Alan Hale, Jr.
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Alan Hale Jr. (born Alan Hale McKahan Jr. March 8, 1918-January 2. 1990) was an American movie and television actor, famously known for his role as the Skipper on the cult sitcom Gilligan's Island, as well as for his many supporting roles in movies. He was the son of actor Alan Hale Sr.. After his father's death, he was credited in roles as simply "Alan Hale".
He was born in Los Angeles, California, after his father had already begun a career in silent movies in Hollywood. He peformed in his first movie as a baby. In adulthood, he made a smooth transition to a full career and continued to act until his death.
In his adult career he was noted for his supporting character roles in such movies as Up Periscope, The Lady Takes a Flyer, and The West Point Story. He also appeared in many westerns. He died in Los Angeles from respiratory failure due to cancer.
The popularity of Gilligan's Island "typecast" its actors and they had difficulty finding other work. Alan Hale often said he didn't mind being so closely identified with the Skipper. He owned a very popular restaurant and would often greet customers in his "Skipper" hat. Alan Hale was known for his great love of children. When he was dying of cancer, he learned there was a sick child in the same hospital who loved the show. He went to see the boy and said "The Skippers here son, everything is going to be all right".