Teen heartthrob Dwayne Hickman, Star of ‘The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis,’ dies at 87

Dwayne Hickman was an American actor and television executive who had an estimated net worth of $1.5 million at the time of his passing.

Born in Los Angeles, California, in May 1934, he gained popularity in the 1950s and 1960s for his clean-cut, boy-next-door image. Hickman first rose to prominence playing Chuck MacDonald on The Bob Cummings Show from 1955 to 1959, showcasing his comedic timing and youthful charm.

He became a cultural icon in the title role of The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis, which aired from 1959 to 1963. The show was groundbreaking for its time, featuring a teenage protagonist who often broke the fourth wall to speak directly to the audience. It also helped launch the careers of co-stars like Bob Denver and Tuesday Weld.

Personal life

Hickman’s personal life was marked by three marriages. His first two unions, with spouses Carol Christensen and Joanne Papile, ended in divorce, but he found lasting love with his third wife, Joan Roberts, and the two remained together for 39 years until his passing. He was the father of two sons—one from his first marriage and another from his third.

His older brother Darryl Hickman was also an actor.

How did Dwayne Hickman die?

Hickman died from complications of Parkinson’s disease in Los Angeles on January 9, 2022, at the age of 87.