It's hard to think of an actor more associated with a character (or two) than Bob Denver. As Gilligan, Denver was globally famous for his red sweater, bucket hat, and goofy, lovable antics. He never quite shook off his time on Gilligan's Island, and the role defined the rest of his life. While having one's face adorned with all sorts of merchandise is probably nice for a while, the price couldn't have been higher for the actor. Never again would producers see Denver as anything but Gilligan.

Worse, Gilligan's Island didn't just leave its biggest star stranded. It also left its supporting cast feeling like they'd never break out of their characters, either. Being an island castaway was a great metaphor for the rest of Natalie Schafer's career, as she made it clear that she felt incredibly typecast following her time on the popular series.

In 1989, Schafer spoke with the St. Louis Post-Dispatch about how Gilligan's Island had quite a negative affect on the remainder of her professional career.

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"Most of the young executives and casting agents don't see past my role in Gilligan," said Schafer. 

"I was on stage for years before the show and I can still do drama, but they don't see it that way. I don't want to be bogged down. I didn't even want to be in Gilligan when I tested. I cried when I got the role."

So, what does a working actor do when she's so closely associated with a role she never wanted?

"I love doing voiceovers for film and commercials because you don't have to hold your stomach in," she said.