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Actor. He is best remembered for his role of "The Skipper" in the classic television comedy series, "Gilligan's Island" (1964 to 1967). Born Alan Hale Mackahan in Los Angeles, California, he was the son of film actor Rufus Edward Mackahan (1892-1950), who used the stage name of Alan Hale. Young Alan adopted his father's stage name, adding the Junior to distinguish himself from his father; he would later drop the Junior after his father's death in 1950. Alan Jr literally began his acting career as a baby, when as an infant, he showed up in one of his father's silent films. His first important roles were as a member of Gene Autry's group of actors, frequently appearing in Gene Autry movies and on television's "The Gene Autry Show." He also played in such television series as "Biff Baker's USA" (1952-1953), "Casey Jones" (1957) and "The Good Guys" (1968-1970). Hale also tried his hand at movies, working in over 230 movies, including such films as "Wake Island" (1942), "Sarge Goes to College" (1947), "The West Point Story" (1950), and "Up Periscope" (1959), to name a few. His soon-to-be famous "Little Buddy" dialogue, made famous in Gilligan's Island, was first used during his guest appearance on the "Andy Griffith Show" in 1962, when he used it on the character of Deputy Barney Fife. But it was his role of Jonas Grumby, also known as "The Skipper," on the situation comedy "Gilligan's Island," for which he is most remembered. His role typecast him, making it difficult to find work after "Gilligan's Island," and Hale used the role to start up a trendy upscale restaurant in Beverely Hills known as "Alan Hale's Lobster Barrel," in which he would greet guests wearing his Skipper hat. He would later donate worn-out Skipper hats to charity for auction fund-raisers. But following "Gilligan's Island" he obtained guest spots on such television series as Maverick, 77 Sunset Strip, The Lucy Show, Ironside, Marcus Welby MD, Gunsmoke, Fantasy Island, Magnum PI, Simon and Simon, and Alf. Alan Hale died in Hollywood, California, from cancer of the thymus. (bio by: Kit and Morgan Benson)
Source: Findagrave
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