Lauren Tewes captured the hearts of millions as the charming cruise director on The Love Boat, the iconic 1970s and ’80s TV show that brought endless laughter, romance, and high-seas adventures. But behind the scenes, Tewes faced personal battles that led her on a journey from stardom to a new passion—working as a cheese steward. Her story is one of fame, loss, resilience, and reinvention. Here’s a look at the life of Lauren Tewes and how she found purpose beyond Hollywood.
The Rise to Stardom on The Love Boat
In 1977, The Love Boat debuted, offering viewers a mix of romance, comedy, and adventure on the high seas. Lauren Tewes was cast as Julie McCoy, the lovable cruise director aboard the Pacific Princess. At just 23, she won the role over 100 other candidates, earning a Golden Globe nomination for her portrayal.
The show became a cultural phenomenon, with viewers tuning in weekly to follow the escapades of Captain Stubing, bartender Isaac, and of course, Tewes’ character, Julie. But as the seasons rolled on, Tewes faced a growing personal struggle that would ultimately change the course of her career.
The Downfall: A Public Battle with Addiction
Tewes’ journey in Hollywood was marred by a very public struggle with cocaine addiction. In a candid interview, she admitted that her addiction began in the early years of The Love Boat. “All that money didn’t go into a bank. It went into my nose,” Tewes said in a 1985 interview. She confessed that she tried cocaine for the first time when a date casually suggested they try it together. Little did she know that this would become a downward spiral.
As her addiction worsened, so did her on-set behavior, leading to tensions and disruptions. By the eighth season of The Love Boat, Tewes was dismissed from the show. Executive producer Douglas Cramer explained that her struggles had become too disruptive to the production. At the height of her addiction, Tewes found herself isolated and without support, working through her withdrawal alone.
A Journey to Sobriety and Tragedy
Tewes began her journey toward sobriety in 1980, and though it took her a few years to fully overcome her addiction, she eventually regained control. After The Love Boat, Tewes turned her focus to theater, where she found solace in a more personal, intimate setting. She continued to perform in various productions, but her journey was far from smooth.
In 1987, Tewes experienced unimaginable loss when her one-month-old daughter, born prematurely, passed away. Then, in 2002, her husband, Robert Nadir, whom she had married in 1996, was diagnosed with ALS and passed away later that year. The tragedies were a profound challenge, but Tewes persevered, finding strength in her love for the theater and a sense of peace in a new city.
From Cruise Director to Cheese Steward: A New Path
After moving to Seattle to be with Nadir, Tewes embraced a quieter life. She became involved in the local theater scene, and later, she found a surprising new passion—cheese. In a departure from her Hollywood persona, Tewes became a cheese steward for a Seattle-based catering company. She spent her time learning the art of cheese pairings and helping to create memorable culinary experiences.
Her decision to transition from acting to a cheese steward was unexpected, but for Tewes, it was a natural evolution. She embraced the role with the same enthusiasm she had once brought to her on-screen character. Reflecting on this career shift, Tewes described the joy she found in this work, saying, “I decided to change my whole life, which has been a wonderful thing for me.”
The Struggles of Returning to Television
While Tewes did make a few TV appearances on shows like Who’s the Boss?, The Fugitive, and Twin Peaks, her television career never fully recovered. In the 1990s, she reunited with the Love Boat cast for The Love Boat: The Next Wave, but her role was limited. In a changing industry that often stigmatized those with a history of substance abuse, Tewes found it difficult to regain her footing.
Fred Grandy, who played Gopher on The Love Boat, commented on Tewes’ struggles, noting that substance abuse on set was treated as a “punishable offense” at the time, rather than a healthcare issue. He described her as a “victim of circumstance” and highlighted the difference in how Hollywood addresses addiction today compared to when Tewes faced it.
Rediscovering Joy and Purpose in New Ventures
Despite the setbacks, Tewes found new ways to express her creativity. She became involved in radio and voice acting, including a role in Murder and the Murdochs, a comedy-mystery radio series by Imagination Theatre. She also dedicated time to her culinary pursuits, continuing to develop her skills as a cheese specialist, sharing her knowledge and passion for food with the Seattle community.
Lauren Tewes found fulfillment in these unconventional paths, cherishing the new opportunities and connections she made along the way. She found peace in staying connected to what mattered most to her—authentic relationships, artistic expression, and a love for food.
Reflections on Redemption and Resilience
Today, Lauren Tewes is 70, and she continues to inspire those who have faced challenges in their own lives. Her story is a testament to resilience and reinvention. Despite losing her Hollywood career and experiencing personal tragedy, she forged a path that allowed her to heal, grow, and find happiness in unexpected places.
When asked about her journey, Tewes shared that she feels content with the choices she’s made, emphasizing the importance of following one’s heart. “I think I made the right choices by trying to stay in the business while it was trying to keep me out,” she told the Los Angeles Times. Tewes’ ability to pivot and adapt, to find new passions and create a life of purpose, has resonated with many who admire her resilience.
Conclusion: Lauren Tewes’ Legacy
Lauren Tewes may no longer be a household name in Hollywood, but her legacy endures. She continues to be celebrated by friends, fans, and former castmates, who remember her as a talented actress and a beloved friend. Her story serves as a reminder that life’s setbacks do not define us—they only make us stronger.
By transforming her life and finding joy beyond the spotlight, Tewes exemplifies the power of perseverance. Whether she’s acting on stage, sharing her voice on the radio, or recommending the perfect cheese pairing, she embodies the spirit of someone who has found peace by embracing change.
