fan favorite, propelling her to popularity. However, her personal life was unraveling in the background. During her time on the successful series, the actress acquired a cocaine addiction, which worsened with her success.
Her addiction became so severe after seven years on the program that the producers had to replace her. The former celebrity said, “I felt guilty. I felt ashamed, humiliated, disgusted, disappointed, and every other negative emotion you can think of.”
Despite her fame, the actress realized she couldn’t get out of this alone. She discreetly asked for aid from everyone around her, but no one wanted to provide the assistance she sorely required.
The actress sought professional assistance and became sober by the end of the performance, but the damage to her career had already occurred. Years later, during a fan event in September 2024, her “The Love Boat” co-stars gathered to celebrate a new Princess Cruises Love Boat at Sea experience.
During a Q&A session, the actress’s co-star, Fred Grandy, said that the circumstances surrounding her departure were less than ideal, blaming much of what occurred on an antiquated understanding of addiction at the time.
“This would have been in the early 1980s, and substance usage on set was a criminal infraction back then. It was not a healthcare issue, and it was not known in the same way that it is today,” the actor remarked.
She said, “She was a victim of circumstance because the attention, care, and therapy she should have received came in the form of discipline.”
Despite the actress’s drug issues, Grandy highlighted that she had “recovered magnificently” and that, despite her absence from the event, she was “as much a part of the family as anybody else up on this stage.”
Following the blockbuster series, this well-known actress and former “The Love Boat” star was not typecast and was simply not offered employment because of her public battle with addiction. Grandy pondered on this tragic turn of events, “TV is a cruel business, and it’s particularly predatory toward young ingénues.”
Nevertheless, the actor gradually restored her career in provincial theater. She pursued careers in performing and directing, building a vast CV on stages across the country, from Arizona to Georgia.
“What she’s doing post-‘Love Boat’ is developing her credentials as a serious stage actress,” noted Grandy. He also discussed the paradoxical nature of TV celebrities, stating, “TV defines you by the role you portray and freezes you for the rest of your life as that person.”
Following her professional setbacks, this beloved actress fell in love with a Seattle local and chose to leave California and settle in Seattle.
While pursuing her acting career, news broke that she was also working as a cheese steward in Seattle, a stark contrast to the flash and glamor of her previous years.
Nonetheless, the actress was satisfied with her peaceful existence and eager to put the past behind her, stating, “It’s a significant part of my history. It is not one of my presents.” I have extensively documented my personal experience.
The former Hollywood actress went on to discuss how she had become stronger over the years and how she had finally found peace. “I’m much happier now than I was when I was 23,” she admits.
“I’m more self-aware and tranquil. I spent a long time looking at myself, wondering, ‘What’s essential to me?’.” The actress proceeded. However, her struggles with addiction did not end there. She experienced a tragic loss in 1987 when her one-month-old daughter died due to preterm birth.
Less than two years after their marriage, her husband’s diagnosis of Lou Gehrig’s illness at the age of 42 exacerbated her anguish. Following her husband’s diagnosis, the actress joined a support group and has since lobbied for further medical study into the condition.
Throughout it all, this former TV icon’s fortitude has left an indelible mark. Her path from Hollywood’s dizzying heights to personal lows and eventual regeneration demonstrates her strength.
Lauren Tewes, star of “The Love Boat,” is the lady in question. Take a peek at her change over the years to discover how she appears now.
In recent years, social media fans have commended Tewes for retaining her beauty and elegance. “She was so beautiful and still is,” one individual said. Another said, “She looks great!”
“Still lovely,” a third individual commented. Someone else said, “You were the most beautiful woman on TV then.” A fourth individual said, “You will always be my favorite.”
Lauren Tewes’ journey from celebrity to personal troubles and her eventual rebirth exemplifies her tenacity. Despite the difficulties she encountered, she discovered a new route and received appreciation from social media users for her ageless beauty.