‘Gilligan, (Bob Denver) Dies at the age of 70, Rest In Peace Little Buddy

Another piece of my childhood just left today. Bob Denver, best known for his portrayal of Gilligan, on Gilligan’s Island passed peacefully September 2nd, 2005 surrounded by his family .

Bob Denver, whose portrayal of goofy first mate Gilligan on the 1960s television show “Gilligan’s Island” made him an iconic figure to generations of TV viewers, has died, his agent confirmed Tuesday. He was 70. Denver, who underwent quadruple heart bypass surgery earlier this year, died Friday at Wake Forest University Baptist Hospital in North Carolina, according to agent Mike Eisenstadt.

The three hour tour turned into a three year run for the series as it lasted on CBS from 1964 to 1967. Even back in those days critics knew nothing, as much as the TV critics spurned the show, the viewers loved it.

“Gilligan’s Island” lasted on CBS from 1964 to 1967, and it was revived in later seasons with three high-rated TV movies.

TV critics hooted at “Gilligan’s Island,” but audiences adored it. Writer-creator Sherwood Schwartz insisted that the show had social meaning along with the laughs: “I knew that by assembling seven different people and forcing them to live together, the show would have great philosophical implications.”

From the AP:

Bob Denver, the bumbling namesake of ”Gilligan’s Island” who embarked on what was supposed to be a three-hour tour and endeared himself to generations of TV fans, has died at age 70.

He died Friday at Wake Forest University Baptist Hospital in North Carolina of complications from treatment he was receiving for cancer, his agent, Mike Eisenstadt, told The Associated Press on Tuesday.

AOL;

“One thing I can say about Bob and the show is he entertained generations, and everybody approached us and him in particular with love and a smile,” said Russell Johnson, who played the eggheaded professor on “Gilligan’s Island.” “That’s a tremendous legacy for someone from Hollywood to leave.”

So long “Little Buddy” and God Bless.

From Bob Denver.com

Hat Tip: The Jawa Report

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