In some of the best comedy duos, you will see echoes of talents past. Plenty of people referred to Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams as the next Lucille Ball and Vivian Vance, meaning it as the highest form of praise. It's a compliment, even an honor, when an actor can make someone laugh so hard, they remember some of the comedy greats of the past.

When Bob Denver and Alan Hale Jr. were cast as Gilligan and the Skipper in Gilligan's Island, it was like two puzzle pieces fitting into place.

The series thrived on eccentricity, something that Denver deeply valued, even when the series was first beginning.

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"It's a sort of Robinson Crusoe, with laughs," said Denver during an interview with The Birmingham News. "I think it's funny. In fact, it's pretty weird...We shot the pilot in Kauai...we're on our fourth episode now...they're coming off well, I think."

Denver had nothing but praise for his co-stars. "Jim Backus is one of the funniest men I've ever seen," said the actor. "He and Natalie play a rich man with his wife stranded on this island. They are constantly changing clothes, dressing up. These two really come out of left field. They're doing comedy in comedy."

However, Denver seemed to have the most respect for Hale, whom he loved having as a comedic partner.

"Alan Hale Jr. and I are a team, a little like Laurel and Hardy," said Denver. "Hale is the skipper of the boat chartered for a fishing trip which gets marooned, and I'm Alan's sole mate and crew...I'm continually frustrating the marooned party."

Denver loved to make an audience laugh during Gilligan's Island, and with Hale, he was able to double the hilarity. "I'm loving it because I'm doing comedy," said the actor.