Forever Dobie: The Many Lives of Dwayne Hickman

Remembered for his title role in The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis, Hickman began his acting career as the reluctant protege of a stage mother and dreamed of one day holding a regular job. The pivotal decision of his life was a choice between a junior executive position with an L.A. utility company and a meaty role on The Bob Cummings Show. Heeding his father's advice to take ``the least amount of work for the most amount of money,'' Hickman chose acting. But he would work very hard-and become a teen celebrity. Hickman's career has been rich and varied. Never abandoning his fascination with the corporate world, he tried being a ``suit,'' working as a CBS executive assigned to such hits as Maude, M*A*S*H and Designing Women, but found himself always returning to acting. Now married and a director as well as an actor, Hickman retains the self-effacing charm that made Dobie Gillis so appealing. His amusing autobiography offers an insider's view of the entertainment business as well as his working relationships with such stars as Tuesday Weld, Jack Benny and George Burns. Photos not seen by PW. (Dec.)