Captain Stubing’s wife, Emily, passed away from cancer.
Gavin MacLeod played Captain Merrill Stubing on the popular television series “The Love Boat,” which aired from 1977 to 1986. In the storyline, Captain Stubing was initially portrayed as a widower. His wife, Emily Stubing, had died before the events of the series, leaving him to raise their daughter, Vicki, alone. The show didn’t delve deeply into the backstory of Emily’s death, but it was mentioned that she died of cancer. This aspect of the captain’s personal history added depth to his character, making him a more sympathetic and relatable figure to the audience. Throughout the series, Captain Stubing’s role as a single parent and his romantic life were recurring themes, with his late wife’s memory playing a subtle role in shaping his interactions and relationships on board the Pacific Princess cruise ship.