Gavin Mcleod's Hormel-Made Fragrance: A Unique Scent Story

Did Gavin MacLeod, the beloved captain of The Love Boat, ever have his own fragrance? This question has been floating around the internet for years, with a supposed advertisement for a Hormel-produced cologne called Gavin occasionally going viral. The ad, dated 1981, features MacLeod in character as Captain Stubing, with the tagline Smell Like a Captain. It promises that women will love the saltiness of Gavin, and positions the fragrance as the first cologne based on a sea-captain-based celebrity. But is it real or fake?

Despite the convincing nature of the ad, there are some clues that suggest it is a hoax. The language in the copy is a bit clunky, and the reference to the product being available at a men's department store's men's department is a bit odd. Additionally, attempts to find an original print source or earlier version of the ad have been unsuccessful, with the earliest known appearance of the ad online being in 2014.

So, what's the salty truth? Well, Hormel themselves have weighed in on the matter, confirming that while they have some interesting things in their archives, Gavin is not one of them. So, unfortunately, we can't expect to smell like a sea captain anytime soon.

The Gavin MacLeod fragrance hoax

In 2014, an image of an advertisement for a fragrance called 'Gavin' began circulating online. The ad, which was purportedly from 1981, featured Gavin MacLeod, the actor known for his roles in "The Love Boat" and "The Mary Tyler Moore Show". It claimed to be a new fragrance by Hormel, the manufacturer of Spam and other meat products. The tagline read, "Women love the saltiness of Gavin. You will too."

The advertisement, which was shared on Reddit and Pinterest, looked remarkably believable. MacLeod was dressed as his character, Captain Stubing, from "The Love Boat", and the packaging featured a cursive "Gavin" script that resembled contemporary fragrance branding. The product was supposedly available in cologne, eau de toilette, after-shave, and deodorant, as well as a gift set that included a Sea Captain Manicure & Cleanliness Kit.

However, there were some clues that suggested the ad was a hoax. The language in the copy was clunky in places, with an awkward repetition in the phrase "available at your favorite men's department store's men's department." Additionally, the ad first appeared online in 2014, and no earlier versions or original print sources could be found.

To put the matter to rest, MeTV reached out to Hormel for comment. In July 2017, the company confirmed via Twitter that while they have interesting items in their archives, "Gavin" was not one of them.

Despite the hoax being exposed, the idea of a celebrity fragrance endorsed by Gavin MacLeod captured the public's imagination. The advertisement's clever copy and believable presentation made it a memorable piece of internet lore.

Hormel's response to the hoax

In 2017, Hormel Foods took to Twitter to address the rumours that the company had released a fragrance endorsed by Gavin MacLeod. The tweet read:

> We have some interesting things up in our archives, but "Gavin" is not a product we have ever produced. Thank you for checking!

The statement was in response to a magazine advertisement that occasionally goes viral online. The ad, which is branded with the Hormel logo, features a photograph of MacLeod dressed as his character Captain Stubing from The Love Boat. The copy promises that wearers of the fragrance will "smell like a captain".

The ad first appeared online in 2014, and there is no evidence of an earlier version or an original print source. The copy also contains some awkward phrasing, such as "you can find Gavin™ at your favourite men's department store's men's department", which suggests that it may be a hoax.

Gavin™ fragrance collection

Gavin™: The Fragrance of Adventure

The Gavin™ fragrance collection is available in cologne, eau de toilette, after shave and deodorant. All these products are available as a Gavin™ Gift Set, with the added bonus of our exclusive Sea Captain™ Manicure & Cleanliness Kit.

Gavin™ is an aromatic scent, evoking the high seas and the open ocean. With top notes of rotting wood and stale seawater, it captures the essence of a sea captain, while hints of pepperoni and Genoa salami provide a subtle, spicy warmth. The result is a fragrance that is both potent and enrapturing.

The face of Gavin™, Gavin MacLeod, is known for his roles as "Happy" Haines on McHale's Navy and Murray Slaughter on The Mary Tyler Moore Show. However, it was his role as Captain Merrill Stubing on The Love Boat that inspired this captivating cologne.

Hormel, the manufacturer of Gavin™, is a trusted name in the creation of bold, adventurous scents. While they are renowned for their chilli and ham products, they have expanded their expertise to include fragrances that embody the spirit of exploration and discovery.

Smell Like a Captain with Gavin™. Available at your favourite men's department store.

Gavin MacLeod's career

Gavin MacLeod (1931-2021) was an American actor, author, television host, and Christian evangelist. Born Allan George See in Mt. Kisco, New York, he grew up in Pleasantville and studied acting at Ithaca College, graduating in 1952 with a bachelor's degree in fine arts. After serving in the United States Air Force, he moved to New York City and worked at Radio City Music Hall while pursuing acting roles.

MacLeod made his television debut in 1957 on 'The Walter Winchell File' and soon after landed his first movie role in the 1958 prison drama 'I Want to Live!' He went on to appear in several crime shows and films, often playing villains or "second-string heavies". In 1962, he landed his first regular television role as Joseph "Happy" Haines on 'McHale's Navy', but he was unhappy with the limitations of the role and left after two seasons.

MacLeod's big break came in 1972 when he was cast as Murray Slaughter on 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show'. This role won him lasting fame and two Golden Globe Award nominations. He followed this up with another beloved role as Captain Stubing on the hit TV series 'The Love Boat' from 1977 to 1986. 'The Love Boat' was broadcast in 90 countries worldwide and spanned nine seasons. His work on the show earned him three Golden Globe nominations.

After 'The Love Boat', MacLeod continued to act sporadically, appearing in musicals such as 'Gigi' and 'Copacabana' between 1997 and 2003. He also became a Christian television host and, along with his wife, Patti, hosted a show about marriage called Back on Course on the Trinity Broadcasting Network for 17 years. In 1987, the couple wrote a book together, 'Back on Course: The Remarkable Story of a Divorce That Ended in Remarriage', detailing MacLeod's struggles with alcoholism and their divorce and eventual remarriage. In 2013, MacLeod released a memoir, 'This Is Your Captain Speaking: My Fantastic Voyage Through Hollywood, Faith & Life'.

Hormel's products

While it was rumored that Hormel created a fragrance for Gavin MacLeod, the company has since denied this. In 2017, an old magazine advertisement for "Gavin™ by Hormel" cologne began circulating online, featuring the actor's image and the tagline, "Women love the saltiness of Gavin™." Despite its realistic appearance, Hormel confirmed via Twitter that "Gavin" was never a real product.

Hormel is a well-known manufacturer of food products, including chili and ham. The company offers a wide range of items, such as:

• Pepperoni: From classic pepperoni to limited-time offerings like Heart-to-Heart pepperoni kits for Valentine's Day and Pepperoni Confetti.
• Bacon: Thick-cut, original, and microwave-ready bacon under the HORMEL® BLACK LABEL® brand.
• Meals: Easy, heat-and-eat meals like HORMEL® COMPLEATS® Creamy Penne with Herb Chicken and Chicken Burrito Bowl, as well as limited-edition offerings like the Ghost Reaper World's Hottest Canned Chili with beans.
• Snacks: Party trays like the HORMEL GATHERINGS® Bold and Spicy Party Tray and the Winter Honey Ham & Turkey Tray. They also offer PLANTERS® Salted Dry Roasted Peanuts.
• Other Meat Products: Ham, chicken, and chili, as well as products from their other brands like JENNIE-O®.

Hormel has a strong presence in the food industry, with their products available in various forms, from easy meals to snacks, and distributed across a wide range of markets.

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