After three divorces, television legend Bob Denver finally found his soulmate in Dreama Perry. The Gilligan’s Island star tied the knot with Dreama in March 1979. Their marriage lasted over 26 years until Bob's untimely death in September 2005. Their love story is one of resilience, romance, and devotion.
How Bob Denver and Dreama Perry Found Love Amidst the Spotlight
Bob Denver’s journey to finding love wasn’t straightforward. It was during a stage production of Woody Allen's Play It Again, Sam in Florida that Bob first crossed paths with Dreama Perry. The play brought them together, setting the stage for a lifetime of love and partnership.
Dreama recalled her initial reaction to learning that she’d be sharing the stage with Gilligan himself. “I said, ‘Gilligan, really?’ ” she joked. “Seriously, I’m going to do love scenes with Gilligan?” Despite her playful disbelief, Dreama admits that once they met, it was love at first sight. “The minute we shook hands,” she said, “each of us thought: ‘Ah, there you are!’ We never stopped being appreciative of what we had.”
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While Bob was known for his quirky portrayal of Gilligan, Dreama described a very different side of him. “He was very romantic, very attentive, and very sexy,” she fondly remembered. Off-screen, Bob was nothing like the bumbling first mate he played, and Dreama cherished every moment with her husband.
Bob and Dreama’s Family Life: A Blend of Love and Challenges
Before meeting Dreama, Bob had three children from his previous marriages: Patrick and Megan Denver with his first wife, Maggie Ryan, and Emily Denver with his third wife, Carole Abrahams. When Bob and Dreama welcomed their son, Colin, in 1984, they created a blended family filled with love and warmth. Colin was Bob’s fourth child, and Dreama described Bob as a devoted father who adored all of his children.
However, their family faced unique challenges when Colin was diagnosed with severe autism at the age of two. This diagnosis required Bob and Dreama to adapt and provide dedicated care for their son. Dreama shared, “What most people don’t know about Bob is that he spent the last 20 years of his life with me, providing full-time care to our son.” In order to prioritize Colin’s needs, Bob stepped away from the spotlight, showing his unwavering commitment to his family.
Bob Denver’s Passing: A Heartbreaking Loss
Bob’s life was cut tragically short when he passed away at the age of 70 in September 2005. A lifelong smoker, Bob had battled throat cancer and underwent surgery, as well as a bypass operation earlier that year. Complications from these extensive medical procedures, including pneumonia, ultimately claimed his life. His death left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and fans around the world.
Dreama Denver’s Legacy: Continuing Bob’s Spirit
After Bob’s passing, Dreama continued to honor her husband’s memory through her writing and philanthropy. She authored several books, including two memoirs about their marriage: Gilligan’s Dreams: The Other Side of the Island and Island to Icon: The Many Lives of Bob Denver. These works celebrate their love story and provide insight into Bob’s multifaceted life beyond his iconic role as Gilligan.
Prior to her marriage to Bob, Dreama had a brief acting career. However, after marrying the television star, she embraced a life of partnership and dedication. She appeared alongside Bob in a Gilligan’s Island reunion movie and even co-starred in a TV pilot titled “Scamps.” Together, they traveled across North America for Gilligan’s Island-related events, fostering a deep connection with fans.
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Eventually, Dreama retired from show business to focus on raising their son, Colin, in West Virginia. She founded The Denver Foundation, which supports special-needs children, and runs Little Buddy Radio, a non-profit radio station funded by the foundation. Through these efforts, Dreama continues to carry forward the love and compassion that defined her and Bob’s life together.
