Robert Osbourne Denver was born in New Rochelle, New York, on January 9, 1935. He graduated from Loyola Marymount University and went to work as a mail man. He later took a job as a PE coach and math teacher at Corpus Christi School.  Denver was married four times and had four children – Patrick, Megan, Emily, and Colin.

In 1959, Bob Denver co-stared in The Many Loves of Doby Gillis. While on the show Denver appeared on Here’s Hollywood and The Andy Griffith Show. He also appeared in movies during this time. He was in the beach movie For Those Who Think young and Who’s Minding the Mint. When Doby Gillis ended, in 1963, he landed the role that would change his life.

Denver took on the role of Gilligan in Gilligan’s Island.

Gilligan was the first mate on the SS Minnow and was a clumsy but loveable buffoon. This show aired for three seasons on CBS. Those three seasons will always be a big part of his fame. Until his death, people called him Gilligan and wanted him to wear his trademark white hat.

After the show ended, Denver had many other television shows which included The Good Guys, Love American Style, Dusty Trail and Far out Space Nuts.

He found himself in trouble in 1998, when a parcel of marijuana was delivered to his home. Originally he said the package was from Dawn Wells who played Mary Ann on Gilligan’s Island, but then he said, “Some crazy fan must have sent it,” when he appeared in court. He pleaded no contest and was sentenced to six months probation.

Bob Denver returned to his childhood home in West Virginia and began working on the radio. In 2005, he had a quadruple heart bypass surgery and was diagnosed with throat cancer. On September 2, 2005, Bob Denver passed away from pneumonia and other complications. His body was cremated and his ashes were given to the family.