Ted Lange facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ted Lange
|
|
|---|---|
Lange as Isaac Washington in 1977
|
|
| Born |
Theodore William Lange III
January 5, 1948 Oakland, California, U.S.
|
| Education | City College of San Francisco Merritt College (AA) Royal Academy of Dramatic Art |
| Occupation |
|
| Years active | 1972–present |
| Known for | Isaac Washington – The Love Boat |
| Spouse(s) |
Sheryl Thompson
(m. 1978; div. 1989)Mary Ley
(m. 2001) |
| Children | 2 |
Theodore William Lange III (born January 5, 1948) is an American actor, director, and screenwriter. He is most famous for playing the friendly bartender Isaac Washington on the popular TV show The Love Boat from 1977 to 1986. He also played the character Junior in the series That's My Mama.
Contents
Early Life and School
Lange was born in Oakland, California. His parents, Geraldine and Theodore William Jr., both worked in theater and television. This inspired him to follow a similar path.
In high school, Lange was a leader, serving as class and student body president. After graduating, he studied drama at San Francisco City College. He was very active in the school's theater program and was even named Best Actor by the Black Students Association.
Acting and Directing Career
Starting in Theater and Film
After college, Lange began his career in theater. He acted in plays in his hometown of Oakland. He made his debut on Broadway in the famous musical Hair.
His first movie role was in the 1973 documentary film Wattstax. He then appeared in the movie Black Belt Jones and the TV show That's My Mama. Soon after, he landed his most well-known role.
The Love Boat
In 1977, Lange was cast as Isaac Washington, the cheerful bartender on the TV series The Love Boat. The show was about the adventures of passengers and crew on a cruise ship. Lange's character was famous for his big smile and signature pointing gesture. He became one of the most recognized faces on television.
While working on The Love Boat, Lange also learned new skills. He attended the famous Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London to improve his acting, especially in plays by Shakespeare.
A Career in Directing and Writing
Lange is not just an actor; he is also a talented director and writer. During his time on The Love Boat, he wrote and directed several episodes. This showed he could do more than just act in front of the camera.
After The Love Boat ended, he continued to direct episodes for many other TV shows. These included Moesha, Dharma & Greg, and Eve. He also directed the movie For Love of Amy in 2008.
Lange has also written 17 plays. One of his plays, George Washington's Boy, is a historical story about the first U.S. president and his relationship with one of his slaves.
Personal Life
Lange has been married twice. He and his first wife, Sheryl Thompson, had two children. He later married Mary Ley in 2001.
Lange remained good friends with his Love Boat co-star Gavin MacLeod. He often said that MacLeod was a great mentor and friend to him throughout his career.
Awards and Recognition
Lange has received many awards for his work in theater, especially as a director. He won the NAACP's Renaissance Man Theatre Award and the Heroes and Legends HAL Lifetime Achievement Award. The American Film Institute also gave him a special scholarship award for directing. These awards honor his long and successful career in entertainment.
See also
In Spanish: Ted Lange para niños
