Prolific character actor who appeared in more than 65 films and a variety of TV shows; best known for playing Skipper Jonas Grumby on the popular sitcom Gilligan's Island (1964-67), as well as three movie spin-offs and two Saturday-morning Gilligan cartoons
Served in the United States Coast Guard during World War II
Bore a strong resemblance to his father, who was also a character actor
Made his Broadway debut in 1931's Caught Wet
Was offered the role of the Skipper after Gilligan series producer Sherwood Schwartz spied him at a Hollywood restaurant
Schwartz had already auditioned several actors for the role but passed on all of them
Broke his wrist once on the set of Gilligan's Island; didn't tell anyone about it for a year because he didn't want to shut down production on the show
Embraced his popularity as the Skipper after Gilligan's cancellation, often making appearances in character, while most of the other cast members resented the typecasting that resulted from the series
Maintained a close off-screen friendship with Gilligan costar Bob Denver
Co-owned Alan Hale's Lobster Barrel, a restaurant that was opened in the mid-1970s
Owned and operated Alan Hale's Quality and Leisure Travel office
While receiving treatment for cancer, would often surprise young patients in the hospital by visiting them in character and wearing his Skipper hat
Died of cancer of the thymus; ashes were scattered at sea