Bob Dever left his mark as Gilligan-Maynard and Dud

Bob Dever's fans still love him

Bob Denver was an American actor best known for his portrayal of two iconic television characters: William Willie Gilligan on the sitcom "Gilligan's Island" and Maynard G. Krebs on "The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis." Fans of The Andy Griffith Show also recall that he portrayed Dud Wash in one memorable episode. Denver was born on January 9, 1935, in New Rochelle, New York, USA. He grew up in Brownwood, Texas, and graduated from Loyola University in Los Angeles, with a degree in political science. He also Texas Christian University and coached physical education and taught mathematics and history at Corpus Christi School, a Catholic elementary school in Pacific Palisades, California.

Maynard and Gilligan

As Beatnik Maynard G. Krebs Denver gained initial fame for his role in "The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis," which aired from 1959 to 1963. Maynard was Dobie Gillis's best friend and provided comic relief with his bongo playing, goatee, and catchphrase "You rang?" whenever the telephone rang.

Denver's most enduring and beloved role came in 1964 when he was cast as Gilligan in the sitcom "Gilligan's Island." The show revolved around seven castaways who find themselves stranded on a deserted island after their boat, the S.S. Minnow, is shipwrecked. Denver's character, Gilligan, was the bumbling first mate whose well-intentioned actions often led to comic mishaps.

Post-"Gilligan's Island" Career:

After "Gilligan's Island" ended in 1967, Denver continued to act in various television shows and films. However, he found it challenging to escape typecasting as Gilligan, and many of his subsequent roles were similar in nature. The actor had many roles in television and movies including Dr. Kildare, I Dream of Genie, The Silent Service, A Private's Affair, Take her she's Mine, The Wackiest Wagon Train in the West, and Back to the Beach.

Bob Denver reprised the role of Gilligan in several TV movies and animated spin-offs of "Gilligan's Island." He also made guest appearances in shows like "The Love Boat," "Fantasy Island," and "ALF."

Personal Life and Passing

Bob Denver was married four times and had four children. In his later years, he faced some legal and financial troubles. He passed away on September 2, 2005, at the age of 70, due to complications from cancer treatment. In later life, Denver returned to his adopted home of Princeton, West Virginia, where he worked as an FM radio personality. He and his 4th wife Dreama ran a small "oldies format" radio station, WGAG-LP 93.1 FM. Denver was a heavy smoker which eventually took

a toll on him

The actor received cancer treatment and underwent heart bypass surgery in 2005. On September 2, 2005, he died at age 70 from complications including pneumonia following throat cancer surgery at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolinagacy: (Wikipedia)

Bob Denver's portrayal of Gilligan left an indelible mark on popular culture. "Gilligan's Island" and The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis remain beloved classic TV shows, even decades after their original airing. Denver's comedic talent and the enduring charm of his character continue to be remembered by fans of the shows. The Andy Griffith Show has never been off the4 air in 63 years, and Denver's brief appearance remains one of the funniest scenes.

In the episode "Divorce Mountain Style," Denver has the role that had been played by Hoke Howell. His version of Dud is similar to the character Earnest T Bass ( Howard Morris) as he has a strong souther drawl and is trying to fight Andy Taylor (Andy Griffith). He also is bent down slightly and bouncing around ad the memorable scene still gets a lot of laughs.