Bob Denver would never have thought of himself as an icon in a million years, but on this 60th anniversary year of his most famous television series, "Gilligan’s Island," his wife, Dreama Denver, begs to differ. The fact that "Gilligan’s Island" is still airing somewhere on the planet 60 years after its 1964 debut proves that not only is the show iconic, but the man who played the title role is also. Anytime you see someone wearing a red shirt and a white hat, what’s the first thought that comes to mind? If you’re old enough, you think GILLIGAN!
She has compiled a Bob Denver memory album from their memorabilia and his mother's scrapbooks to honor her husband and his career. Bob Denver and Gilligan’s Island are still loved and cherished by fans worldwide.
You've found the online home of the late TV icon, Bob Denver. His legacies - Little Buddy Radio and The Denver Foundation and his wife’s passion, Always Free Honor Flight have a home here also. Bob's wife Dreama thanks you for stopping by! It’s a great place for a three hour tour - this Closer Weekly article “Bob Denver Facts to Fill You with Admiration “ is the perfect place for your tour to begin!!
A poignant, loving, revealing inside account of the other side of Gilligan's Island . . . the private lives of Bob and Dreama Denver. Growing up in southern West Virginia, Dreama never imagined her fantasy of becoming an actress would ultimately become reality, landing her in the arms of a man with one of the most recognizable faces on the planet. In the pages of this book, a love letter to the h
Thank you to the 2021 New York Book Festival
Such an honor to receive the prestigious Next Generation Indie Book Award 2022!
CREATIVE CHILD'S MAGAZINE - BOOK of the YEAR !!
Dreama Denver’s picture book, Four Bears in a Box: Back to the Beach, is full of fun and imagination – just what you want in a read-along bedtime story. The language is simple, so young readers can learn to follow it. The plot follows the four bears' journey back to the beach and the new friends they meet. The dialogue is entertaining and engaging and the illustrations are superb. There are some tender, touching moments as the four young bears interact with each other and their new friends. They learn from one another, just as young readers will also learn from this story. Although this is not an environmental story, there is some suggestion of the need to care for our planet as King Crab explains the purpose of his front legs (or pincers): “I can free them [his sea friends] from plastic and other floating dangers.” A clever insert on the dangers of single-use plastics. This is a delightful little story full of imaginary fantastical adventures.
5X7 Paperback, 80 pages, ages 9 thru 99
This is the only place to get autographed copies of "Zen and Now"
Readers Favorite 5-Star Review
Although targeted at young readers, Zen and Now by Dreama Denver is a story that can appeal to readers of all ages. While on the surface it’s a humorous study of the wonderful companionship dogs provide to humans, as well as a call for people to rescue animals and provide them with a loving home, it reaches far deeper. As much as I enjoyed such touches as the inclusion of an autistic child in Zen’s adventures and a dog’s-eye view of the COVID-19 lockdown, I was most touched by the last chapter and the epilogue. The Rainbow Bridge story and what followed had me in tears. This could just as easily convey to a child with a terminally ill friend or family member the concept of life after death gently and beautifully. This is a great book to share as a gift and a story that I won’t forget. As Zen says, “Humans are funny animals.”
Nothing I say in this post will be sufficient because there are no words to convey the sadness I feel.
Dawn was my friend for 45 years. She was also America’s sweetheart. Her life force was not to be believed. Her curiosity was as boundless as her heart was huge. Her kindness to her fans was legendary. Just ask any fan who ever met her.
My heart breaks for the loss that I and so many others are feeling today. Somehow it doesn’t seem possible that I’m talking about Dawn in the past tense. But I’m so grateful for her 82 beautiful years on this earth - years full of adventure and joy. Her impact in television, movies and stage will live on, her legacy will never fade.
I’ll treasure our friendship until my last breath. I’ll remember the girl talks (so many girl talks), rooming together on the road, the fun we had at autograph shows, the way she lit up a room the minute she entered. Our last visit was in February of 2019 when she came to Princeton to co-host the Denver Foundation’s Valentines for Veterans concert. I needed her. She came. That’s who she was. She stayed at my house and we were having so much fun she extended her visit for 2 extra days! I had no idea that would be our last time together and I'm beyond grateful for those 5 days of just being girlfriends.
My heart is broken. Dawn and I always said we were meant to be friends. Even if I had never met Bob, we were certain the theater circuit would have brought us together, our paths would have crossed. When we finally did meet on the set of “Rescue from Gilligan’s Island”, we became friends instantly and that friendship lasted through the loss of Natalie, Jim, Alan, Russell and the love of my life, Bob.
What a reunion they must be having. They all loved each other so much, and what a blessing that I became part of the castaway love fest.
Dawnie, I love you. I can’t believe you’re gone. I pray you’re at peace. My heart hurts. This has been so difficult to write and I’m afraid I haven’t done you justice. You were a bright light in this sometimes dark world. You were my friend, loved by me and so many others.
The ultimate dilemma was never really a dilemma at all - Ginger or Mary Ann?
It was always Mary Ann . . . .
Rest In Peace, my beautiful friend.
Mary Ann and Mrs. Gilligan
Two former Supremes and one beauty from Tony Orlando & Dawn
Little Buddy Radio rocks the airwaves online around the world and at 93.1 FM in Princeton WV! The format, spanning all decades and all genres of musical memories, makes it possible for music lovers everywhere to ‘Cruise Through Time”! Download the tunein radio app to your smartphone or just say, "Alexa, play Little Buddy Radio!"
The station is nonprofit, owned and operated by The Denver Foundation, Bob’s last and most personal legacy. Our mission is to assist families dealing with special needs and to support and honor the service and sacrifice of our veterans.
P.O. Box 931 Princeton, WV 24740
Copyright © 2024 Denver Foundation - All Rights Reserved