Television has lost a true visionary. Wilford Lloyd Baumes, the creative force behind the beloved series The Love Boat and a producer on the iconic Wonder Woman, has died at the age of 86. According to his obituary, he passed away peacefully on June 28, surrounded by family.
Baumes leaves behind a legacy that spans some of TV's most cherished shows, as well as a remarkable second act as an interior designer. His obituary paints a picture of a man who lived life to the fullest, full of energy and creativity well into his later years.
From Memoir to TV Classic
Baumes' greatest contribution to pop culture came from adapting Jeraldine Saunders' 1974 memoir, The Love Boats, into the hit ABC series The Love Boat. The show ran for 10 seasons from 1977 to 1987, following a rotating cast of passengers who found romance, chaos, and happiness aboard the Pacific Princess. Its iconic theme song—"Come aboard, we're expecting you"—became a cultural touchstone for generations.
The series starred Gavin MacLeod as Captain Merrill Stubing, alongside Bernie Kopell, Lauren Tewes, Jill Whelan, and Patricia Klous. Baumes also worked as a producer on Wonder Woman, the Lynda Carter-led DC series that turned Diana Prince into a mainstream television icon. The show first aired on ABC from 1975 to 1977 before moving to CBS for its final two seasons, shifting its setting from World War II to the 1970s.
Earlier in his career, Baumes wrote for series including The Wide World of Mystery and Help, Inc. He also collaborated with executive producer Douglas S. Cramer on projects like Bridget Loves Bernie, Nightmare in Badham County, and Who Is the Black Dahlia?
A Life of Design and Style
Outside television, Baumes built a successful career in interior design after serving in the U.S. Navy and earning degrees from Denison University and the University of California, Berkeley. His studies in design complemented his natural talents and incredible style. Throughout his years in California, he created masterpiece homesteads that were featured in Santa Barbara Magazine and Architectural Digest. His creative free spirit was perfectly matched with his thoughtful and generous nature. Bud's cocktail parties created lasting memories for his friends and family, whom he loved deeply.
Baumes is survived by several nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, and extended family members. In lieu of flowers, his family has asked that memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association in his honor.
For more on TV legends, check out our coverage of Cheers co-creator James Burrows, who also left an indelible mark on television. And if you're in the mood for a trip down memory lane, don't miss our ranking of the 90s best one-hit wonders.
