LOS ANGELES — Robert Blake (search) wanted to enlist other 1970s television stars to rally public support as he awaited trial on charges of murdering his wife, the Los Angeles Times reported Monday.

Among Blake's favored actors: Gavin McLeod (search), captain of "The Love Boat."

"He's perfect," Blake told his publicist, Dale Olson, according to jailhouse tapes and transcripts obtained by the Times.

He also liked actress Suzanne Pleshette of "The Bob Newhart Show," declaring "the whole world loves her," as well as "The Bionic Woman" star Lindsay Wagner.

"It should be one person after the other. You call another one and say, 'Would you come to the courthouse with us one time and afterward go out and talk to the public?'" Blake, star of TV's "Baretta," told Olson.

Blake's comments were recorded by sheriff's officials during the 11 months he spent in a downtown jail where taping inmate visits is standard practice. He posted bond in March 2003. Besides Olson, Blake talked with friends and unidentified associates.

None of those actors helped out, though others did. Actress Sally Kirkland, for instance, said she once visited Blake, describing him as "beyond lonely."