All Aboard

This is the life story of Gavin MacLeod.  His story begins with his first performance on stage.  He was a preschooler in a family of very modest means.  Gavin’s Dad passed away when he was only thirteen.  He talks about how that affected his life, as well as, the life of his brother, who is two years younger.  His life story traces his acting career from its humble beginnings to becoming a well-known face in America’s living rooms.

Gavin was on two long running series:   “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and “The Love Boat.”  These shows brought him much fame, and riches.  As “The Love Boat” ended, it spawned a multi-decade career for Gavin as a representative for Princess Cruises.

He has been married twice–or three times depending on how you count it–because he married, divorced and remarried his second wife, Patti.   He has four children with his first wife, Rootie.

When his mother was gravely ill, Gavin prayed to Jesus and said if his mother’s life was sparred, Gavin would serve Him for the rest of his life.  His mother did survive.  Suddenly Gavin was overwhelmed with the notion to call his ex-wife Patti.  This was shocking since, he had not communicated with her at all since their divorce.

Unbeknownst to Gavin, Patti had become a born again Christian.  She and friends had been praying for a long time for Gavin to become a Christian, and for their marriage to be restored.  When Gavin met Patti he knew right away she was different, and he wanted whatever she had, too.  When he found out it was Christianity, he immediately became a follower of Christ.  Later Gavin and Patti remarried.

Gavin states since becoming a Christian, everything has changed for him.  Life is better, and marriage is better.  Evidence of that is his second marriage to Patti which has been going strong for 28 years.  Gavin gives all the credit to Jesus Christ.

He has led a very interesting life.   As an actor, Gavin rubbed shoulders with many famous people, including Ronald Reagan, Bob Hope and Cary Grant.  He has also traveled the world.

Of all the movies, shows, and parts he has played, the work he wants to be known for is the movie,  “The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry.”  Not only did he enjoy the part he played, he is overjoyed by the number of people’s lives who have been changed by it.  Now in his early 80’s, Gavin recently said he has retired as an actor.  However, he still tries to make it to as many showings of “Jonathan Sperry” as he can.

He wants to be known as an actor, and as a Christian activist.

This book was very engrossing, and interesting to read.  I enjoyed learning about Gavin’s life.  I was really touched by the love he has for his children, Patti and Jesus.  When he became a follower of Christ, he genuinely meant it, and his life changed from that point forward.  After that life altering event, he was convicted to ask his first wife for forgiveness, and he relates his joy on receiving it.  This story is easy to read, and has some great pictures.  If you want to be inspired and entertained, check it out this five-star book.

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through Thomas Nelson Publishing for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner.  Despite my receiving the book free, it has not influenced my judgment, and I have given an honest opinion.

Author’s website:  http://www.gavinmacleod.com/

Author’s facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/GavinMacLeodOfficial