Island to Icon: the Many Lives of Bob Denver

Headline Books, Inc. Terra Alta, WV

Island to Icon: The Many Lives of Bob Denver

by Dreama Denver copyright ©2025 Dreama Denver All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any other form or for any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage system, without written permission from Headline Books, Inc. To order additional copies of this book or for book publishing information, or to contact the author: Headline Books, Inc. P.O. Box 52 Terra Alta, WV 26764 www.HeadlineBooks.com Email: mybook@headlinebooks.com ISBN 13: 9781958914519 Library of Congress Control Number: 2024942923

P R I N T E D I N T H E U N I T E D S TAT E S O F A M E R I C A

To every child of the 60s who grew up with Gilligan and the gang, and to the countless children of the 70s and beyond who ran home from school every day thinking this was the episode where they’d finally be rescued…this book is for you!

But to be perfectly honest…deep down we all knew the castaways were never getting off that island!

Contents Introduction..................................................................................................................5 Growing Up Bob...........................................................................................................7 Headshots through the Years................................................................................... 18 Maynard G. Krebs—Bob’s Breakout Role............................................................... 23 Maynard Gets Drafted.......................................................................................36 Hangin’ with the Cool Cats...................................................................................... 45 Marooned!.................................................................................................................. 54 The New Adventures of Gilligan and Gilligan’s Planet..................................... 62 Other TV Series......................................................................................................... 67 The Good Guys, Dusty’s Trial, and Far Out Space Nuts Bob and Dreama Meet.............................................................................................. 71 Gilligan Movies.......................................................................................................... 83 Rescue from Gilligan’s Island Castaways on Gilligan’s Island Harlem Globetrotters on Gilligan’s Island Scamps Pilot for NBC................................................................................................ 94 The White House....................................................................................................... 98 “You Oughta Be in Pictures!”................................................................................. 104 TV Guest Appearances and TV Movies............................................................... 113 Surviving Gilligan.............................................................................................. 119 No Rhyme or Reason: Just for Fun!...................................................................... 120 Gran / Glenn Ford.......................................................................................... 136 In Memoriam........................................................................................................... 142

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Introduction My husband would never in a million years have thought of himself as an icon, but on this 60th anniversary year of his most famous television series, “Gilligan’s Island,” I beg to differ. The fact that GI is still airing somewhere on the planet 60 years after its 1964 debut is proof positive that not only is the show iconic, but the man who played the title role is as well. Anytime you see someone wearing a red shirt and a white hat, what’s the first thought that comes to mind? If you’re old enough, you think GILLIGAN! Those of us alive in 1964 remember when there were only 3 television networks – CBS, NBC, and ABC. If you had a series on any one of these networks, people knew who you were even if they didn’t watch your show. Fame was very concentrated in those days, not spread across hundreds of channels and streaming services like it is today. But, as cable TV, videos, DVDs, and streaming gained popularity over the decades, Bob’s and the Castaways’ popularity reached heights they never imagined.

I remember when Bob and I were acting onstage all across the country in the 70s and 80s, “Gilligan’s Island” reran at least 7-8 times a day. No matter what part of the country we were in, we could turn on the TV between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. and there it was on 3 or 4 stations at the same time! The thing Bob heard most during those years and the thing I’ve heard most in the years since he passed is, “I ran home from school every day to see your show. I was sure if I missed a day, that would be the episode where you were finally rescued!”

Talk about Must See TV...

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When my husband passed away in 2005, “Gilligan’s Island” had been on the air nonstop for 40 years, a fact that boggled Bob’s mind. He and the rest of the cast never envisioned the show running any longer than possibly a couple of seasons. Now, it’s almost 20 years since he left us, and September 26, 2024, marks the 60th anniversary of this fan-favorite series.

In honor of my husband and his career, I’ve compiled this book from our memorabilia and his mother’s family albums to mark this special milestone.

Knowing that Bob and Gilligan’s Island are still loved and cherished by fans all these years later brings a huge smile to my face. Keeping his legacy alive is a privilege, and I’m allowed that privilege thanks to the millions of you who ran home from school every. single. day!

Mahalo, Dreama Denver

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Growing up Bob Bob was born in New Rochelle, NY on January 9, 1935. Hard for us to imagine now, but back in 1935, you could buy a new house for $3,450.00 or pay $22.00 a month for rent; a new car would set you back 625.00 and the gas to fill the tank of that new car would run you about .10 a gallon. Franklin D. Roosevelt was president, the world population was 2.4 billion and the average income was $1,688 annually.

Bob grew up in a typical middle-class American household, the youngest of four children born to Arthur and Marion Denver. In his early teens the family moved from New Rochelle to Brownwood, Texas where they lived for a year before heading west to Long Beach, CA. As a student at Loyola Marymount, Bob was drafted to play one of the most famous comic characters in English literature - Shakespeare’s Falstaff. The moment he got his first laugh (and there were many), he knew his plan to study political science and become an attorney like his older brother was a thing of the past. His love of acting was born and the rest is showbiz history.

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3 months old

1936

He learned beach-lovin’ at an early age.

Cutest Cowboy Ever!

3 years old

Bob’s parents Marion and Arthur Denver

Bob’s dapper dad.

With his mom and sister.

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With his mom and sister

The family - back row: Art; brother Gerard. Second row, brother Dick, Marion, sister Helen. Front and center: Bob.

Parent’s house 10

David Starr Jordan High School, Long Beach, CA

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Bob loved his Irish Setter.

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His pride and joy!

Beach Baby Bob!

Loving’ these looks!

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The Family 16

Casting notes. (Delores Hart went on to do movies with Elvis Presley (Loving You and King Creole), other movies include Where the Boys Are. At the height of her career she gave it all up to become a nun.)

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Headshots through the years

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Bob’s first Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Card

American Icon article 20

The Bob Book by David Rensin and Bill Zehme (June 1991)

The Bob Book page 132

The Bob Book page 133

Radio publicity photo by Steve Jesse 21

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Maynard G. Krebs TV’s Original Beatnik

The coolest cat in the history of prime time, Maynard G. Krebs was Bob’s first breakthrough TV role as the beatnik/best friend of Dobie Gillis on the TV series The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis.

Maynard still remains the most famous beatnik in history. Just ask TV Guide, who voted Maynard one of the 50 best TV characters in the history of television!

It was Bob who actually fleshed out the character, mainly because the writers had no idea what beatniks were really like. Bob researched Maynard by hanging out at L.A. coffee houses and studying the beatniks there. Over the years, Bob was accused many times of starting the whole hippy movement of the ‘60’s.

Maynard lived in his own world with its own twisted logic. His name was also illogical, considering the “G” in Maynard G. Krebs stood for Walter. According to the show’s creator Max Shulman, Maynard was named after his Aunt Walter who was married to his Uncle Edith. His speech was full of catch lines like “You rang?” and “Like, l’m getting all misty”.

But Maynard G. Krebs will always be best remembered for his response whenever anyone mentioned the subject of work. He would instantaneously shudder, and let out a plaintive cry of “WORK!?!?” During our marriage, Bob tried his best to teach me, but l’m sad to say I never mastered the whole “WORK!?!?” thing.

With talent like Dwayne Hickman, Frank Faylen, Florida Friebus and Bob Denver starring alongside actors like Warren Beatty, Tuesday Weld, Sheila James, Steve Franken and William Schallert in recurring roles, the show was destined to be a hit. When Bob first told me about Warren Beatty’s recurring role on Dobie, he said the minute Warren walked on the set, the cast took one look and knew he wasn’t long for episodic TV. Nope, he was definitely going places... and they were right. Less than a year later, he was filming Splendor in the Grass with Natalie Wood.

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Bob Denver worked with Dwayne Hickman on 142 episodes spanning 4 years. It was, like, a pretty far out experience and he never really considered it “WORK!” When speaking of Dwayne, Bob always talked about Dwayne showing him by example how to be the star of his own series, how to make the set a place of calm, a refuge for everyone working there. In every show he did, Bob had the greatest respect for cast and crew and during his Dobie years, the utmost respect for Dwayne. The friendship between Dwayne/Dobie and Bob/Maynard spilled over into real life, lasting until Bob’s death in 2005. When Dwayne passed away in 2022, his wife Joan and I were taken aback at the timing of his passing.

Who could ever have imagined Dwayne Hickman breathing his last on his good buddy Bob Denver’s birthday?

Telegrams from Max Shulman and Bernie Wiesen congratulating Bob for Dobie

Bob with Max Shulman and Dwayne Hickman 24

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Publicity photos for The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis

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Maynard Gets Drafted After landing the part of Maynard, Bob drove through the studio gates, knowing he would love every minute of being on a soundstage, creating television’s first beatnik. And he did love it...for four whole episodes. How could he have imagined, like, totally receiving, like, a draft notice from the Army just as he was getting the biggest career break of his life? He had no idea when he reported for his physical and waited in one long line after the other that he would pick up the LA Times while he waited and read that he’d been drafted and lost the part of Maynard to a relatively unknown actor named Michael J. Pollard.

Bob’s account from his book, Gilligan, Maynard and Me: “Anyway, I didn’t pass the physical. I’d broken my neck in ’56 and when I came to the tiny space on the medical form that said, “State your present health,” I filled it up with 5 lines of symptoms about my neck. That got me out of line, a couple of X-rays, and a sarge who said I wasn’t eligible.

I got out of that building in record time and raced back to the set to tell the producers that the Army didn’t want me. They weren’t too happy. Michael J. Pollard had been signed for 30 episodes and had only done one. They told me to go home and they would call me. Those 3 days were long, but the call finally came. I was back in the series and Michael had been paid off for all 30 episodes. I heard later that he told his NY friends he’d always heard about coming to California to discover gold, but had never really believed it until now.”

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Then and Now! Recreating two good buddies

Publicity Photo from “Bring Me The Head of Dobie Gillis” 42

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Hangin’ with the Cool Cats Boy, I sure would have enjoyed being a fly on the wall for this panel discussion, The Things Girls Do That Bug Boys. Can you imagine that subject today? Happily, Annette was there to speak up for the females of the world and, of course, it was a different day and time in the late 50s / early 60s. I look at the pictures of my husband sitting there with Frankie Avalon, Annette Funicello, Pat Boone, Edd ‘Kookie’ Byrnes and Paul Anka and realize my guy was a teen idol. Makes me wish I had written the studio asking for a Bob Denver photo rather than a ‘Kookie, Kookie, lend me your comb’ photo back in the early 60s. As it ended up, it really didn’t matter. When the studio envelope arrived and I eagerly opened it, the photo that greeted me wasn’t Kookie. Nope, it was a signed photo of Connie Stevens, but, hey, at least they got the ‘Lend Me Your Comb’ part right.

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Front Row: Pat Boone, Bob, Frankie Avalon, Annette Funicello. Behind Bob: Edd (Kookie) Byrnes, Paul Anka

Bob, Frankie, Kookie, Paul, Pat and Annette 48

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L to R: Don Adams (Get Smart), Bob, Buddy Ebsen (The Beverly Hillbillies), Barbara Billingsley and Ken Osmon (Leave It To Beaver), Al Lewis (The Munsters)

Christopher Hewitt (Mr Belvedere), Arte Johnson (Laugh-In). Charlene Tilton (Dallas), Bob 53

Marooned!

Excerpt from Bob’s book Gilligan, Maynard and Me: “I met with Sherwood Schwartz in the fall of 1963 to discuss a new series. He described the premise of the show as a microcosm of society with broad comedy.

Seven people stranded on an island. I was hooked. One of my favorite books as a kid had been Robinson Crusoe. I later found out it was one of Sherwood’s as well. I asked him if I could do physical comedy because I really wanted to do all those old slapstick sight gags. For some reason they attracted me - maybe because they had to be timed perfectly. They never seemed to go out of style. The ones from the silent days still made people laugh. Sherwood said Gilligan was perfect for that kind of comedy.

I can honestly say, without Sherwood, there would be no Gilligan’s Island.”

Back to me, Dreama: The year Gilligan debuted I was a 14-yearold girl, growing up in the mountains of West Virginia. This was back in the days when households had one TV and the entire family gathered around it at night, watching a series on one of the big three networks. In my house, Dad pretty much controlled the rabbit ears, so we watched shows like Gunsmoke, Burke’s Law, Bonanza, The Man from U.N.C.L.E. and happily for my younger brother and me, lighter fare like The Andy Griffith Show, Gomer Pyle, USMC and Gilligan’s Island. Never in all of my 14 years could I have imagined growing up to meet, work with, marry and have a son with everybody’s favorite Little Buddy. Sometimes you just get lucky.

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Publicity Photo Shoot for Season 1 57

More photo proofs 58

Photo shoot from the original, 1963 pilot that remained un-aired until 1992.

Brunette Kit Smythe as Ginger and Blonde Nancy McCarthy as Bunny.

Ginger and Bunny were both secretaries in the pilot.

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One of Bob’s all-time favorite guest stars, Hans Conried

Gilligan and Wrongway Feldman 60

Gilligan and Jungle Boy (Kurt Russell)

Film star, Ida Lupins directing an episode

Big game hunter (Roy Calhoun as Kincaid) arrives on the island, discovers there’s nothing to hunt and hunts Gilligan instead.

Over the years, many fans told Bob they thought this episode disturbing 61

The New Adventures of Gilligan

1974 (2 Seasons) Voicing an animated character had always been on Bob’s wish list and in the 1970s, that wish came true . . . twice. He and the original cast (with the exception of Tina Louise and Dawn Wells) sailed back to the island for The New Adventures of Gilligan. In her determination to put Ginger to rest, Tina turned the part down. Dawn, on the other hand, was on the road and unavailable. Actress Jane Webb voiced both Ginger and Mary Ann. The Ginger character became a platinum blonde rather than a redhead just in case Tina objected to Filmation using her image. Part of what Bob enjoyed most about this series was the “moral tag” at the end of each episode, where Gilligan and Skipper sat together, talking about whatever lesson they had learned. The New Adventures of Gilligan ran for two seasons and had 24 episodes. I didn’t know Bob during this series, but was around for his next animated adventure, Gilligan’s Planet.

Gilligan’s Planet

1982 The Professor manages to build an interplanetary spaceship and the castaways blast off the island only to crash-land on a planet which, as luck would have it, supported human life. Tina, once again, turned down the part as she continued to distance herself from the show and the character of Ginger. But this time, Dawn Wells was available and took on the role of platinumhaired Ginger as well as her role of Mary Ann. What an amazing experience it was for me to be at the studio and in the booth with the castaways as they voiced the episodes. Mostly, I remember the laughter and how happy they were to be together. They really loved each other like family; whenever they were together, it was a mini-family reunion. For me and Bob, it was fascinating to watch the artist as he drew the character of Gilligan and fanned the pages to show us the animation. I was most taken with how each artist captured each character’s characteristics (movement, facial expressions, etc.). I knew the cast well, and that kind of talent boggled my mind because the animated characters were so spot-on that it was like the artist lived inside the skin of each one. Gilligan’s Planet ran for one season.

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Skipper falls for beautiful socialite, Erika Tiffany-Smith (played by guest star Zsa Zsa Gabor) she only has eyes for the Professor)

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Bob’s Other TV Series The Good Guys

1968-70 After Gilligan’s Island was unexpectedly cancelled (yes, the scripts were written and ready to go for Season 4), Bob found himself once again strolling the CBS lot. This time as cabdriver Rufus Butterworth in The Good Guys, which ran from 1968-1970. The series also starred Herb Edelman, who later appeared as Dorothy’s ex in The Golden Girls, and Joyce Van Patten, sister of Eight is Enough’s Dick Van Patten. Unfortunately, The Good Guys never became a ratings success and ran for only 42 episodes, but that didn’t end Bob’s series streak.

Dusty’s Trail

1973-74 Two coachmen and five passengers separated from their wagon train and lost on their way to California in the 1870s. Sound familiar? Dusty’s Trail was basically a revamp of Gilligan’s Island and as the theme song said, “Dusty’s the reason for their plight. Thanks to Dusty - nothing’s right”.

This comedy/western, created by Sherwood Schwartz, gave Bob the chance to play a cowboy, ride a horse and work with Forrest Tucker, three things he loved!

Far Out Space Nuts

1975 (15 episodes) This Sid and Marty Krofft Saturday morning children’s series ran for one season, producing only 15 episodes, but it made Bob’s dream of doing a series exclusively for kids a reality and gave him the chance to costar with Chuck McCann and work with amazing talents like John Carradine.

Bob never ceased to be amazed at the number of adults who came up to him to tell him how his Saturday morning series had been a staple in their childhoods... And with only 15 episodes!!!

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The Good Guys: Bob, Joyce Van Patten and Herb Edelman

The Good Guys 68

Alan Hale Jr. guest star on The Good Guys

The Good Guys, Bob Denver with Vincent Price

Dusty Trails cast (L to R) Jeannine Riley, Bob, Forrest Tucker, Lori Saunders, William Cort - Front: Ivor Francis and Lynn Wood 69

Dusty Trails

“Lunch!

I said lunch, not launch!”

Far Out Space Nuts: Bob and Chuck McCann 70

Bob & Dreama Meet There’s no way I could have known how August of 1977 would change my life. It began innocently enough. Having just finished a tour of the Broadway show Sunday in New York with Sal Mineo and before that appearing with Doug McClure in Neil Simon’s Come Blow Your Horn.

I finally had some time off and was spending it with my family in Orlando.

An actress friend called me to tell me there was a casting call in St. Petersburg for Woody Allen’s Play It Again, Sam and I would be perfect for the female lead, I thought to myself, I’m here anyway, so why not? I drove over, met the producer, auditioned for her, and got the part. The minute I knew I was in, I asked her who would be starring in the Woody Allen role. Her answer, Bob Denver, got an incredulous look from me as I whispered, “Gilligan? I’m going to kiss and do love scenes with Gilligan?” Her answer was, yes, if I wanted the part. Well, of course, I wanted the part. I just couldn’t imagine falling for and doing love scenes with Gilligan, even if it was all pretend. As an actress, I should have known that Bob Denver and Gilligan were not one and the same.

Weeks later I arrived for the first day of rehearsal. The theater’s marquee announced Bob Denver starring in Play It Again, Sam, also starring Dreamer Peery. Dreamer? Seriously? I’d have to talk to them and make sure the marquee was changed. Walking into rehearsal, I looked around to see there was no Bob Denver, but the other actors were there and we set about introducing ourselves and making small talk while we waited for Bob to arrive. Before long we all heard a loud voice from the doorway, shouting, “What the hell is a Dreamer?”

Every head turned toward me, including Bob’s as he followed everyone else’s gaze.

I had no choice but to step forward.

“That would be me.” I answered.

“Your name is Dreamer?” he asked in disbelief.

“No, no, no. The marquee has it wrong. My name is actually Dreama.”

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“Dreama. Your name is Dreama?” His eyes locked on mine as he took my hand, “Beautiful name...nice to meet you, Dreama.” Wow! The way he said my name . . . I don’t think the word Dreama had ever sounded so sexy.

Sparks flew! Everybody felt it. The air in the room was electric. Everybody talked about it later. No one was the least bit surprised when we ended up getting married. When Bob and I talked about it later, we agreed that each of us was thinking something along the lines of, “Ahhhhh, there you are. I’ve been waiting for you,” at that first meeting. Whatever it was that happened when our hands first touched...well, it ended up being the real deal, lasting 3 decades until Bob’s death. And lasting to this day for me.

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Murder at the Howard Johnsons

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The Owl and the Pussycat

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The Owl and the Pussycat

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Play it Again Sam - the first show we did together

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Backstage with the crew from Owl and the Pussy Cat

Catch Me If You Can 82

Gilligan Movies Rescue from Gilligan’s Island

Breaking news... all five passengers and two crew members of the SS Minnow were rescued when Coast Guard helicopters spotted smoke billowing from what looked to be a homemade raft out in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Upon closer inspection, the pilot realized that the 7 people aboard the ‘hut boat’ had to be the missing castaways whose boat, the SS Minnow, failed to return to port back in 1964.

None the worse for their ordeal, the castaways came close to capsizing the already rickety hut boat as they jumped up and down, waving, to attract the attention of the chopper pilot. Finally realizing they had indeed been spotted, all 7 settled down to await the arrival of the fireboats that would escort them back to the marina and civilization.

We welcome Gilligan, Jonas Grumby (aka the Skipper), Mr. and Mrs. Thurston Howell III, Ginger Grant (away from the silver screen far too long), Professor Roy Hinkley and adorable Mary Ann Summers back to civilization and into our hearts.

From the IMDB: The Rescue from Gilligan’s Island TV movie was one of the most viewed shows of all time. The made-for-TV movie scored 52% (30.2) in the Nielson ratings which remains one of the highest ratings of all time for a TV movie.

The Castaways on Gilligan’s Island

In the second GI movie, Gilligan finds a World War Il plane on the island (how the gang missed it for more than 15 years we’ll never know), and the Professor assures them he can make it fly.

Believe it or not, he does manage to get the plane in the air, but an engine quits, forcing the crew to return to the island. This time, however, their luck changes when the plane is picked up on radar and they’re rescued once again this time with much less fanfare.

After this rescue, Mr. Howell decides ‘if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em’ and builds a hotel on the island, employing all of the castaways. He even calls the hotel “The Castaways”. During this time in television history, two of the most popular shows on the air were Love Boat and Fantasy Island. The Castaways on 83

Gilligan’s Island was Love Boat, Fantasy Island and Hotel all rolled into one - the plan was to feature guest stars every week in two or three different plot lines.

The guest stars in this pilot movie were Tom Bosley of Happy Days and Marcia Wallace from The Bob Newhart Show.

The Harlem Globetrotters on Gilligan’s Island

The Harlem Globetrotters on Gilligan’s Island 1981 TV movie saw Bob and Dreama co-star together on TV for the first time! The pair starred together in dozens of plays prior to the “Globetrotters” film, and would later star in the pilot for a TV show called Scamps from Gilligan’s Island and Brady Bunch producer Sherwood Schwartz.

Working with the Globetrotters was a joy! Playing basketball with the Globetrotters was the stuff dreams are made of ... hanging around Scatman Cruthers, who played their coach? Well, that was a laugh a minute. For this third and final Gilligan TV movie, Constance Forslund, took over the role of Ginger and did a bang-up job stepping into Tina’s stilettos. Connie was the gorgeous actress, who had been featured in the film The Way We Were with Streisand and Redford 5 years before.

The original script had been written around Jim Backus’ character, but because he was suffering with Parkinson’s disease, his appearance was limited to a cameo near the end of the movie. A wonderful actor, David Ruprecht, came onboard as Thurston Howell IV (who knew?) and did a phenomenal job mimicking Jim’s Thurston Ill. But the clincher for all of us was Jim’s cameo - he was led onto the soundstage and placed behind the podium. One of the biggest highlights of my acting career was sharing with Jim what ended up being the last scene he ever filmed. And let me tell you, when the director yelled ACTION, Jim was 100% in the moment. After the director yelled CUT and Jim slowly left the stage to a standing ovation from cast, crew and every visitor who was there that day, I promise you, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

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And a Hut Boat brought them home!

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The Castaways

Castaways

Castaways 87

Globetrotters 88

Globetrotters

Jimmy Blacklock on set

Setting up a shot 89

With Barbara Bain and Martin Landau

Jimmy Blacklock with Dreama Denver 90

Sweet Lou Dunbar and Curly Neal 91

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Scamps In 1982, Bob and I were back in Hollywood at Universal Studios filming a pilot for a TV series called Scamps. In the Pilot, Bob played Oliver, a stay-athome writer who supplemented his rather meager writing income by taking care of the neighborhood latchkey kids after school until their parents came home at 6 o’clock. I played his mail lady Mandy who continually delivered the rejection letters that kept his income meager.

The rest of the cast consisted of 9 children between the ages of 5 and 9. First and foremost among these pint-sized pros was Joey Lawrence, a 5 and ¾-year old dynamo who knocked our socks off. Joey and I had a ‘thing’ going. I smile as I write this because we really were very taken with each other. On The Tonight Show, he even told Johnny Carson that Dreama Denver “gave him skyrockets,” which to this day is one of the highlights of my life.

As it ended up Scamps didn’t sell even though it was a hit with test audiences all over Los Angeles. Grant Tinker, who had recently taken over NBC just didn’t ‘get’ the show, which was on and off the fall schedule more times than we could count. Brandon Tartikoff, the head of programming at the network, championed the show because he was sure it would be a hit, but in the end, he couldn’t sway Mr. Tinker. So... Scamps aired one time and one time only.

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The Final Nine 95

With Shannon Izuhara and Joey Lawrence

With Parker Jacobs 96

With Joey Lawrence

The Semi-Finalists 97

The White House Thanks to Women in Film and Video, Gilligan’s Island was honored with an American Icon Award in 1998. Our trip to Washington, DC included the Icon award being presented during a dinner cruise down the Potomac (beautiful as you can imagine), as well as a tour of the White House. Bob and I had been invited to the White House in 1995, but this 1998 tour was special because it included Russell Johnson and his wife Connie, Tina Louise and Joanne Worley and her then-husband Roger Perry. Our tour took place the day John Podesta was named Chief of Staff and as we toured the West Wing, making our way to his office for the obligatory photo, it was hilarious to watch heads peeping out of office doorways all up and down the hallway, followed by overly exaggerated whispers from folks who worked for the President saying, “Hey guys,” as they looked back into their offices, “It’s Gilligan! I’m not kidding. Gilligan is in the West Wing!!”

One of the biggest highpoints from our second White House tour took place as we entered the Blue Room. Connie, Russell, Bob and I were strolling through when we heard a surprised female voice saying, “Gilligan?” We turned, and there stood world renowned portrait photographer, Annie Leibovitz, who was setting up for a session with First Lady Hillary Clinton for portraits that would be used in Vogue’s upcoming Christmas issue. Smiles of recognition crossed her face and Bob’s as she walked right over, gave Bob a hug, said hello to the rest of us and graciously agreed to a photo. So, try to imagine this - A photo with one of the most celebrated photographers in the world taken with a little instamatic camera given to us by the Secret Service because none of us thought to bring a camera to the White House. If only we had owned smartphones back then. Can you imagine being in a selfie with and courtesy of Annie Leibovitz??

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Roger Perry, Joanne Worley, Tina Louise, Dreama, Bob, Connie and Russ Johnson

With John Podesta, named Chief of Staff that day 100

With famed photographer, Annie Leibovitz

How could Bob NOT pose with The Thinker?

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Dreama and Connie Johnson

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Bob briefing in the White House Press Room

President Clinton had just gotten his new dog, Buddy

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“You Oughta Be in Pictures!”

Working with Jimmy Stewart (Take Her She’s Mine) was a highlight of Bob’s career. He loved that Jimmy Stewart’s delivery was the same in real life as it was onscreen.

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Sondra Dee and Bob in “Take Her She’s Mine”

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“Who’s Minding the Mint”

Bob and Jim Hutton in “Who’s Minding the Mint”

Jack Gilford, Bob, Milton Berle and Jim Hutton in “Who’s Minding the Mint” 106

Bob and Nancy Sinatra in “For Those Who Think Young”

“The Sweet Ride” (1968) 107

Bob with Michael Sarrazin, Jacqueline Bisset, and Michele Carey

Bob and Michele Carey in “The Sweet Ride” 108

“Did You Hear the One About the Traveling Saleslady?” with Phyliss Diller

“Did You Hear the One About the Traveling Saleslady?” with Phyliss Diller 109

“Did You Hear the One About the Traveling Saleslady?” with Phyliss Diller

“Did You Hear the One About the Traveling Saleslady?” with Phyliss Diller 110

“Did You Hear the One About the Traveling Saleslady?” with Phyliss Diller

“Did You Hear the One About the Traveling Saleslady?” with Phyliss Diller 111

Bob and Don Adams in “Back to the Beach”

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TV Guest Appearances and TV Movies This is just a sampling of all the television series in which Bob received guest starring credit.

Some of them took place years before we were married, but one in particular stood out for Bob and that one did take place during our marriage, which means I got to hear about it firsthand.

Bob had flown to L.A. to guest star in an episode of Roseanne called Sherwood Schwartz: A Loving Tribute, the 26th episode and season finale of season 7. The episode was basically a dream sequence where the castaways got to play the Conners and vice versa. Bob appeared as Jackie, Tina as Roseanne, Russell as Mark Healy and Dawn as Darlene. To avoid spoilers and their surprise appearance, the entire Gilligan’s Island cast went uncredited, along with Sherwood himself who had a fun scene with Tina as Roseanne at the end of the show.

When Bob called me that night after the first day of filming, he sounded pretty nostalgic. The reason? When he arrived at the studio, he quickly realized that Roseanne filmed on the same soundstage that Gilligan’s Island had filmed on some 30 years before. Bob told me about walking all around the soundstage; he talked about looking into all the nooks and crannies he remembered from his three years of practically living there. He was absolutely blown away when, unbelievably, he found something he never expected to see ... sand... yes, sand hidden away in many of the dark corners reminding new occupants for years to come that once upon a time, this stage was home to a beautiful island in the South Pacific and the crazy antics of 7 castaways.

“Love American Style” with Joey Heatherton 113

“Alf ” (1987)

“The New Gidget” with Caryn Richman and Dean Butter

“The New Gidget” 114

“Herman’s Head” with William Raqsdale

Bob as Eagleman on “Fantasy Island” 115

One of my favorite pictures from “The Love Boat” (1979)

Bob’s mom and her friend, who we invited to cruise to Acapulco with us 116

The Invisible Woman (1983) David Doy/e, George Gobel, Alexa Hamilton, Harvey Corman, and Bob Denver 117

Russell as Dan, Tina as Roseanne, and Bob as Jackie on “Roseanne” (1995)

Russell as Dan, Dawn as Darlene, and Bob as Jackie on “Roseanne” (1995) 118

Surviving Gilligan’s Island 2001

This documentary, produced by Dawn Wells, was a look behind-the-scenes of the most iconic shipwreck in television history. Little known facts were revealed to the viewer as Bob, Dawn and Russell reminisced about their days together as castaways. Facts like Natalie Schafer’s bout with breast cancer back in the days when treatments weren’t as plentiful as they are now; facts about Alan Hale’s journey on horseback to win the role of Skipper; facts about the off-camera friendships that lasted each of their lifetimes.

The cast for this movie/documentary was stellar. Bob, Dawn and Russell played themselves of course, but the actors cast to play the real-life castaways were better than anyone could ever have imagined. I watched Surviving Gilligan’s Island on YouTube recently and, I have to be honest, there were moments when I forgot I wasn’t actually watching Alan or Dawn or Natalie.

The actors were that good. While Bob couldn’t be in LA for the auditions, we were able to view audition tapes and weigh in on our choice for the actor who would play Bob. John Wellner was perfect, capturing Bob’s innocence and charm, as well as his ability to excel at physical comedy.

The Cast: John Wellner as Bob / Gilligan Eric Allan Kramer as Alan / Skipper - Worth watching just for his performance. So good!

Steve Vinivich as Jim Backus / Thurston Howell the III E. J. Peaker as Natalie Schafer / Lovey Howell – loved her in Hello Dolly w/ Barbra Streisand Kristin Dalton as Tina / Ginger Michael Wiseman as Russell / the Professor Samantha Harris as Dawn / Mary Ann – she & Tom Begeron, were original hosts of DWTS Then there was the extra added attraction of guest starring roles for Dwayne Hickman, Jerry Van Dyke (Sherwood’s original choice for Gilligan, which is discussed in the film) and Ray Buktenica.

I have such a soft spot in my heart for everything that went into the making of Surviving Gilligan’s Island. During the filming, they had no idea this would be the last time they would ever appear together on film. Yes, they were older and grayer, but their love for each other over almost 40 years of friendship leaps off the screen and straight into your heart. If you’re a big fan of GI and have never seen this film, I highly recommend watching it. You’ll become that little kid you used to be. You know, the kid who ran home from school every day because this was the day the castaways were definitely going to be rescued and you didn’t want to miss it. That kid!

When you think about it, in so many ways, we all survived Gilligan’s Island together.

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No Rhyme or Reason: Just for Fun! Dawn and Bob

Russell & Dawn, Bob 120

Gilligan’s Pants, The Professor’s Khakis, and Mary Ann’s Shorts

North Shore, Kauai - Bali Hai 121

2004 TV Land Awards

2004 TV Land Awards, Bob’s last public appearance 122

I love this so much!

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Fans pay homage to Bob’s character

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The Professor, Gilligan, MaryAnn photo by Ron Turner

TV Guide Covers 125

Haircuts on Kauai with Clipper Joe

Haircuts on Kauai with Clipper Joe 126

Bob’s Personal Six Week Tour of Vietnam, bringing a little taste of home to our troops

Island of Kauai, Hawaii 127

Coming back to the hotel from the Globetrotter set

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At home!

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Las Vegas 1st Trip

Bob at the gate of Universal Studios with Guard 130

Fundraiser at the Asolo Theater, Sarasota, Florida

Bob Denver at SeaWorld 131

Publicity photo shoot - the studio arranged the date and off you went with a photographer. I wish I knew the name of the actress. She’s so cute and looks really familiar

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Flight to Mars

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Elvis and Bob were born the same year, 1935, one day apart.

Elvis - January 8 / Bob - January 9

Thank goodness for Gran (Bob’s mom) - I wouldn’t have any of this without her. Bob was NOT a “squirrel-er”

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I don’t know all of the circumstances behind Gran’s request, but my jaw hit the floor when I saw the signature! Helen Hayes - The First Lady of American Theater and the second person and first woman to win an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony (EGOT)

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Glenn and Cynthia Ford

Gran (middle) with Jim Nabors at Glenn Ford Birthday (1972) 136

Gran / Glenn Ford

Bob’s mother, Marion (Gran to all of us in the family who loved her), is spotlighted in her own little section of this book. Gran was a pistol, feisty as all get out. She adored her son and loved being Gilligan’s mother. When she came to the set, she was treated like a queen. Gran and I loved each other from the get-go, and I know she would get a kick out of being remembered in a book about Bob. A quick Gran story – One day as we were driving in LA, Bob informed me that were going to pick up Gran from work. I was new to the family, new to Los Angeles and had no idea that 75-year-old Gran was a working woman. When I asked where she worked, Bob grinned slyly and said, “Just wait. You’ll see.” You can imagine how I peppered him with question after question until finally we arrived at a gate. The gate opened to reveal a gorgeous mid-century home with a guest house. Bob parked in front of the guest house. We walked to the front door and he rang the doorbell. The door opened and there stood Gran. Behind her I could see an older woman, who called out to Bob, “Bob, it’s lovely to see you. Come in, come in and let me meet your new wife.” Introductions were made; small talk commenced. Then the elderly woman, who I learned later was 90-years-old, turned to Gran, “Marion, please call up to the main house and let Glenn know that Bob is here.”

Before I knew it, we were being ushered into the main residence where we were greeted by a tall very handsome man. This man - I recognized him immediately - was one of the biggest box office draws in the 30s, 40s and 50s; he was also one of the biggest stars of the Golden Age of Hollywood with a career spanning 50 years.

“Dreams,” my husband moved me forward, “I’d like you to meet Glenn Ford.

Glenn, my wife Dreama.”

There I stood, shaking the hand of Glenn Ford, the Glenn Ford who starred in Blackboard Jungle, the Glenn Ford who starred in A Stolen Life with Bette Davis and won a Golden Globe for Best Actor for the film Pocketful of Miracles also with Bette Davis. This was the same man who starred opposite Rita Hayworth in Gilda, not to mention the man who raised Christopher Reeve in Superman: The Movie, and worked alongside Marlon Brando and Gene Hackman.

I have to tell you; I went into some kind of Ford Fog that day. I remember meeting his new wife, Cynthia; I remember sitting around his kitchen table having coffee and conversation, but I can’t remember one single syllable of anything that was said. I did, however, find out how and why Gran was at the

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Ford home. At 90 years of age, Glenn’s mother, Mrs. Ford sometimes needed someone to talk to, someone to play cards with, someone to share a meal; basically, she needed a friend she could count on to be there. That friend was Gran. I’ve included notes in this book from Glenn to Gran, which show how highly he regarded her. And if you want to know the truth, just between you and me, I always thought Gran had the tiniest bit of a crush. And, honestly, looking at these pictures, could you blame her?

Glenn Ford note to Gran, Bob’s mother

Robert Goulet giving Gran a hug as they talk to Glenn Ford 138

Glenn Ford note

Glenn Ford with Marion

Bob on Kauai

Bob with mother 139

Maynard’s Caper (Lionel Newman and His Orchestra)

(Flipside) Dobie (Lionel Newman and His Orchestra)

Gilligan’s Island Stairway

(Flipside) Pay It No Mind (Bergen White)

Where You Been (Bob Russell) 140

CBS 50th Anniversary Celebration How many do you recognize?

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In Memoriam

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Love notes to Dream, from Bob

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