Alan Hale, Jr.

Alan Hale Jr. (born Alan Hale Mackahan, March 8, 1921 – January 2, 1990) was an American movie and television actor, best known for his role as the much beloved Skipper, Jonas Grumby, on the popular sitcom Gilligan's Island. He was born in Los Angeles, California. His father, character actor Alan Hale, Sr. (who looked almost exactly like his son), had an extremely successful career in movies as a supporting actor, appearing in many Errol Flynn films, acting in 235 movies altogether, and playing Little John in Robin Hood films three times over a 28-year span. While his father was adapting to sound films, his son began his career while still a baby. During the Second World War, he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard. After his father's death in 1950, Junior was dropped from his name. His mother would go on to live until 1979. His first important roles were as a member of Gene Autry's recurring cast of players. During the late 1940s and early 1950s, he frequently appeared in... full article at wikipedia