Bernie Kopell, a renowned comedian, is best recognized for his iconic role as Dr. Adam Bricker on the popular TV show The Love Boat, which aired for ten seasons and 250 episodes. He fondly described the experience as "a paid vacation" due to the show's extensive international locations.
Born in Brooklyn to Ukrainian and Jewish parents, Bernie Kopell, also known as Bernard Morton Kopell, was raised with a strong sense of ancestry. After graduating from New York University with a bachelor of fine arts in 1955, he was drafted into the U.S. Navy, where he served as a librarian at various naval bases, including the U.S.S. Iowa.
Following his military service, Bernie moved to Los Angeles, where he initially struggled to find success. He worked as a taxi driver and vacuum cleaner salesman before landing a small role in the CBS daytime soap The Brighter Day. His impressive dialect skills led to typecasting as Mexicans or Puerto Ricans in various TV shows, including The Danny Thomas Show, The Jack Benny Program, and The Flying Nun.
Bernie's big break came at the age of 33, when he was cast as KAOS chief Siegfried in the classic TV show Get Smart. This role, which featured a German accent, leather jacket, and neat mustache, became his most memorable creation. Bernie would often be asked to sign autographs with the catchphrase "we don't shush at KAOS, Shtarker."
In addition to his work on Get Smart and The Love Boat, Bernie has appeared in numerous other TV shows, including Night Gallery, Kolchak: The Night Stalker, and The Ghost Busters. He has also had roles in various films, such as When Things Were Rotten and Bewitched.
On stage, Bernie has appeared in various productions, including Death of a Salesman, The 49th Cousin, and Rumors. He has also headlined off-Broadway productions, including Two Jews Talking.
Despite his extensive career, Bernie remains active in the entertainment industry, making regular appearances in films and TV shows. He is an avid tennis player and has hosted pro-celebrity tennis and golf tournaments to benefit the Alzheimer's Association.
