Despite playing the role of a bumbling and dim-witted character on “Gilligan’s Island,” Bob Denver was known in real life as a caring and sweet man. He first crossed paths with his wife during a small play, and their love story blossomed, resulting in the birth of their child. What truly set Bob apart was his selfless sacrifice – he decided to put his acting career on hold to provide devoted care for his autistic son. This decision ensured that his son wouldn’t have to go to an institution and allowed Bob to be there for him when he needed it the most.
Bob Denver gained fame for his roles in beloved TV shows like “Gilligan’s Island” and “The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis.” His most iconic portrayal was that of Gilligan, the silly and bumbling first mate on “Gilligan’s Island.” Despite the character he played on screen, Bob was known as a compassionate and dedicated family man in real life. He always made sure his family’s needs were met, even during challenging financial times, and he was a loving and devoted father to his children.
Bob Denver in “Gilligan’s Island,” 1964 | Source: Getty Images
Bob’s wife, Dreama Denver, wanted people to see the true person behind the goofy character of Gilligan. She described Bob as an incredibly special man who had a deep and caring love for his family. He was willing to go to great lengths to make sure his loved ones were happy and thriving.
Despite the challenges Bob faced, including his struggles with alcohol, Dreama couldn’t let go of her love for him and always found her way back to him.
Bob Denver on February 3, 2004 in Marina Del Rey, California | Source: Getty Images
Despite facing challenges, Bob and his wife managed to overcome them, leading to a stronger and enduring marriage. Bob’s unwavering commitment to his family led him to make sacrifices to ensure their happiness.
The couple’s love story began when Bob, already known for his role as Gilligan, participated in a small theater production. Little did he know that this seemingly insignificant play would have a profound impact on his life. Dreama, also an actress, learned about the play through a friend’s referral and decided to audition for a role in “Play it Again Sam.” Their paths crossed during this production, setting the stage for a life-changing connection.
In 1984, Bob Denver and Dreama welcomed their own child, Colin Denver, into the world, marking a significant and transformative moment in their lives.
Bob Denver and Dreama Denver, circa 1981 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Dreama got the part, and naturally, Bob also successfully landed a role. The two would be acting opposite each other, and their characters would even be embroiled in a romantic relationship. Dreama shared that she was hesitant to star with Bob at first because of his role in “Gilligan’s Island,” confessing:
“I got the part, and thought ‘I’m going to have to kiss Gilligan? Really?’ Little did I know I would be doing those love scenes for the next 28 years.”
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The beginning of Bob and Dreama’s relationship had its challenges. They were in love, but they also had their fair share of disagreements and hardships. One of the key issues was Bob’s struggle with alcoholism, which led to friction between them. Dreama highlighted that her husband was a shy and private person, and the overwhelming fame from his role as Gilligan took a toll on him, leading to his reliance on alcohol. This issue became a source of contention in their relationship, and it caused Dreama to leave him at times.
A post shared by Dreama Denver (@dreamadenver)
A post shared by Dreama Denver (@dreamadenver)
Each time Dreama left, Bob would make the effort to win her back. Despite his struggles with alcohol, she couldn’t fully let go of Bob, and she always returned to him. Eventually, she realized that she needed to stay by his side and patiently wait for the day when Bob would prioritize their relationship over alcohol.
The arrival of their son, Colin Denver, in 1984 marked a significant turning point in their lives. By this time, Bob had already established himself as a Hollywood actor, concluded his TV career, and had three children from a previous marriage. Unfortunately, Bob didn’t have the opportunity to witness his son’s growth and development as he passed away before Colin had a chance to grow up.
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Dreama disclosed that many people assumed they were well-off because they frequently saw Bob on television. However, the reality was quite different, as the family faced significant financial struggles. Bob didn’t receive large sums of money for his role as Gilligan, and in that era, actors weren’t compensated for the reruns of their work.
The financial burden became even more challenging after Colin’s arrival. From an early age, it became apparent to Dreama and Bob that their son wasn’t progressing as expected. After consulting with a doctor at UCLA Medical Center, they received the disheartening diagnosis that Colin had intellectual disabilities.
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Colin was later diagnosed with severe autism and a seizure disorder, which required constant care and attention. Despite the financial challenges they faced, Bob and Dreama’s lives were profoundly impacted by the arrival of their son. Bob made the decision to quit drinking and end his career to provide full-time care for Colin.
Bob’s Passing and Colin Growing Up
Bob dedicated himself to looking after his son, leaving his acting career behind, even though the family’s financial situation was difficult. Both Bob and Dreama cherished Colin, devoting as much time as possible to caring for him and meeting his every need. Dreama has often shared photos of Colin on her Instagram, including a post on his birthday with a heartfelt caption:
“For all of his 39 years, this boy has owned my heart. I wish his dad could see him now, especially the little balding spot on the crown of his head. Like me, I don’t think Bob would believe it! Happy Birthday, Colin-O! Your dad and I love you now and forever.”
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Tragically, Bob never had the opportunity to see his son grow up. In 2004, the actor began experiencing voice problems, and by 2005, he noticed significant weight loss. Concerned about his health, he decided to consult a specialist. The specialist used a small camera to examine his throat and discovered an abnormal growth on his voice box.
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After undergoing an MRI scan, Bob received a devastating diagnosis of stage IV hypopharyngeal cancer. This rare and aggressive cancer had already advanced significantly, spreading to various areas including his sinuses, larynx, tongue, thyroid gland, neck muscles, and lymph nodes in his lower jaw.
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Following a complex surgery that didn’t provide the desired outcome, Bob was put on respirators. Unfortunately, his condition did not improve, and by the end of 2005, Dreama made the difficult decision to discontinue life support, and Bob passed away due to cancer, much like Farrah Fawcett. In the wake of his death, Dreama emphasized that his true legacy was the love of his fans, which he considered more valuable than any residuals could have been.