9 Amazing Facts About Bernie Kopell: The Love Boat's 'Doc' Who Is Still Acting At 92

Bernard Morton Kopell, the beloved character actor who sailed into millions of homes as Dr. Adam "Doc" Bricker on the iconic series The Love Boat, continues to defy expectations and maintain a vibrant career well into his nineties. As of late December 2025, fans are eager to know what the versatile star, who also famously played the villainous Siegfried on Get Smart, has been up to since his days aboard the Pacific Princess.

The veteran performer, whose career spans over six decades, has recently made headlines not for retirement, but for surprising guest roles and a return to the stage, proving that for this Hollywood legend, the final curtain is nowhere in sight. His enduring presence on screen and stage solidifies his status as a true master of character acting, seamlessly transitioning from comedy to drama with an unforgettable charm.

Bernie Kopell: A Complete Biographical Profile

Bernie Kopell’s life and career are a testament to longevity and versatility in the entertainment industry. From his roots in Brooklyn to his enduring legacy on television, here is a detailed look at the man behind the memorable characters.

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• Full Name: Bernard Morton Kopell
• Date of Birth: June 21, 1933
• Place of Birth: Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
• Current Age (as of Dec 2025): 92 years old
• Education: Erasmus High School (Brooklyn); New York University (NYU), majored in Dramatic Art
• Spouse: Catrina Honadle (married 1997)
• Children: Son, Adam Kopell (born October 1998)
• Best Known Roles: Dr. Adam "Doc" Bricker on The Love Boat (1977–1986); Siegfried on Get Smart (1966–1969)
• Other Notable Work: Appeared in numerous commercials (from soap in the 1970s to pharmaceuticals in 2005); roles on That Girl, The Doris Day Show, and Chico and the Man

Kopell began his professional career as a member of the Players' Ring Theatre company in Los Angeles in the early 1960s, establishing a foundation in theatrical performance that would later define his television success.

The Unexpected Post-Love Boat Career Resurgence

While many actors associated with long-running series like The Love Boat might choose to embrace a quiet life of retirement, Bernie Kopell has done the opposite. His dedication to acting has seen him take on surprising and prominent guest roles in high-profile modern television series, demonstrating his continued relevance in contemporary Hollywood.

In 2022, at the age of 91, Kopell made notable guest appearances that delighted long-time fans and introduced him to new audiences. He appeared on episodes of two major network shows: the legal drama The Lincoln Lawyer and the long-running medical drama Grey's Anatomy. These roles were a clear indication that the actor, who once played a doctor at sea, still had the energy and talent to command the screen in a modern context. His choice of roles shows a willingness to step outside the nostalgia of the Pacific Princess and engage with current television narratives.

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Beyond his television work, Kopell also returned to the stage for a significant project. He teamed up with fellow television legend Hal Linden (star of *Barney Miller*) for the world premiere of a new comedy titled Two Jews, Talking. This Off-Broadway production highlighted Kopell's theatrical roots and provided a fresh opportunity to showcase his comedic timing and dramatic depth, proving his versatility is not limited to the small screen.

The success of these recent projects underscores a key aspect of Kopell's career: his ability to be a compelling character actor. He is not just "Doc" Bricker; he is a performer who can embody a wide range of roles, from the bumbling KAOS agent Siegfried to a serious guest star on a modern procedural drama. This enduring work ethic is a source of inspiration for many in the industry.

From KAOS Villain to Cruise Ship Doctor: Kopell's Iconic Characters

Bernie Kopell’s career is defined by two wildly different, yet equally iconic, television characters. Before he was the charming, womanizing ship's doctor, he was a memorable foil on a classic spy spoof.

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Siegfried on Get Smart (1966–1969)

Kopell first rose to prominence as Siegfried, the German villain and Vice President of Public Relations and Terror for KAOS, the enemy spy organization in the hit comedy series Get Smart. As the arch-nemesis to Don Adams' Maxwell Smart, Siegfried was a masterclass in comedic villainy. His thick German accent and formal, often frustrated, demeanor made him a fan favorite. Kopell's performance in this role established his exceptional talent for accents and physical comedy, skills he would later subtly incorporate into his most famous role.

Dr. Adam "Doc" Bricker on The Love Boat (1977–1986)

When Kopell joined The Love Boat in 1977, he took on the role that would define his public image: Dr. Adam Bricker, affectionately known as "Doc." As the Pacific Princess's resident physician, Doc was known for his kind bedside manner, his endless (and often unsuccessful) pursuit of attractive female passengers, and his role as a confidant to Captain Merrill Stubing and the rest of the crew.

Kopell's portrayal of Doc Bricker was instrumental to the show's success. He managed to make a character who could have been a simple caricature into a warm, multilayered part of the ensemble. He once shared in an interview how he felt "blessed and privileged" to be a part of such a beloved show, a sentiment that resonated with the millions of viewers who tuned in every week to watch the romantic escapades aboard the cruise ship.

The success of The Love Boat turned Kopell, along with co-stars like Gavin MacLeod, Fred Grandy, Ted Lange, and Lauren Tewes, into household names, forever associating them with the glamour and optimism of the late 70s and 80s television. The show remains a cultural touchstone, and Kopell's character is one of the most enduring symbols of the series.

The Personal Life of a Hollywood Veteran

While Bernie Kopell’s professional life has been very public, his personal life, particularly his marriage and late fatherhood, has been a source of stability and joy. Kopell married his wife, Catrina Honadle, in 1997.

A year later, at the age of 64, he became a father when his son, Adam Kopell, was born. Embracing fatherhood later in life is a unique chapter in his biography, one he has often spoken about with pride. This late-life family structure is a testament to the idea that life's greatest joys can come at any age.

Today, as he balances his continued acting work with his family life in Los Angeles, Kopell represents the best of Hollywood's enduring talent. His recent appearances on both television and the stage demonstrate that the actor who once brought laughter to millions on a weekly basis still has plenty of stories to tell and characters to embody. Fans remain hopeful to see more of the energetic star, whether he’s making a house call on a cruise ship or a guest spot on a hit drama.