On Sunday, Dwayne Hickman, the actor and network T.V. executive, succumbed to Parkinson’s disease at the age of 87 in Los Angeles, as confirmed by a statement from a family representative, B. Harlan Boll. Hickman, known for his portrayal of Dobie Gillis, was surrounded by his loved ones at the time of his passing.
Despite his significant achievements in various fields, Hickman’s connection to the character Dobie Gillis always resonated with baby boomers. Even former President Clinton expressed his recognition, saying, “Oh, wow — it’s Dobie Gillis! I grew up with you!” when they met during Clinton’s term as governor of Arkansas.
Hickman, also a successful painter, expressed his appreciation for the affection shown by many baby boomers for his Dobie Gillis character, stating, “It’s very heartwarming to see how much Dobie Gillis meant to a lot of baby boomers, who are always kind when I meet them.”
His autobiography, co-authored with his wife Joan Roberts Hickman, was released in 1995 under the title “Forever Dobie.”
Hickman’s journey in the entertainment industry began with minor roles in movies and T.V. shows before he shifted his focus to studies at Los Angeles’ Cathedral High School. Despite pursuing a degree in economics from Loyola University, his passion for acting was reignited when he received a role in “The Bob Cummings Show.”
Following his success on “The Bob Cummings Show,” Hickman portrayed Chuck MacDonald in “Love That Bob” and later starred in “The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis,” a popular show that ran from 1959 to 1963.
In the subsequent years, Hickman continued his acting career, appearing in films and T.V. shows such as “Cat Ballou,” “How to Stuff a Wild Bikini,” and “Dr. Goldfoot and the Bikini Machine.” He also ventured into T.V. program direction, overseeing series such as “M.A.S.H.,” “Dukes of Hazzard,” “Maude,” and “Designing Women” at C.B.S.
Dwayne Bernard Hickman, the brother of veteran character actor Darryl Hickman, was born on May 18, 1934, in Los Angeles. He began his acting career at the age of 6. Hickman was married three times: to Carol Christensen from 1963 to 1972, Joanne Papile from 1977 to 1981, and Joan Roberts, whom he married in 1983, and who survives him. He had a son, John, with his first wife, and a son, Albert, with his third wife.
