There are fewclassic sitcomsmore recognizable thanGilligan’s Island, and by consequence, there are few TV stars less recognizable thanBob Denver. For three seasons, and a slew offollow-up films, Denver brought to life the lovable but bumbling titular character. Despite the series’ relatively short run, Gilligan as a character has become a pop culture icon. His signature red shirt and white bucket hat have become almost asrecognizableasLucille Ball’s polka dot dress or Karen Walker’s (Megan Mullally) voice. However, Denver wasn’t always known as “Gilligan,” having risen to prominence in a role many have forgotten due in part toGilligan’s Island. And,despite the success of the show,Denver had a complex relationship with the inescapable fame that came from the character.
Though largely remembered for playing Gilligan, Denver was already a successful star of television prior to being shipwrecked. From 1959 to 1963, Denver starred in the sensational series,The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis, playing Maynard G. Kerbs. Maynard’s supporting role as best friend to the series lead, the titular Dobie Gillis (Dwayne Hickman), his beatnik personality, and quirky nature made the character abreakout supporting role.According to Woman’s World, the character was a reflection of the actual beatnik movement of the time. Largely considered television’s first antihero,Maynard was a character that allowed viewers to see the world they lived in accurately portrayed on television.
Watching the show today, Denver’s character is almost jarring. Sure, television has become even more realistic, but when compared to the overtly sanitized characters ofshows likeLeave it to Beaver, Maynard clearly offers something deeply unique and edgy by the standards of the time.Per MeTV,the character’s popularity even inspiredScooby Doo’s Shaggy. Despite this success, it would be Denver’s next series that would change his life – for better or worse.
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‘Gilligan’s Island’s Success Was Inescapable for Bob Denver
It’s no secret that actressTina Louisestruggledwith the success that came with the role of Ginger, but she wasn’t alone. The show’s popularity made Bob Denver an even bigger star than before. Asrecounted by MeTV, the character ofGilligan was a smash with viewers. As with any popular entertainment property, merchandisers capitalized on his fame. Denver’s face and likeness was plastered across countless items like t-shirts, lunchboxes, and even board games. As MeTV states,Denver couldn’t go anywhere without being recognized as Gilligan. Airports and even grocery stores were hot beds of recognition, and privacy was no longer a basic luxury that belonged to Denver.
Whilebecoming the starof a successful sitcom and one of the country’s most beloved icons is a goal for many aspiring stars,Denver did have mixed feelingswhen his discretion became more and more fleeting. One can’t exactly blame Denver for his initial discomfort. Not being able to shop at the grocery store without being pounced upon or without seeing one’s own face on merchandise does sound innately unpleasant. Denver himself reflected on those early days of overwhelming success with nuance, saying: “When you realize it’s not going away, it’s entertaining more people every year,you kind of accept it.” Even afterthe show was canceled, the character’s popularity continued. However, Denver would come to find joy in the recognition and use it to fund good causes.
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Bob Denver Used His ‘Gilligan’s Island’ Fame for Good Causes
As Denver stated, hegrew to accept his iconic roleand the insane recognition that came with it. As stated by MeTV, the appreciation fans showed to Denver touched him. “People say, ‘Thanks, you were part of my childhood,’” Denver explained. He also paid the generosity of his admirers forward. WhileDenver never received any royaltiesfor the use of his likeness, he cashed in onthe sitcom’s popularityfor charitable purposes, as he was working on an organic farming corporation at the time.Denver allowed his face to appear on canned goods, and the proceeds from those sold went to charity. “I thought, ‘What the heck,’” Denver explained. “‘If I put my face on a product and it’s going to be a clean, fresh, good-tasting product, how much money could I make? Whoa! Lots and lots of money.’”
The actor would reap some additional benefits himself, not so much financially, but in the way of living his life to the fullest afterthe show came to an end. Inanother publication from MeTV, Denver admitted that, though he wasn’t always responsible with his finances, he enjoyed the rewards of his post-Gilliganlife in various ways. He enjoyed a beautiful, secluded house that allowed him privacy, saying: “I can walk up above my house, and look down into Santa Ynez Canyon and there’s nothing and nobody – just a bunch of hawks flying around,” and trips to Hawaii. It’s comforting to know that,despite some difficulties when it came to his fame, Denver grew to appreciate his legacyand enjoy his life off of the island.
Gilligan’s Islandis available to stream on Apple TV in the U.S.
Gilligan’s Island
Seven men and women are stranded on an uncharted island following a torrential storm.
Watch on Apple TV
