Gilligan's Island Star Bob Denver Played 4 Characters On A Hit '80s Fantasy Drama Series

Bob Denver, best known for his role as Gilligan on the 1960s sitcom Gilligan's Island, also had a stint on the 1980s fantasy drama series Fantasy Island. During his time on Fantasy Island, Denver guest-starred as four different characters between 1980 and 1983. Unlike Gilligan's Island, where the castaways were never able to leave their tropical paradise, Fantasy Island visitors could depart after a brief stay.

Denver first appeared in Season 3's "Eagleman" as Morris Binstock, a man seeking to become a literal superhero dad. His comedic timing made him well-suited for this whimsical role, which involved a feathered costume. However, his appearance in the disguise caused some comedic chaos when he confronted his boss, played by Jim Backus, who also guest-starred on Gilligan's Island.

In Season 5's "House of Dolls," Denver took on the role of Francis Elkins, a lonely window dresser who wished for a mannequin to come to life. This episode featured a Twilight Zone-like vibe, as Denver played a mannequin who was brought to life years before the popular 1980s film Mannequin. Denver returned again in "The Magic Camera" as photography enthusiast Don Winters, who discovered both the ups and downs of a future-predicting camera. He even requested an early departure from the island in this episode.

Denver's final appearance on Fantasy Island came in the Season 6 episode "Love Island" as middle school science teacher Tim Kearns, who sported a bright orange hat reminiscent of Gilligan's signature headgear. While searching for love, Kearns and his buddy were surprised by some cheesy stop-motion dinosaurs. Despite the fantastical setting, Fantasy Island reportedly began as a joke.

According to executive producer Aaron Spelling, he was frustrated during a brainstorming session with ABC TV executives, who wanted a show without characters or a plot. Spelling jokingly suggested an island where people could act out their fantasies, and to his surprise, this premise became a success. The show's many guest stars, including Denver, benefited from the show's repertory feel, with each episode starting with new people arriving to live out their wishes.