By Eric Thunem
The Gridiron Club of New Canaan will honor Robert (Bob) Doran for his many years of service to the community at its 64th annual Gridiron Dinner on April 23 and 24, 2026, at the Country Club of New Canaan. The event is open to the public, with ticket details to be announced soon on the Gridiron Club’s website (www.gridironclubofnc.org) and Facebook page.
“Bob Doran embodies the spirit of New Canaan,” said Scott Hobbs, President of the Gridiron Club. “His creativity and generosity have left a lasting mark, and honoring him as the 2026 Fall Guy is well-deserved.”
Bob and his wife, Susan—an English teacher at St. Luke’s School—have deep roots in New Canaan, where they raised their two daughters, Allison and Angela. Angela now lives and works in London, while Allison and her husband, Adam Benenson, are raising their three sons, Teddy, Wesley, and Ari, in town. With three generations calling New Canaan home, the Doran family continues to be an active part of the community’s story.
Bob’s career began as a child actor, with appearances in television commercials and print ads. In the 1960s, he was a series regular on CBS’s daytime drama Love is a Many Splendored Thing and later spent nearly a decade on NBC’s Another World. He went on to appear in films and stage productions before moving behind the camera, building a career in advertising as a producer, director, and writer. Eventually, he founded his own boutique agency, where he continues to create innovative content and experiences for global brands. His work has earned numerous industry awards, including two New England Emmy® nominations for documentaries produced for public television (Another Opening, Another Show and Haiti: Day by Day).
In addition to his professional achievements, Bob has given decades of service to many local non-profits, including The Town Players for more than 30 years where he contributed to over 100 productions as producer, director, actor, and designer and served five years as President. He co-founded New Canaan Chamber Music, spent 20 years as the Gridiron Club’s Emcee, and has helped raise millions of dollars for area non-profit organizations. His community contributions have been recognized by Norwalk Hospital, New Canaan Health and Human Services, the New Canaan Community Foundation, and Moffly Media – Light a Fire.
“I’m honored—and a little nervous—to be named the Gridiron Fall Guy,” said Bob Doran. “New Canaan has given so much to my family, and I look forward to an evening of laughter and community spirit.”
Each year, the Gridiron Club celebrates local leaders with an evening of entertainment, humor, and community spirit. The honoree—known as the “Fall Guy (or Gal)”—is playfully roasted as his or her life story is told in an original musical production performed by a cast of New Canaanites. Proceeds from the event benefit a charity of the Fall Guy’s choice. For 2026, Bob has selected the New Canaan Museum and Historical Society.
Tickets for the Gridiron Dinner will be available in February or March, and early reservations are encouraged as space is limited. For more information, visit www.gridironclubofnc.org, follow the Gridiron Club of New Canaan on Facebook, or email gridironclubofnc@gmail.com.
