Bob Denver

A gentle physical comic with a knack for appearing simple without playing "dumb," Bob Denver put his talent to excellent use in two iconic television series of the 1960s: "The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis" (CBS, 1959-1963) and "Gilligan's Island" (CBS, 1964-67). Denver was the epitome of the screen beatnik as Maynard G. Krebs on "Gillis," but it was his turn as the accident-prone seaman Gilligan - no first name, despite rumors to the contrary - that made him a pop culture favorite for generations of fans. Denver was delighted by the ability the role gave him to bring happiness to audiences until his death in 2005. After his passing, he remained a beloved TV clown, forever a castaway and always at home in reruns.