Say what you will about "Gilligan's Island," but the critically derided 1960s sitcom knew its audience and pandered to them with buffoonish élan. Though that audience didn't fully materialize until after the series' cancellation in 1967, decades of successful syndication is all the proof you need to acknowledge that creator Sherwood Schwartz (who also brought together "The Brady Bunch") was some kind of low-aiming visionary.
Those of us who blew countless hours of our childhood hanging with the castaways on that uncharted desert isle somewhere in the Pacific Ocean owe Schwartz a debt of gratitude. Watching Bob Denver's Gilligan ineptly ensure that the Skipper (Alan Hale Jr.) and the passengers of the S.S. Minnow remain stranded on that tropical patch of earth made not doing chores and/or homework a brain-numbing joy. Yes, the jokes were awful and the plots shamelessly recycled, but there was something strangely compelling about Schwartz's dramatis personae.
Those of us who blew countless hours of our childhood hanging with the castaways on that uncharted desert isle somewhere in the Pacific Ocean owe Schwartz a debt of gratitude. Watching Bob Denver's Gilligan ineptly ensure that the Skipper (Alan Hale Jr.) and the passengers of the S.S. Minnow remain stranded on that tropical patch of earth made not doing chores and/or homework a brain-numbing joy. Yes, the jokes were awful and the plots shamelessly recycled, but there was something strangely compelling about Schwartz's dramatis personae.
- 8/11/2024
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Sci-fi legend Jack Arnold directed a majority of "Gilligan's Island," with plenty of prolific names like John Rich, Leslie Goodwins, and even "Superman" director Richard Donner all steering multiple episodes.
The origin of "Gilligan's Island" is a fascinating story already, with creator Sherwood Schwartz allegedly singing the theme song to a gas station attendant to see if the show sounded like something the average person would watch, but just as interesting is how groundbreaking the show was behind the camera.
Namely, by inviting decorated actress and history-making director Ida Lupino to helm a few episodes.
Although Rod Amateau is credited as directing the pilot for the series, CBS comedy show supervisor Sol Saks was quoted as claiming in William Donati's "Ida Lupino: A Biography," that Lupino had been brought in to help shape a struggling show. "It was 'Gilligan's Island,'" Saks said. "It wasn't even on the air yet.
The origin of "Gilligan's Island" is a fascinating story already, with creator Sherwood Schwartz allegedly singing the theme song to a gas station attendant to see if the show sounded like something the average person would watch, but just as interesting is how groundbreaking the show was behind the camera.
Namely, by inviting decorated actress and history-making director Ida Lupino to helm a few episodes.
Although Rod Amateau is credited as directing the pilot for the series, CBS comedy show supervisor Sol Saks was quoted as claiming in William Donati's "Ida Lupino: A Biography," that Lupino had been brought in to help shape a struggling show. "It was 'Gilligan's Island,'" Saks said. "It wasn't even on the air yet.
- 8/11/2024
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
TV trivia fanatics will happily point out that the first-season theme song to Sherwood Schwartz's seminal sitcom "Gilligan's Island" is different from the theme heard in later seasons. The song is the same -- it's the usual, earworm sea shanty that everyone can sing from memory -- but the final listing of the show's dramatis personae is different. In the later seasons, the theme song listed Gilligan (Bob Denver), the Skipper too (Alan Hale), the Millionaire (Jim Backus) and his wife (Natalie Shafer), the movie star (Tina Louise), the professor (Russell Watson) and Mary Ann (Dawn Wells), there on Gilligan's isle.
In the first season, however, the professor and Mary-Ann were introduced merely as "And the rest." Watson and Wells didn't have credits and photos like everyone else. This was a little baffling, as all seven characters were of equal value to the series; no one was a supporting player.
In the first season, however, the professor and Mary-Ann were introduced merely as "And the rest." Watson and Wells didn't have credits and photos like everyone else. This was a little baffling, as all seven characters were of equal value to the series; no one was a supporting player.
- 8/10/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Back when Saturday morning cartoons were actually a thing, animated spinoffs were network executives' golden ticket for extending the lifespan of their biggest hits. 1960s sensations "Star Trek" and "Gilligan's Island" both enjoyed new leases on life when they were revived via cartoon series years after going off the air, bringing back most of the original casts in their beloved roles. In the case of Sherwood Schwartz's silly slapstick sitcom about a group of people stranded on a remote island somewhere in the Pacific, it actually got a second animated spinoff, if you can believe it.
If you're wondering how the hell Schwartz wrung enough juice for two whole other shows out of the "Gilligan's Island" formula, the answer is he didn't — not exactly. Where the showrunner's Western knockoff "Dusty's Trail" swapped out Bob Denver's sailor gear for a cowboy getup, stuck the passengers of the SS Minnow on a wagon train,...
If you're wondering how the hell Schwartz wrung enough juice for two whole other shows out of the "Gilligan's Island" formula, the answer is he didn't — not exactly. Where the showrunner's Western knockoff "Dusty's Trail" swapped out Bob Denver's sailor gear for a cowboy getup, stuck the passengers of the SS Minnow on a wagon train,...
- 8/5/2024
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
TV audiences everywhere know the premise of Sherwood Schwartz's 1964 sitcom "Gilligan's Island" from its earworm theme song. Five passengers, on vacation in Hawai'i, book a three-hour boat tour on board the S.S. Minnow, along with the ship's captain and first mate. The ship ran into some bad weather, was blown far off course, and crash-landed on an uncharted tropical island. The seven stranded castaways, all from varied class backgrounds, had to comedically survive. The series only lasted three seasons but burned itself deep into the collective unconsciousness. Jung would be proud.
Thanks to the gods of syndication, "Gilligan's Island" remained on the air almost perpetually for decades. Several generations were raised on "Gilligan's" reruns, and audiences can still see it to this very day on streaming services like Tubi.
But, like anything that can be watched hundreds of times, "Gilligan's Island" began to buckle under sheaves of unwarranted scrutiny.
Thanks to the gods of syndication, "Gilligan's Island" remained on the air almost perpetually for decades. Several generations were raised on "Gilligan's" reruns, and audiences can still see it to this very day on streaming services like Tubi.
But, like anything that can be watched hundreds of times, "Gilligan's Island" began to buckle under sheaves of unwarranted scrutiny.
- 7/28/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
The 1966 "Batman" TV series -- one of the best TV shows of all time -- wasn't shy about including shameless cameos. Early in the show's run, the producers invented an organic conceit that would allow famous people to literally poke their heads in for a moment to deliver a few lines of dialogue. While Batman (Adam West) and Robin (Burt Ward) were scaling the side of a building -- something they did often -- a celebrity guest would open a window to see who might be making noise on their outside wall. The series featured peek-ins from Sammy Davis, Jr., Jerry Lewis, Art Linkletter, Don Ho, and Dick Clark.
Other notable stars also provided peek-ins, but many appeared in character, playing their roles from other hip TV shows at the time. Ted Cassidy, for instance, appeared as Lurch from "The Addams Family." Werner Klemperer had a cameo as Colonel Klink from "Hogan's Heroes.
Other notable stars also provided peek-ins, but many appeared in character, playing their roles from other hip TV shows at the time. Ted Cassidy, for instance, appeared as Lurch from "The Addams Family." Werner Klemperer had a cameo as Colonel Klink from "Hogan's Heroes.
- 7/27/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Sherwood Schwartz's "The Brady Bunch" was entering its Cousin Oliver death throes when the bankable television producer unveiled what he hoped would be his next sitcom smash in "Dusty's Trail." He had good reason to be upbeat. The zany Western series was a reunion with his "Gilligan's Island" star Bob Denver, who'd become a household name thanks to the syndication success of that critically derided, yet ridiculously watchable 1960s show. If couch potatoes were content to gorge on reruns of their previous collaboration, surely they'd have an appetite for Denver playing an equally inept coachman bumbling his way west to California.
There were, however, warning signs ahead of the series' September 1973 debut. For starters, Schwartz's efforts to revive "Gilligan's Island" based on the strength of its syndication popularity had proven fruitless. Meanwhile, the networks simply weren't interested in another go-round with Schwartz and Denver, which forced the producer...
There were, however, warning signs ahead of the series' September 1973 debut. For starters, Schwartz's efforts to revive "Gilligan's Island" based on the strength of its syndication popularity had proven fruitless. Meanwhile, the networks simply weren't interested in another go-round with Schwartz and Denver, which forced the producer...
- 7/27/2024
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Making just about any episode of television can be a fraught experience. There's never enough time or money to perfectly achieve the ideal version of what a showrunner envisions, but the inevitable limitations one encounters -- whether it's a shocking number of frogs piled up outside of a writer's door, or being forced to write through unimaginable pain -- can still result in something special. In the case of "Gilligan's Island," the team behind the show eventually produced a series that stood the test of time and became one of the most beloved sitcoms ever ... but not before one of those limitations had the director of the show's pilot worried for his life.
After creator Sherwood Schwartz pitched the show to a random gas station attendant, then to executives at CBS and got the resources to make a pilot, he and his collaborators prepared to depart for Hawaii to film the episode.
After creator Sherwood Schwartz pitched the show to a random gas station attendant, then to executives at CBS and got the resources to make a pilot, he and his collaborators prepared to depart for Hawaii to film the episode.
- 7/21/2024
- by Ben Pearson
- Slash Film
For a sitcom with a premise and characters so basic they could be completely summed up in a minute-long (and absurdly catchy) theme song, "Gilligan's Island" was a real bear to get off the ground.
To start off, creator Sherwood Schwartz was in a world of pain while writing the show's pilot (although that had nothing to do with his creative process and everything to do with the 40-something Schwartz -- as 40-something men are wont to do -- overestimating his ability to lift stacks of fresh timber unassisted). Then there were the brutal reactions from his agent and network execs, who practically laughed him out of the building when Schwartz proposed a comedy series about seven people being stranded on the same island, week after week. And then there was the pilot shoot in Hawaii, with the showrunner waking up one morning to find himself surveying what appeared to...
To start off, creator Sherwood Schwartz was in a world of pain while writing the show's pilot (although that had nothing to do with his creative process and everything to do with the 40-something Schwartz -- as 40-something men are wont to do -- overestimating his ability to lift stacks of fresh timber unassisted). Then there were the brutal reactions from his agent and network execs, who practically laughed him out of the building when Schwartz proposed a comedy series about seven people being stranded on the same island, week after week. And then there was the pilot shoot in Hawaii, with the showrunner waking up one morning to find himself surveying what appeared to...
- 7/20/2024
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
In the "Gilligan's Island" episode "Gilligan Meets Jungle Boy", the title character (Bob Denver) unexpectedly finds a young boy living on the island. The boy (Kurt Russell) has clearly been living on the island his whole life, as he cannot speak English, and only repeats what others say. Gilligan tries to tell the other castaways about his encounter with Jungle Boy, but, comedically, no one believes him.
Eventually, Jungle Boy is exposed, and the castaways are kind and protective. The boy also happens to know of a massive natural gas vent on the island, and it gives the Professor (Russell Watson) an idea. If they can sew together the long rubber raincoats on the S.S. Minnow, and seal the seams with tree sap, he could fill the coats with natural gas, hence constructing a makeshift hot air balloon. Surprisingly, the Professor's idea works, and the balloon seems capable of...
Eventually, Jungle Boy is exposed, and the castaways are kind and protective. The boy also happens to know of a massive natural gas vent on the island, and it gives the Professor (Russell Watson) an idea. If they can sew together the long rubber raincoats on the S.S. Minnow, and seal the seams with tree sap, he could fill the coats with natural gas, hence constructing a makeshift hot air balloon. Surprisingly, the Professor's idea works, and the balloon seems capable of...
- 7/20/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
"Gilligan's Island" wasn't the most sophisticated television series ever to beam into our living rooms. For three seasons between 1964 and 1967 (and over decades of syndication thereafter), viewers turned in to watch seven castaways stranded on an uncharted island somewhere far off the coast of Hawaii attempt and inevitably fail to find their way back to civilization. In just about every case, their endeavors were bungled by Gilligan (Bob Denver), an energetic young shipmate with a heart of gold and a headful of rocks.
The show never deviated from this stupidly simple setup (despite the network's initial efforts), but it was so good-naturedly silly and energetically performed that you excused the rigid repetition. Kids loved the broadly visual gags, while parents could appreciate the ensemble chemistry generated between old pros like Jim Backus, Alan Hale, Jr. and Natalie Schafer.
Ensemble dynamics are tricky things. When casting a sitcom this formulaic, creators...
The show never deviated from this stupidly simple setup (despite the network's initial efforts), but it was so good-naturedly silly and energetically performed that you excused the rigid repetition. Kids loved the broadly visual gags, while parents could appreciate the ensemble chemistry generated between old pros like Jim Backus, Alan Hale, Jr. and Natalie Schafer.
Ensemble dynamics are tricky things. When casting a sitcom this formulaic, creators...
- 7/20/2024
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Thanks to the imminently catchy theme song to Sherwood Schwartz's 1964 sitcom "Gilligan's Island," generations of TV fans know the premise of the series, even if they haven't seen a single episode. The song, fashioned after old-timey sea shanties, explains that five passengers, a captain, and his first mate, all boarded a small sightseeing vessel for a three-hour tour. They hit some bad weather on their voyage and crash-landed on an uncharted desert isle. The ship, the S.S. Minnow, was irreparably damaged, and the seven stranded castaways have to learn to survive together, usually to comedic effect.
Most of the series was filmed in California, but certain exteriors, especially early in the series, were filmed on the island of Kauai in Hawai'i. Schwartz recounted every possible detail of the filming in his invaluable book "Inside Gilligan's Island: From Creation to Syndication," published in 2010. To shoot the show's opening sequence,...
Most of the series was filmed in California, but certain exteriors, especially early in the series, were filmed on the island of Kauai in Hawai'i. Schwartz recounted every possible detail of the filming in his invaluable book "Inside Gilligan's Island: From Creation to Syndication," published in 2010. To shoot the show's opening sequence,...
- 7/19/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Gen X kids grew up with a steady after-school diet of Gilligan’s Island, a show that, despite its pop-culture ubiquity, only lasted three seasons. Maybe that was because there were only so many ways for seven castaways to try (and fail) to escape a desert island. But the show’s producer, Sherwood Schwartz, foresaw that shortcoming and had plans to mix it up if the show continued to get renewed.
Only one more season of being stranded was the plan, Schwartz told the Muncie Evening News via MeTV. “I hoped from the outset that the show would go for four years with them on the island,” he explained. “But I’ve had a projected escape in the back of my mind.”
Schwartz’s bonkers plan sounds like a cross between Fantasy Island and White Lotus. “Should they get rescued, or should the ratings go down, or should we feel...
Only one more season of being stranded was the plan, Schwartz told the Muncie Evening News via MeTV. “I hoped from the outset that the show would go for four years with them on the island,” he explained. “But I’ve had a projected escape in the back of my mind.”
Schwartz’s bonkers plan sounds like a cross between Fantasy Island and White Lotus. “Should they get rescued, or should the ratings go down, or should we feel...
- 7/18/2024
- Cracked
In his 1992 piece "Reflections after 25 years at the movies," the late, great film critic Roger Ebert observed: "Look at a movie that a lot of people love, and you will find something profound, no matter how silly the film may seem." You can extend that sentiment to any other artistic medium, television included. Even a fluffy slapstick show like "Gilligan's Island" has an unspoken depth that's kept viewers coming back to it decades after it went off the air.
According to creator Sherwood Schwartz, who passed away in 2011 after a long, prolific TV career, people were quick to assume the '60s sitcom began as a comedic spin on the Robinson Crusoe story. However, he maintained that the series was really born out of his desire to make a show about what might happen if a group of people from different walks of life somehow found themselves stuck together and...
According to creator Sherwood Schwartz, who passed away in 2011 after a long, prolific TV career, people were quick to assume the '60s sitcom began as a comedic spin on the Robinson Crusoe story. However, he maintained that the series was really born out of his desire to make a show about what might happen if a group of people from different walks of life somehow found themselves stuck together and...
- 7/13/2024
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
The act of creation can be a difficult process. Painful even. Sometimes excruciating. Take, for instance, the writing of the "Gilligan's Island" pilot.
Sherwood Schwartz was no babe in the entertainment industry woods when he set out to bring the tale of the S.S. Minnow's two-man crew and five passengers getting shipwrecked on an uncharted island somewhere far off the coast of Hawaii. He broke into show business as a radio writer for The Bob Hope Show in 1938, and found additional work on the radio version of "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet." He segued to television in the 1950s when he joined the staff of the early sitcom "I Married Joan," put in six years on "The Red Skelton Show" and was ready to pitch a show of his own in 1963 when he hit upon the idea of a particularly calamitous three-hour boat tour.
"Gilligan's Island" may be...
Sherwood Schwartz was no babe in the entertainment industry woods when he set out to bring the tale of the S.S. Minnow's two-man crew and five passengers getting shipwrecked on an uncharted island somewhere far off the coast of Hawaii. He broke into show business as a radio writer for The Bob Hope Show in 1938, and found additional work on the radio version of "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet." He segued to television in the 1950s when he joined the staff of the early sitcom "I Married Joan," put in six years on "The Red Skelton Show" and was ready to pitch a show of his own in 1963 when he hit upon the idea of a particularly calamitous three-hour boat tour.
"Gilligan's Island" may be...
- 7/13/2024
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
One needn't recount the premise of "Gilligan's Island." One only needs to listen to the theme song.
When Sherwood Schwartz was first casting his sitcom "Gilligan's Island" back in 1964, he knew that finding the right actor to play the Skipper -- Jonas Grumby, the captain of the S.S. Minnow -- was going to be a challenge. He had envisioned the title character as a shrimpy, thin man, and he knew that he wanted Bob Denver, previously the star of "The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis," in the role. To provide a physical contrast, Shwartz wanted the Skipper to be large, imposing, and capable of yelling in rage. But, and this was key, the Skipper also had to be lovable. In an interview with the Television Academy Foundation, Schwartz was explicit in saying he wanted a teddy bear of a man. Someone who was big and round, but also imminently cuddly.
When Sherwood Schwartz was first casting his sitcom "Gilligan's Island" back in 1964, he knew that finding the right actor to play the Skipper -- Jonas Grumby, the captain of the S.S. Minnow -- was going to be a challenge. He had envisioned the title character as a shrimpy, thin man, and he knew that he wanted Bob Denver, previously the star of "The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis," in the role. To provide a physical contrast, Shwartz wanted the Skipper to be large, imposing, and capable of yelling in rage. But, and this was key, the Skipper also had to be lovable. In an interview with the Television Academy Foundation, Schwartz was explicit in saying he wanted a teddy bear of a man. Someone who was big and round, but also imminently cuddly.
- 7/12/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
The development of a television show is always kind of a wacky, potentially surprising thing, but the creation of the classic CBS television series "Gilligan's Island" is truly one for the books. Series creator Sherwood Schwartz, who would also go on to create the immensely popular "The Brady Bunch" for ABC, famously developed the series purely based on his idea for the theme song. In his defense, it's an earworm and it explains the entire backstory for the show, so it's basically perfect as far as theme songs go, but there were some folks at CBS who just weren't entirely sold on the concept. In fact, the president of CBS at the time, Jim Aubrey, absolutely hated the show and wanted nothing to do with it!
Eventually, it was Aubrey himself who greenlit "Gilligan's Island," surprising Schwartz and everyone who helped create the initial test pilot. In the book "Sitcom...
Eventually, it was Aubrey himself who greenlit "Gilligan's Island," surprising Schwartz and everyone who helped create the initial test pilot. In the book "Sitcom...
- 7/6/2024
- by Danielle Ryan
- Slash Film
Few pieces of human anatomy caused quite as much pearl-clutching among conservative media moralists in the 20th century as the uncovered belly button. Marilyn Monroe was barred from exposing her naked tummy up until George Cukor's never-finished 1962 film, "Something's Got to Give," while even Disney fan afoul of Hays Code era censors after threatening to reveal the titular character's navel in 1941's "The Reluctant Dragon." NBC similarly kept a close eye on Barbara Eden's unclothed midriff to ensure there was no funny business with Sidney Sheldon's '60s sitcom "I Dream of Jeannie" (although Eden later claimed it was a non-issue until members of the press made a fuss about it).
It would, of course, be more accurate to say that the exposed female waistline was responsible for most of this hand-wringing. William Shatner spent the '60s flaunting his abs to his heart's content on "Star Trek: The Original Series,...
It would, of course, be more accurate to say that the exposed female waistline was responsible for most of this hand-wringing. William Shatner spent the '60s flaunting his abs to his heart's content on "Star Trek: The Original Series,...
- 6/30/2024
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
When Sherwood Schwartz first came up with the idea for his 1964 sitcom "Gilligan's Island," he was less concerned with its uncharted tropical island setting as he was with cramming people with disparate backgrounds into a situation where they couldn't leave each other. He initially liked the idea of making a workplace drama, but, he felt, that wasn't isolated enough. He eventually figured that if a varied cast of characters was stranded, alone, in a remote location, then comedy and story would naturally follow.
Schwartz developed his concept into "Gilligan's Island," wherein a tour boat captain (Alan Hale), his first officer (Bob Denver), a millionaire (Jim Backus), his wife (Natalie Schafer), a professional actress (Tina Louise), a farm girl (Dawn Wells), and a scientist (Russell Watson) take a Hawai'ian sea tour, only to be pulled off course by bad weather and stranded on a lost island in the Pacific. The series...
Schwartz developed his concept into "Gilligan's Island," wherein a tour boat captain (Alan Hale), his first officer (Bob Denver), a millionaire (Jim Backus), his wife (Natalie Schafer), a professional actress (Tina Louise), a farm girl (Dawn Wells), and a scientist (Russell Watson) take a Hawai'ian sea tour, only to be pulled off course by bad weather and stranded on a lost island in the Pacific. The series...
- 6/30/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
"The Ballad of Gilligan's Isle" remains, even at this late date, one of the best TV theme songs of all time. It did its job in an exemplary fashion, explaining the premise of the series and introducing all the characters, all with one of the catchiest earworms ever conceived. The song was written by "Gilligan's Island" creator Sherwood Schwartz and composer George Wyle. The original idea for "The Ballad of Gilligan's Isle" was to give it a more upbeat, calypso sound, so a "tropical" theme was composed for the original "Gilligan's Island" pilot episode. However, Schwartz eventually changed gears on the song, feeling that a sea shanty would be better placed. It was a wise decision.
Additional verses for "The Ballad of Gilligan's Isle" can be heard over the show's closing credits, with one notable lyric having left fans speculating on the classical origins of the series for many years.
Additional verses for "The Ballad of Gilligan's Isle" can be heard over the show's closing credits, with one notable lyric having left fans speculating on the classical origins of the series for many years.
- 6/22/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
I have yet to task a team of scientists with actually proving this theory, but I contend that there's a glitch in our universe that grants every person who hears the theme song to the 1964-1967 television comedy "Gilligan's Island," even if it's just a single time, with the unerring ability to recall the lyrics and tune of the song in their entirety from that moment until the moment they shuffle off this mortal coil. The melody seems to have been scientifically engineered to stick in peoples' brains, and since the lyrics of the song explain the backstory and premise of the entire show, the idea of having tons of people wandering around with the whole thing stuck in their heads must have been very helpful to creator Sherwood Schwartz and broadcast network CBS.
But before "Gilligan's Island" ever made it on the air, before the network executives secretly added...
But before "Gilligan's Island" ever made it on the air, before the network executives secretly added...
- 6/19/2024
- by Ben Pearson
- Slash Film
Sherwood Schwartz's 1964 sitcom "Gilligan's Island" occupies a strange space in popular culture. Thanks to decades of reruns, the series became deeply embedded into the American subconscious, becoming one of the bedrocks of 1960s television. There was a time when everyone in a certain age bracket learned all about "Gilligan's Island" without even trying, and no Gen-Xer worth their weight in clove cigarettes couldn't sing the show's theme song. At the same time, however, "Island" was widely derided by critics and audiences alike for being silly "low art" entertainment, reliant on silly slapstick over any sense of realism. "Gilligan's Island" was ubiquitous, but it wasn't necessarily respected.
The cast of "Gilligan's Island" were victims of their own popularity. Bob Denver, Alan Hale, Dawn Wells, Russell Johnson, and Tina Louise all continued to work after the series -- and they all have broad, decades-long careers in entertainment besides -- but they...
The cast of "Gilligan's Island" were victims of their own popularity. Bob Denver, Alan Hale, Dawn Wells, Russell Johnson, and Tina Louise all continued to work after the series -- and they all have broad, decades-long careers in entertainment besides -- but they...
- 6/15/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Imagine watching Nick at Nite back when shows from the 1950s through to the '70s dominated the programming block. It just so happens that "Gilligan's Island" season 1, episode 19, "Gilligan Meets Jungle Boy," is on. By and large, you know what to expect: Gilligan (Bob Denver) getting up to slapstick mayhem; Jonas Grumby, aka "The Skipper" (Alan Hale Jr.), on the verge of blowing a fuse over his first mate's antics; and the shipwrecked passengers of the SS Minnow staging yet another comically failed attempt in their Sisyphean quest to escape the titular island. Sherwood Schwartz's supremely silly sitcom series was nothing if not consistent in its formula.
It's at this point that a 13-year-old Kurt Russell shows up with no shirt and a leopard loincloth on.
"Jungle Boy" does indeed hit all the anticipated beats for an episode of "Gilligan's Island." It also, in true to form fashion,...
It's at this point that a 13-year-old Kurt Russell shows up with no shirt and a leopard loincloth on.
"Jungle Boy" does indeed hit all the anticipated beats for an episode of "Gilligan's Island." It also, in true to form fashion,...
- 6/3/2024
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
Popular early TV comedy "Gilligan's Island" faced some obstacles throughout its 3 season run, from a cast that changed between pilot and series to a bad response to the initial pitch to a planned fourth season that was cut short when the show was seen as getting in the way of "Gunsmoke." But one of the first problems the series' creator had to deal with on the show had nothing to do with network expectations, and in fact sounds a bit like a plot from the series itself. Before the show ever went to air, its Hawaiian production area was swarmed with a seemingly endless army of frogs.
Series creator Sherwood Schwartz once told the Television Academy that the pilot shoot for the series involved a daily slog through a sea of frogs that piled up outside his door in Hawaii. "We shot it in the same place where they did 'South Pacific,...
Series creator Sherwood Schwartz once told the Television Academy that the pilot shoot for the series involved a daily slog through a sea of frogs that piled up outside his door in Hawaii. "We shot it in the same place where they did 'South Pacific,...
- 5/28/2024
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
Back in 1961, Newt Minow, then the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, gave an infamous speech about the state of modern television. Minow, who had just been appointed to his position, noted that nothing is better than good TV, "But when television is bad," he said, "nothing is worse." He invited his listeners to sit and watch any random 24 hours of TV and assured them that "what you will observe is a vast wasteland."
"You will see," he continued, "a procession of game shows, formula comedies about totally unbelievable families, blood and thunder, mayhem, violence, sadism, murder, Western bad men, Western good men, private eyes, gangsters, more violence, and cartoons. And endlessly, commercials — many screaming, cajoling, and offending." More than anything, he said, you will find boredom. Minow believed that there was a disconnect between what TV stations were providing and what an intelligent viewing public wanted to see.
Some...
"You will see," he continued, "a procession of game shows, formula comedies about totally unbelievable families, blood and thunder, mayhem, violence, sadism, murder, Western bad men, Western good men, private eyes, gangsters, more violence, and cartoons. And endlessly, commercials — many screaming, cajoling, and offending." More than anything, he said, you will find boredom. Minow believed that there was a disconnect between what TV stations were providing and what an intelligent viewing public wanted to see.
Some...
- 5/25/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Jim Backus' first major acting gig was playing a snotty millionaire named Dexter Hayes on the 1940 radio serial "Society Girl." This was to kick off a decades-long career in radio, film, and television, wherein Backus invented multiple indelible characters that remain a part of the pop fabric to this very day. He appeared on "The Jack Benny Program" and even briefly had his own TV show, "The Jim Backus Show" in 1957. He famously played the voice of Mr. Magoo from 1949 until his death in 1989, and starred in "Rebel Without a Cause." He was adept at playing clueless weirdos and self-absorbed egotists, although he had a great deal of comedic range. Be sure to listen to his hit comedy single "Delicious!" sometime. He elicits laughter without saying anything. I could list more credits, but we'd be here all day; Backus starred in over 100 films and shorts, and several dozen TV shows.
- 5/18/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Prior to 1964 -- the year "Gilligan's Island" debuted, comedian and actor Jerry Van Dyke already had an expanding showbiz career. In 1963 alone, he appeared in the films "The Courtship of Eddie's Father," "Palm Springs Weekend," and "McClintock!" He also had a few guest appearances on his brother's sitcom "The Dick Van Dyke Show," and regularly turned up on talk shows to perform and converse.
It was in 1964 that Van Dyke was offered the title role in Sherwood Schwartz's "Gilligan's Island," still in development at the time. Van Dyke couldn't have predicted that "Gilligan's Island" would last for 98 episodes and become one of the most widely recognized sitcoms in TV history, so turning it down didn't seem like much of an event. As the public now knows, the title role in "Gilligan's Island" went to comedian Bob Denver, star of "The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis."
Van Dyke would subsequently...
It was in 1964 that Van Dyke was offered the title role in Sherwood Schwartz's "Gilligan's Island," still in development at the time. Van Dyke couldn't have predicted that "Gilligan's Island" would last for 98 episodes and become one of the most widely recognized sitcoms in TV history, so turning it down didn't seem like much of an event. As the public now knows, the title role in "Gilligan's Island" went to comedian Bob Denver, star of "The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis."
Van Dyke would subsequently...
- 5/11/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
The premise of Sherwood Schwartz's '60s sitcom "Gilligan's Island" is laid out clearly in its theme song. Five passengers set sail on the S.S. Minnow with its captain and first mate, hoping to enjoy a three-hour tour of Hawaii. The ship hit rough weather, however, was dragged many miles off course, and washed up on the shores of an uncharted tropical island. The seven characters had to use their wits to survive, along with the contents of the inexplicably massive suitcases they all brought along. "Gilligan's Island" took place in a broad, slapstick universe, so any concerns of actual survival weren't addressed in any kind of meaningful way; Gilligan (Bob Denver) seemed to gain sustenance from energy-producing pratfalls.
One of the castaways was Ginger Grant (Tina Louise), a glamorous professional actor who brought along a lifetime supply of eyeliner. Throughout the series, Ginger would tell stories about...
One of the castaways was Ginger Grant (Tina Louise), a glamorous professional actor who brought along a lifetime supply of eyeliner. Throughout the series, Ginger would tell stories about...
- 5/4/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
"Gilligan's Island" may be viewed as a classic sitcom now, but when the silly series about a group of island castaways aired from 1964 to 1967, it was far from a sure bet for its home network, CBS. As Laura Morowitz writes in the book "Critiquing the Sitcom," the series was "championed by the public" yet "routinely derided by critics." Anything but a classic in its time, the series ultimately became an enduring part of TV history thanks to its seemingly endless replays in syndication. According to Morowitz, it "would come to be the most repeated series in television history."
During its original airing, "Gilligan's Island" was pushed around the prime-time schedule like brussel sprouts on a picky kid's plate. It switched time slots three times during its relatively short run and was finally canceled in 1967. Except, the cancelation of "Gilligan's Island" wasn't straightforward; by several accounts, it came after the show had already seemingly been renewed,...
During its original airing, "Gilligan's Island" was pushed around the prime-time schedule like brussel sprouts on a picky kid's plate. It switched time slots three times during its relatively short run and was finally canceled in 1967. Except, the cancelation of "Gilligan's Island" wasn't straightforward; by several accounts, it came after the show had already seemingly been renewed,...
- 4/22/2024
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
The premise of Sherwood Schwartz's 1964 sitcom "Gilligan's Island" is succinctly laid out in its indelible theme song, written by Schwartz and George Wyle. The S.S. Minnow, helmed by Captain G. Jonas Grumby (Alan Hale) and his first officer Gilligan (Bob Denver) took on five passengers for a three-hour boat tour of Hawai'i. The ship hit some bad weather, got lost at sea, and washed up on an uncharted island somewhere in the Pacific. Now the two sailors, along with a millionaire (Jim Backus), his wife (Natalie Schafer), a movie star (Tina Louise), a professor (Russel Johnson), and a lottery-winning tourist (Dawn Wells), have to learn to survive, all to comedic effect.
"Gilligan's Island" has no themes of actual survival, instead rolling with its slapstick elements; the series clearly takes place in a cartoon reality. As such, the characters play as broad archetypes, mugging and screaming in an unrealistic fashion.
"Gilligan's Island" has no themes of actual survival, instead rolling with its slapstick elements; the series clearly takes place in a cartoon reality. As such, the characters play as broad archetypes, mugging and screaming in an unrealistic fashion.
- 4/22/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Photo credit: “Shutterstock.AI” The Brady Bunch was a pop-culture phenomenon, changing how families were portrayed on TV over 50 years ago! Creator Sherwood Schwartz’s blended family of six kids struck a relatable chord as family dynamics were changing. Stars like Barry Williams (Greg) and Susan Olsen (Cindy) had no idea of the show’s massive reach until they ventured outside the studio. At a fan event a few years ago, they shared they had no idea how popular the show was until they got out of Los Angeles and saw and heard the reactions from across the country. (Click on the media bar below to hear Barry Williams & Susan Olsen) https://www.hollywoodoutbreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Barry_Williams_Susan_Olsen_Brady_Bunch.mp3
The post Beatlemania for the Bradys? – Cast Members Recall The Crazed Fan Response appeared first on Hollywood Outbreak.
The post Beatlemania for the Bradys? – Cast Members Recall The Crazed Fan Response appeared first on Hollywood Outbreak.
- 4/4/2024
- by Hollywood Outbreak
- HollywoodOutbreak.com
Walter White and Jesse Pinkman. Kirk and Spock. Joey and Chandler. Memorable TV pairings are a dime a dozen, but truly legendary combinations like these, in which the actors are operating at the peak of their powers and their shared chemistry is off the charts, are much harder to come by. One such couple (of the non-romantic variety) that has entered that hallowed pantheon is Gilligan and the Skipper from the classic 1960s sitcom "Gilligan's Island," where actors Bob Denver and Alan Hale Jr. became beloved stars playing two of the seven castaways who became stranded after a storm washed their characters up on an island during the fateful three-hour tour we hear about in the show's ear-wormy theme song.
Sherwood Schwartz, the show's creator and producer, knew how crucial it was to cast the right performers for these roles, and for him, the Skipper was actually the hardest part...
Sherwood Schwartz, the show's creator and producer, knew how crucial it was to cast the right performers for these roles, and for him, the Skipper was actually the hardest part...
- 3/30/2024
- by Ben Pearson
- Slash Film
Alan Hale is probably best known for playing Jonas Grumby, a.k.a. The Skipper, on the 1964 sitcom "Gilligan's Island." He was, however, an experienced stage and TV performer prior to "Gilligan's," having made his Broadway debut in 1931 in a play called "Caught Wet." Hale also appeared in over 50 films before 1964, across all genres and budgets. He had a recurring role on "The Gene Autry Show" and played the title characters on "Biff Baker, U.S.A." and on "Casey Jones." He was in single episodes of most of the hit Western TV shows of the 1950s and '60s. When it came time to play The Skipper, Hale was wholly dedicated to the role, trying to be as funny as possible.In the world of adventure TV, Hale was a major presence and a consummate professional.
Hale was so professional, in fact, that he once refused to report a...
Hale was so professional, in fact, that he once refused to report a...
- 3/23/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
In 1989, "Weird Al" Yankovic released a song called "Isle Thing," a parody of Tone Lōc's 1988 hit "Wild Thing." In Yankovic's version, the song's narrator met an attractive woman at the Circle-k and went back to her place, presumably for some active coitus. Instead, however, the woman eschewed sex for a marathon of "Gilligan's Island" reruns. The narrator immediately began to recognize the logical inconsistencies in Sherwood Schwartz's beloved 1963 sitcom, notably that the Professor (Russell Johnson) could build a nuclear reactor using only coconuts, but wasn't able to construct a boat to escape the desert island he and the castaways were stranded on. Yankovic also noted that "those homeboys brought an awful lot for just a three-hour tour."
The premise of "Gilligan's Island" is made clear in the show's opening theme song. Two sailors and five guests were to take a three-hour boat tour around Hawai'i when they hit bad weather,...
The premise of "Gilligan's Island" is made clear in the show's opening theme song. Two sailors and five guests were to take a three-hour boat tour around Hawai'i when they hit bad weather,...
- 3/18/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
The Gordy subplot in Jordan Peele's "Nope" is distressing for many reasons, not least of which is that history is filled with incidents of real-life film and TV actors nearly meeting their maker at the hands -- or paws -- of a startled non-human costar. We're not as far removed from such real-world incidents as you might assume, either. During her "Hot Ones" episode in 2022, Leslie Mann recalled having to share a "little tiny space" with an actual lion on the "George of the Jungle" set 25 years earlier and realizing that "if he just jumps at me, I'm dead" and nobody could do a damn thing to save her.
30 years before that, it seems Bob Denver had a similar encounter with one of Simba's cousins on "Gilligan's Island." The show's second season episode "Feed the Kitty" saw a shipwrecked lion wash up on the shores of the titular island,...
30 years before that, it seems Bob Denver had a similar encounter with one of Simba's cousins on "Gilligan's Island." The show's second season episode "Feed the Kitty" saw a shipwrecked lion wash up on the shores of the titular island,...
- 3/10/2024
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
Opening TV theme songs have tragically become a lost art. On one level, it makes sense. As the line between television and film has grown increasingly blurry in the 21st century, opening titles have become more and more cinematic. The mix of simple earworms and dialogue-free visuals in the opening titles of shows like "Mad Men" are eloquent works of art in and of themselves. It just wouldn't have the same effect if, instead of David Carbonara's haunting suite accompanied by minimalistic animation of an ad man's world literally falling apart, you had someone singing about that ol' scoundrel Don Draper and how his dastardly, womanizing ways are coming back to bite him (as amazing as that sounds).
Of course, things were different when Sherwood Schwartz created "Gilligan's Island." The show required a tad more exposition than your run-of-the-mill sitcom at the time. Whereas series like "Bewitched" and "I Dream of Jeannie...
Of course, things were different when Sherwood Schwartz created "Gilligan's Island." The show required a tad more exposition than your run-of-the-mill sitcom at the time. Whereas series like "Bewitched" and "I Dream of Jeannie...
- 3/10/2024
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
The plot of director Dean Parisot's cult-favorite 1999 sci-fi comedy "Galaxy Quest" hinges on a race of extraterrestrials, the Thermians, believing that an '80s space adventure series is a collection of "historical documents" of real-life events. When one of the show's actors, Gwen DeMarco (Sigourney Weaver), tries to explain to them that many TV series are purely fictional, she adds (with more than a hint of exasperation), "Surely, you don't think 'Gilligan's Island' is a ..." before trailing off as she watches the Thermians' faces drop in heartfelt despair. "Those poor people," their leader, Mathesar (Enrico Colantoni), somberly replies.
A naive group of other-worldly beings thinking that Sherwood Schwartz's zany '60s sitcom is really an authentic documentary about an eclectic group of humans — including (sing it with me now), "Gilligan, the Skipper too, the millionaire and his wife, the movie star, the Professor and Mary Ann...
A naive group of other-worldly beings thinking that Sherwood Schwartz's zany '60s sitcom is really an authentic documentary about an eclectic group of humans — including (sing it with me now), "Gilligan, the Skipper too, the millionaire and his wife, the movie star, the Professor and Mary Ann...
- 3/9/2024
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
Watching "Gilligan's Island" reruns as a child always had this author wondering if "Gilligan" was the character's first name or last name. Gilligan, as played hilariously by Bob Denver, was the main character of the series, but also its buffoonish comic relief. He was most countered by his straight man, the Skipper (Alan Hale) or Professor Roy Hinckley (Russell Johnson), but he served as a foil for every character. Denver doesn't get enough credit for his pliability as a comic performer. Denver passed away in 2005 at the age of 70, best known for "Gilligan's Island" and for the 1959 sitcom "The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis." He was also a regular on the Sherwood Schwartz series "Dusty's Trail" as well as the 1968 series "The Good Guys."
On "Gilligan's Island," many fans wondered what Gilligan's full name was. It seems that, at the end of the day, he's like Cher or Fabian, sporting only one name.
On "Gilligan's Island," many fans wondered what Gilligan's full name was. It seems that, at the end of the day, he's like Cher or Fabian, sporting only one name.
- 2/29/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
"The Ballad of Gilligan's Island," penned by executive producer and show creator Sherwood Schwartz and songwriter George Wyle holds the distinction of being the best TV theme song of all time. It might only be tied with the theme song to "The Brady Bunch" ... which was also co-written by Schwartz. In both cases, the theme songs cleverly weave earworm-ready melodies into explicit descriptions of the show's premise. In only 55 seconds, audiences learn that they're about to watch a sitcom about seven stranded castaways on a tropical island, how those castaways got there, and who each of the castaways are. "The Ballad of Gilligan's Island" is both hummable and functional. Even the amazing surf guitars of "The Munsters" or the wicked pip organs of "Tales from the Crypt" cannot approach the utilitarian glories of "Gilligan."
The first season theme song famously omitted the names of the Professor (Russell Johnson) and Mary...
The first season theme song famously omitted the names of the Professor (Russell Johnson) and Mary...
- 2/28/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Sherwood Schwartz's 1963 sitcom "Gilligan's Island" was a high-concept series that, thanks to the gods of syndication, remained in the public consciousness for decades after it went off the air. The show's impeccable theme song, written by Schwartz and George Wyle, may be the best theme in television history, as it handily explains the premise using a hummable sea shanty: five tourists boarded the S.S. Minnow -- manned by Captain Jonas Grumby (Alan Hale) and his first mate Gilligan (Bob Denver) -- for a three-hour tour off the coast of Honolulu. When the tiny ship hit some bad weather, the seven characters landed on a desert island, stranded. The series followed their merry attempts to survive.
"Gilligan's Island" ran for 98 episodes, ending its initial run in 1967, but reruns continued to air well into the 1990s. Yes, there was a time when "Gilligan's Island" was a reliable TV staple, occupying...
"Gilligan's Island" ran for 98 episodes, ending its initial run in 1967, but reruns continued to air well into the 1990s. Yes, there was a time when "Gilligan's Island" was a reliable TV staple, occupying...
- 2/8/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Dancing with the Stars‘ competitor Barry Williams is one of the most beloved classic television celebrities. For those who grew up in the 1970s and beyond, his work on The Brady Bunch remains must-see TV for its wholesome portrayal of a blended American family. However, he may hold a different distinction within his fictional television clan: is Barry the oldest living member of the original Brady Bunch cast?
Barry Williams played the oldest Brady brother, Greg, on ‘The Brady Bunch’
Barry Williams’ role as Greg Brady on The Brady Bunch instantly made him one of TV’s most recognizable faces. Alongside co-stars Robert Reed, Florence Henderson, Ann B. Davis, Maureen McCormick, Eve Plumb, Susan Olsen, Christopher Knight, and Mike Lookinland, The Brady Bunch became a cultural phenomenon that ran for five seasons on the ABC network.
Today, Barry is the oldest living member of The Brady Bunch cast of kids...
Barry Williams played the oldest Brady brother, Greg, on ‘The Brady Bunch’
Barry Williams’ role as Greg Brady on The Brady Bunch instantly made him one of TV’s most recognizable faces. Alongside co-stars Robert Reed, Florence Henderson, Ann B. Davis, Maureen McCormick, Eve Plumb, Susan Olsen, Christopher Knight, and Mike Lookinland, The Brady Bunch became a cultural phenomenon that ran for five seasons on the ABC network.
Today, Barry is the oldest living member of The Brady Bunch cast of kids...
- 10/10/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Gilligan’s Island fans likely can’t imagine a scenario in which Mary Ann wasn’t part of the group stranded on a deserted island. Mary Ann, played by Dawn Wells, stole the hearts of fans for all three seasons of the original series and in multiple T.V. movies. Mary Ann, however, was not originally part of the plan and neither was Wells. The character did not appear in the original pilot. Instead, a character named Bunny, rounded out the cast.
Mary Ann was not part of the original ‘Gilligan’s Island’ plot
Dawn Wells was not originally part of the Gilligan’s Island cast but appeared in the second episode. That second episode, “Two on a Raft,” is the episode most people consider the series’s pilot. Still, there was one test pilot filmed before that. In the original pilot, the cast looked a bit different. Namely, Wells was not Mary Ann.
Mary Ann was not part of the original ‘Gilligan’s Island’ plot
Dawn Wells was not originally part of the Gilligan’s Island cast but appeared in the second episode. That second episode, “Two on a Raft,” is the episode most people consider the series’s pilot. Still, there was one test pilot filmed before that. In the original pilot, the cast looked a bit different. Namely, Wells was not Mary Ann.
- 7/12/2023
- by Andrea Francese
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Sometimes inspiration comes from the unlikeliest places. That was the case for Sherwood Schwartz, the creator of Gilligan’s Island. The famed writer and producer pitched the idea for Gilligan’s Island years after he finished his bachelor’s degree at New York University. A prompt given to the renowned producer during his undergraduate journey led to the creation of Gilligan’s Island. Schwartz wasn’t even planning on entering the entertainment business then.
The cast of ‘Gilligan’s Island’ | CBS via Getty Images Related
‘Gilligan’s Island’: The Skipper Filmed Several Season 1 Episodes With a Broken Arm No One Knew About
A public speaking prompt inspired Sherwood Schwartz to develop ‘Gilligan’s Island’
Schwartz pitched the idea for Gilligan’s Island to CBS executives in the 1960s. They were instantly interested in it. The idea was certainly a unique one. In the show, seven people live together on a deserted island after their boat capsizes.
The cast of ‘Gilligan’s Island’ | CBS via Getty Images Related
‘Gilligan’s Island’: The Skipper Filmed Several Season 1 Episodes With a Broken Arm No One Knew About
A public speaking prompt inspired Sherwood Schwartz to develop ‘Gilligan’s Island’
Schwartz pitched the idea for Gilligan’s Island to CBS executives in the 1960s. They were instantly interested in it. The idea was certainly a unique one. In the show, seven people live together on a deserted island after their boat capsizes.
- 5/27/2023
- by Andrea Francese
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In the 1960s, TV audiences were engrossed by the tale of a three-hour boat tour that left seven men and women stranded on a deserted island. Gilligan’s Island ran for just three seasons but has remained a fixture in pop culture. Getting the show filmed and to audiences was a challenging task, and injuries happened. In fact, the actor who played the famed Skipper that Gilligan’s Island fans loved worked through a broken arm. Alan Hale Jr., the actor who played Jonas ‘The Skipper’ Grumby, was just as tough as the character he played. During the final weeks of filming season 1 of the show, Hale reportedly broke his arm but didn’t bother to tell anyone. He just kept on filming.
Alan Hale Jr as Jonas ‘The Skipper’ Grumby | Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images Related
Why Did Jerry Van Dyke Pass Up The Chance To Be on ‘Gilligan’s Island’?
Alan Hale Jr.
Alan Hale Jr as Jonas ‘The Skipper’ Grumby | Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images Related
Why Did Jerry Van Dyke Pass Up The Chance To Be on ‘Gilligan’s Island’?
Alan Hale Jr.
- 5/21/2023
- by Andrea Francese
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Gilligan’s Island cast rose to fame thanks to the CBS comedy. Every week, viewers tuned in to watch their favorite seven castaways adjust to island life. While all the cast members were famous, one star received more fan mail than their co-stars.
Gilligan’s Island cast I CBS via Getty Images Who was the ‘Gilligan’s Island’ cast?
In September 1964, Sherwood Schwartz’s TV comedy Gilligan’s Island premiered on CBS. The series about a group of seven different castaways became an instant hit. Each week fans tuned in to see if the group would ever be rescued.
The show’s success can be attributed to the cast, which featured a mix of TV, film, and theater stars. The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis star Bon Denver portrayed the clumsy first mate Gilligan. Alan Hale Jr., a former child and theater star, took on the lovable but gruff Skipper role.
Jim Backus...
Gilligan’s Island cast I CBS via Getty Images Who was the ‘Gilligan’s Island’ cast?
In September 1964, Sherwood Schwartz’s TV comedy Gilligan’s Island premiered on CBS. The series about a group of seven different castaways became an instant hit. Each week fans tuned in to see if the group would ever be rescued.
The show’s success can be attributed to the cast, which featured a mix of TV, film, and theater stars. The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis star Bon Denver portrayed the clumsy first mate Gilligan. Alan Hale Jr., a former child and theater star, took on the lovable but gruff Skipper role.
Jim Backus...
- 3/25/2023
- by Carol Cassada
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The classic TV series Gilligan’s Island featured an all-star cast. Actors from different backgrounds portrayed the seven castaways. However, if things had worked out differently, one actor would’ve pursued a medical career instead of acting.
Gilligan’s Island cast members Dawn Wells, Alan Hale Jr, and Bob Denver I CBS via Getty Images ‘Gilligan’s Island’ cast member Dawn Wells almost became a doctor
Dawn Wells’ big break came when she was cast as Mary Ann Summers on Gilligan’s Island. Wells’ rose to fame began on the beauty pageant circuit. She was crowned Miss Nevada in 1959 and competed in the Miss America 1960 pageant.
Like many beauty pageant queens, Wells decided to pursue a career in acting. In 1960, she made her acting debut in the drama series The Roaring 20s. Her other credits included minor roles on the TV shows Maverick, 77 Sunset Strip, and Bonanza.
Dawn Wells! #MeTVInvaders! pic.twitter.com...
Gilligan’s Island cast members Dawn Wells, Alan Hale Jr, and Bob Denver I CBS via Getty Images ‘Gilligan’s Island’ cast member Dawn Wells almost became a doctor
Dawn Wells’ big break came when she was cast as Mary Ann Summers on Gilligan’s Island. Wells’ rose to fame began on the beauty pageant circuit. She was crowned Miss Nevada in 1959 and competed in the Miss America 1960 pageant.
Like many beauty pageant queens, Wells decided to pursue a career in acting. In 1960, she made her acting debut in the drama series The Roaring 20s. Her other credits included minor roles on the TV shows Maverick, 77 Sunset Strip, and Bonanza.
Dawn Wells! #MeTVInvaders! pic.twitter.com...
- 2/18/2023
- by Carol Cassada
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Gilligan’s Island is a classic 1960s TV sitcom about a group of stranded castaways. The cast featured a unique mix of TV, film, and theater actors. Look at the life and careers of the cast members, and find out who had the highest net worth.
Gilligan’s Island cast I CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images What is ‘Gilligan’s Island’ star Bob Denver’s net worth?
Before stepping into the shoes of the clumsy first mate, Bob Denver was already a TV star. The actor was best known for his supporting role of Maynard G. Krebs on The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis. One year after the show’s cancellation, Denver was cast as the title character on Gilligan’s Island.
Denver was a hit as the Minnow’s first mate, a role that would become synonymous with his career. After the show ended, Denver landed small roles in TV shows and films like Back to the Beach.
Gilligan’s Island cast I CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images What is ‘Gilligan’s Island’ star Bob Denver’s net worth?
Before stepping into the shoes of the clumsy first mate, Bob Denver was already a TV star. The actor was best known for his supporting role of Maynard G. Krebs on The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis. One year after the show’s cancellation, Denver was cast as the title character on Gilligan’s Island.
Denver was a hit as the Minnow’s first mate, a role that would become synonymous with his career. After the show ended, Denver landed small roles in TV shows and films like Back to the Beach.
- 2/11/2023
- by Carol Cassada
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
“The Suicide Squad” and “Guardians of the Galaxy” director James Gunn’s Twitter account remains an endless fount of behind-the-scenes gossip, Hollywood rants, and more. His latest mic drop was the reveal this week that he almost made a cannibalistic movie version of the 1960’s sitcom “Gilligan’s Island” with none other than Charlie Kaufman.
The thread began as a response to a “pitch a movie in two pictures, no caption” challenge that Gunn accepted, sharing a picture of the “Gilligan’s Island” crew alongside a depiction of cannibalism. (Via Collider.)
“A true story: In the late 90’s screenwriting Goat Charlie Kaufman pitched a movie version of Gilligan’s Island where the islanders, starving & desperate, started killing & eating each other. Warner Bros wanted to do it — but Sherwood Schwartz, the creator, said no way,” Gunn wrote.
“After Guardians I tried to resurrect the idea & wanted to direct. It seemed Warners & Charlie were interested but,...
The thread began as a response to a “pitch a movie in two pictures, no caption” challenge that Gunn accepted, sharing a picture of the “Gilligan’s Island” crew alongside a depiction of cannibalism. (Via Collider.)
“A true story: In the late 90’s screenwriting Goat Charlie Kaufman pitched a movie version of Gilligan’s Island where the islanders, starving & desperate, started killing & eating each other. Warner Bros wanted to do it — but Sherwood Schwartz, the creator, said no way,” Gunn wrote.
“After Guardians I tried to resurrect the idea & wanted to direct. It seemed Warners & Charlie were interested but,...
- 10/14/2021
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
This article contains spoilers for WandaVision episode 3.
In case you thought WandaVision’s sitcom homages were a passing fad, episode 3 “Now in Color” makes clear that the influences are here to stay…for now at least. Just as episodes 1 and 2 drew inspiration from The Dick Van Dyke Show, Bewitched, and I Dream of Jeannie, so too does this third installment honor some classic TV series. Rather than hanging around the ‘50s or ‘60s, however, this episode bumps WandaVision up to gorgeous ‘70s technicolor.
In speaking to reporters prior to the series premiere, director Matt Shakman revealed that the show fully intended on progressing through decades of sitcoms, saying:
“We wanted to be as authentic as possible – production design, cinematography, costuming, everything was about going on this deep dive and with the actors we all wanted to do the same thing. We watched a ton of old television episodes, talked about how comedy changes,...
In case you thought WandaVision’s sitcom homages were a passing fad, episode 3 “Now in Color” makes clear that the influences are here to stay…for now at least. Just as episodes 1 and 2 drew inspiration from The Dick Van Dyke Show, Bewitched, and I Dream of Jeannie, so too does this third installment honor some classic TV series. Rather than hanging around the ‘50s or ‘60s, however, this episode bumps WandaVision up to gorgeous ‘70s technicolor.
In speaking to reporters prior to the series premiere, director Matt Shakman revealed that the show fully intended on progressing through decades of sitcoms, saying:
“We wanted to be as authentic as possible – production design, cinematography, costuming, everything was about going on this deep dive and with the actors we all wanted to do the same thing. We watched a ton of old television episodes, talked about how comedy changes,...
- 1/23/2021
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
A review of this week’s WandaVision coming up just as soon as I tell you a story about my temp job…
(With apologies to Sherwood Schwartz and Frank De Vol…)
Here’s the story
of a lovely lady
who was hexing up a very lovely life.
She had bought a nice new house
in the suburbs
where she’d be Vision’s wife.
Here’s the story
of a man named Vision
who died so Thanos could take the Mind Stone.
He’s alive now,
working in an office,...
(With apologies to Sherwood Schwartz and Frank De Vol…)
Here’s the story
of a lovely lady
who was hexing up a very lovely life.
She had bought a nice new house
in the suburbs
where she’d be Vision’s wife.
Here’s the story
of a man named Vision
who died so Thanos could take the Mind Stone.
He’s alive now,
working in an office,...
- 1/22/2021
- by Alan Sepinwall
- Rollingstone.com
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.