TVs Gilligan, Bob Denver, Dead at 70

Actor Bob Denver, best known for playing the goofy but well meaning title character of 'Gilligan's Island' has died at the age of 70.

Denver underwent quadruple bypass surgery this past May at Wake Forest University Hospital in North Carolina. He had been recovering at his home in West Virginia since then.

Denver first came into national prominence after playing beat nick Maynard G. Krebs on the 1959 sitcom 'The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis.'

In 1964, he auditioned for producer/creator Sherwood Schwartz and won the part of Gilligan, the first mate on an ill-fated boat making a three-hour tour that ended up shipwrecked on an uncharted desert island on 'Gilligan's Island.'

While Gilligan was an uncoordinated but well intentioned bungler, Denver himself always tried to help his fellow cast members. It was Denver, for example, who pushed for cast members
Dawn Wells (Maryanne) and Russell Johnson (the professor) got equal billing on the show's opening theme in seasons two and three.

The show was canceled after three seasons and although critics panned it, the show became an all-time favorite in syndication and throughout the 70s, Denver and his fellow castaways were seen at least five times a week in almost every market.

After the show ended, Denver was typecast as Gilligan. He made the best of it, appearing in three 'Gilligan's Island' made-for-TV movies and did the voice of Gilligan for two Saturday morning cartoons.

He also appeared in subsequent TV shows like 'Dusty's Trail' and 'Far Out Space Nuts' but to most fans, he would always be Gilligan.

Denver embraced the role later in life, making numerous personal appearances wearing Gilligan's trademark white fishing cap and making cameo appearances on TV and in films like 'Back to the Beach' referencing his character.

In 1993, he published a book reminiscing about his career called 'Gilligan, Maynard & Me.'

Denver is survived by his wife, Dreama and four children. Funeral arrangement are pending.

Now, millions of Americans are mourning the loss of their 'Little Buddy.'