Ted Lange Reflects on How ‘The Love Boat’ Led to a Sex Advice Column with Jenna Jameson
In a recent interview, Ted Lange shared insights into his time writing a sex and advice column alongside Jenna Jameson and later Beth Ostrosky. Lange, best known for his role as bartender Isaac Washington on the iconic TV show “The Love Boat,” revealed that the column, titled “Ask Isaac,” was a unique opportunity to blend condoms and humour. The column, featured in the now-defunct FHM magazine, aimed to provide young men with guidance on safe sex practices while injecting a fun and light-hearted approach to relationship advice.
Lange recounted how he channelled his character from The Love Boat to offer witty and practical advice to readers. As fans would approach his character on the show with questions, Lange would respond with humorous yet informative answers. This concept was seamlessly translated into the sex and advice column, resonating with a younger audience and promoting safe sexual practices.
The actor shared that his primary focus was on advocating for protected sex and incorporating humour into his responses. With the goal of engaging readers and ensuring the importance of using condoms, Lange aimed to make the column both entertaining and informative. His collaboration with Jenna Jameson and later Beth Ostrosky added further depth to the column, showcasing a diverse range of perspectives on relationships and intimacy.
While discussing his time writing the column, Lange also delved into his experiences on The Love Boat, highlighting challenges he faced as a Black actor in the industry. The star revealed instances where producers hesitated to write love stories for his character, leading his co-stars Bernie Kopell and Fred Grandy to step in and support him. Despite facing obstacles, Lange credited his colleague Gavin MacLeod for standing by him during tough times, demonstrating solidarity and camaraderie on set.
Lange’s reflections on his dual roles as a TV actor and advice columnist shed light on the complexities of navigating Hollywood in the 70s and 80s. Through his candid anecdotes, he provided a glimpse into the dynamics of representation and diversity in the entertainment industry. His experiences serve as a testament to resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity, inspiring others to strive for inclusivity and equality in all creative endeavours.
As he recounted his journey from The Love Boat to penning a sex advice column, Lange’s story exemplified the power of using one’s platform for positive change. His commitment to promoting safe sex practices and infusing humour into his work resonated with audiences then and continues to leave a lasting impact today. By sharing his unique experiences, Lange showcases the importance of embracing diversity and fostering an inclusive environment in all facets of the media landscape.