Summer Fun: Remembering Gilligan’s Island

Alan Hale Jr.

Alan Hale Jr. boasted quite impressive acting credentials before his role as The Skipper on Gilligan’s Island. His father was Rufus Edward McKahan, known professionally as Alan Hale the legendary actor and director, and his mother was Gretchen Hartman, a silent film actress. Hale Jr. made his acting debut in 1931 on Broadway and transitioned into film acting a couple years later. He had guests spots on numerous television shows such as Bonanza, Lassie, and The Andy Griffith Show. Hale Jr. even enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II, which may have helped him when he landed the role as The Skipper.