Bob Denver Biography

Bob Denver was an American television and film actor best known for his memorable roles on the sitcoms ‘Gilligan’s Island’ and ‘The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis.’ Having worked as a teacher and a postal worker in his early years, Denver came into the acting profession by chance, but went on to have a brilliant TV and film career. His first major role was as a laidback beatnik, Maynard G. Krebs, on the hit sitcom ‘The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis.’ Soon after, he bagged the titular role on what would turn out to be his career-defining role on ‘Gilligan’s Island’, where he played a goofy but lovable shipwrecked sailor on an unknown island. He went to reprise both his famous characters in several other sitcoms, sequels, animated series and movies in his later career. He dabbled in Broadway theatre as well as FM radio. Quite contrary to his onscreen persona, he was a very intelligent and shy man. He was rumoured to be struggling with alcoholism and drug abuse for some years of his career. He dutifully dedicated the last twenty years of his life to the care of his severely autistic son.