8 Things You Didn’t Know About Bob Denver

Bob Denver, a gentle physical comedian with a penchant for appearing simple without playing “stupid,” put his talent to excellent use in two legendary 1960s television series: “The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis” and “Gilligan’s Island”.

We’re sure you’d like to learn more about him, so we’ve compiled a list of interesting facts about him that will undoubtedly pique your interest.

8 Things You Didn’t Know About Bob Denver

1. Denver And Hickman Went To The Same College

Denver and Hickman were friends even before they played Maynard and Dobie on Dobie Gillis’ Many Loves. Both attended Loyola University in Los Angeles and knew each other. It’s a small world after all. ^[1]

2. Used To Teach

Denver was 23 years old when he shot the pilot for Dobie Gillis while teaching Phys Ed, math, and history at a Catholic school in Pacific Palisades. ^[2]

3. Appeared In The Andy Griffith Show

Denver appears on The Andy Griffith Show as Dud Walsh, a feller married into the country Darling clan, after Dobie, and before his three-hour tour. He appears solely in “Divorce, Mountain Style,” as a network marketing strategy to showcase the face of their impending Gilligan’s Island.

4. Van Dyke Was The First Choice For Gilligan’s Island

Sherwood Schwartz had planned to cast Van Dyke because he thought he was perfect for the role. “You not only expect to see Jerry Van Dyke in a sweater, you expect to see a hole in it,” the series’ creator said in his memoir. Van Dyke’s agent, on the other hand, persuaded his client to consider another position.

5. Rumors Of His Death

According to a story in the Salt Lake Tribune that year, Bob Denver was reported dead more than 36 times in more than 30 states in early 1961. Calling a newspaper and asking, “Is it true Bob Denver is dead?” became a popular hoax. ^[3]

6. Not Related To John Denver

Most people believe Bob is linked to John Denver because of their similar surnames. However, Bob is not related to John Denver, who was born Henry John Deutschendorf, Jr.

7. He Was About To Leave The Show

Denver received his draught notice after only the third episode. With the episode “Maynard’s Farewell to the Troops,” his departure was written into the program, and Michael J. Pollard was hired to play his replacement, Maynard’s cousin, Jerome Krebs. Denver, on the other hand, was designated 4-F — unsuitable for military service — due to an issue with his neck. Fortunately, he was rehired for the series.

8. Arrested For Marijuana Possession

Denver was arrested in Anderson, California on February 7, 1971, for having marijuana and drug paraphernalia in his car and pleaded no contest to a lesser penalty of a $250 fine. ^[4]