Photo: Tommaso Boddi/WireImage; D Dipasupil/Getty Images; Michael Tullberg/Getty Images
Hollywood is mourning the death ofGavin MacLeod.
MacLeoddiedin the early morning on Saturday, his nephew Mark See told Variety. According to TMZ, which was the first to report the news, he had been sick for some time, although no cause of death has been given.
A rep for MacLeod did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
In the wake of his death, stars expressed their condolences and shared their favorite memories of the actor on social media.
Walt Disney Television via Getty Images Photo Archives/Walt Disney Television via Getty Images
“My heart is broken,” MacLeod’sMary Tyler Moore ShowcostarEd Asnerwrote in a social mediastatement. “Gavin was my brother, my partner in crime (and food) and my comic conspirator.”
Asner, 91, added: “I will see you in a bit Gavin. Tell the gang I will see them in a bit. Betty! It’s just you and me now.”
Also paying tribute to the late actor was Maureen McCormick, who portrayed various roles onThe Love Boat, which MacLeod also starred on.
“Rest In Peace my dear friend Gavin Macleod,” shetweeted. “Thank you for all the special and beautiful heart filled conversations about life. I will always treasure the time I was lucky enough to spend with you. Love you #GavinMacleod.”
Meanwhile, filmmaker Kevin Smith also shared his own sentiments, where he reflected on special memories of growing up as a kid with MacLeod’s performances.
Jeffery Ballard, who served as a co-executive producer of the seriesAnger Management, similarly reflected on memories of MacLeod.
“Gavin MacLeod died this morning. He was so kind to me when I was younger & always let me come to the set of ‘The Love Boat’ and just hang out and watch,” hesaidon Twitter. “I went to see him a few years back and we reconnected. He was the best ever, a sweet and genuine man. I will miss him.”
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Nancy Sinatra also honored MacLeod, whom she described in her tribute as “the best neighbor.”
“Gavin MacLeod will always be a member of our family and the best neighbor anyone could ever have,” shetweeted. “Our hearts are aching, we will miss him terribly and love him forever. Godspeed, dear friend.
Born Allan George See, the star studied acting at Ithaca College and went on to serve in the Air Force before his first foray into the entertainment world: working as an usher and elevator operator at Radio City Music Hall, according toVariety.
He rose to prominence with his role as Murray Slaughter onThe Mary Tyler Moore Show.MacLeod starred on the show for all seven seasons, from 1970 through 1977, earning two Golden Globe nominations along the way. In 1977, MacLeod was cast as Captain Stubing inThe Love Boatand remained on the show for nine seasons,leading to three more Golden Globe nods.
source: people.com
