The Love Boat has given audiences tons of unforgettable characters, but Dr. Adam Bricker indisputably ranks among the all-time favorites. Bernie Kopell, who’s now 92 and still witty as ever, recently shared a fun behind-the-scenes gossip about how his character’s name actually came to be. Turns out, it all started with a late-night conversation, and one genius switch of a single letter.
Bernie Kopell helped Love Boat director Hy Averback come up with Adam Bricker’s name
During Princess Cruises’ Love Boat Celebration at Sea, Bernie Kopell looked back on how his character, Dr. Adam Bricker, got his name. In a sit-down with PEOPLE, Kopell shared that he and Hy Averback, director of the 1977 TV movie Love Boat II, which became the pilot for the series, spent a good chunk of time discussing what to call the smooth, flirty ship doctor.
The 92-year-old said the whole thing turned into a hilarious late-night debate as they tried to find a name that truly matched the character’s energy. As per Kopell, the name almost went in a wild direction before he jumped in with a fix. He said the director joked that the character is always chasing after the women and is a bit of a picker.
The actor responded that since they can’t call him that, why not switch the P to B? “And he said, ‘Well, the guy chases the ladies. He’s a bit of a pricker, isn’t he?’ I said, ‘Well, we can’t call him that. We have to change the P to a B.’ And that’s how it came about.”
That one tiny letter swap turned a late-night joke into a TV character millions ended up loving.
Kopell still thinks about his Love Boat journey with gratitude. In a 1983 chat with the Times Tribune, he said he felt “blessed and privileged” to be part of such a show. He also pointed out how harsh the industry can be, asking, “Do you have any idea how many actors there are out there who don’t have the opportunity to work?”
Bernie Kopell first played Dr. Adam Bricker in 1977 and stayed on deck until 1986, becoming one of The Love Boat’s heart and humor engines. Fans loved him for his quick wit, warm advice, and that charm he brought to every episode.
The show’s ensemble cast included Gavin MacLeod, Fred Grandy, Ted Lange, Lauren Tewes, Jill Whelan, and, later, Ted McGinley. They all played the beloved crew of the luxury Princess cruise ship.
Originally reported by Rishabh Shandilya on ComingSoon.
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