Despite what the critics thought of Gilligan's Island when the show made its debut in 1964 (and their comments were not kind) ...

Gilligan (Bob Denver). As audiences would eventually learn, Gilligan was kind of clumsy and innocent like a child, but he was clearly capable enough as a sailor to remain in the Skipper's employ.

That same year, 1959, would mark the beginning of Bob Denver TV series with the arrival of Dobie Gillis. Between that and ...