Bob Denver Sacrificed Career to Raise Autistic Son despite Lack of Money — He ‘Wouldn’t Believe’ How Son Looks at 39

Bob Denver made a name for himself with the popular TV shows “Gilligan’s Island” and “The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis.” The actor portrayed the silly, bumbling goofball Gilligan in “Gilligan’s Island,” earning himself scores of fans with his portrayal of the dim-witted character.

Although Bob became famous for his role as Gilligan, and many saw him as synonymous with the first mate, the truth was that Bob was a caring and committed man in reality. Throughout his life, the actor ensured that he gave his family everything they needed, despite their financial troubles, and he was a doting dad.

Bob’s wife, Dreama Denver, opened up about her husband, saying she wanted the world to know the real man behind the goofy character of Gilligan. She shared that Bob was a “special, special man,” who cared deeply for those he loved and would have done anything to ensure that they were doing well.

Although his drinking was a problem, she could never truly let go of Bob, and she would always return.

Although Bob and his wife faced a few problems over the years, the two managed to work through them all, strengthening their marriage and building a bond that lasted their entire lives. Bob proved himself to be entirely committed to his family and gave up numerous things to ensure they were happy.

How Bob Met His Beloved Wife

After making a name for himself as Gilligan, Bob took a part in a small play produced by a local theatre. Little did he know the small production would change his life dramatically. Like her husband, Dreama was also in the acting business, and when a friend referred her to the production of “Play it Again Sam,” she auditioned for a part.

In 1984, he and Dreama had a child of their own, Colin Denver, and the young boy changed their lives for good.

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.”

Dreama noted that Bob didn’t know how to deal with his reputation. She shared that the actor was usually a shy and secluded person, and the love from the public was too much for him to handle, so he turned to drinking. After a while, it became a point of contempt between him and Dreama, and she would often leave him.

How Having a Son Changed Bob’s Life

By the time Bob met Dreama, the actor had already made a name for himself in Hollywood, hung up his hat as a TV actor, and even fathered three children. In 1984, he and Dreama had a child of their own, Colin Denver, and the young boy changed their lives for good.

Sadly, Bob never got to see his son grow up.

When Colin came along, the family’s financial situation worsened. From a young age, Dreama and Bob realized their son wasn’t developing like other children, and a doctor at UCLA Medical Center told them that the young boy was “retarded.”

Bob’s Passing and Colin Growing Up

Bob took to caring for his son full-time, giving up his career despite the family’s financial woes. He and Dreama adored Colin, spending as much time with the boy as they possibly could and seeing to his every need. Dreama has repeatedly shared images of Colin on her Instagram, captioning a post made on his birthday:

“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.”

One MRI scan later and Bob was diagnosed with stage IV hypopharyngeal cancer. The cancer was rare but aggressive, and by the time Bob had his scan, it had spread to large parts of his sinuses, his larynx, his tongue, thyroid gland, neck muscles, and lymph nodes in his lower jaw.