Actress Tina Louise, forever attached to her partner Gilligan Island casting partner Dawn Wells, remembers her today as “a very wonderful person”.
Wells died today of complications from Covid-19 at age 82.
Louise has been discreet about Gilligan Island over the years, refusing to appear in any of the revivals or reboots or even discussing the show, which ended in 1967 but lives in distribution.
Speaking via Twitter and then to the New York Post, Louise said she wanted everyone to remember Wells’s cheerful disposition.
“Dawn was a wonderful person. I want people to remember her as someone who always had a smile on her face, ”Louise told the New York Post. “Nothing is more important than family and she was family. She will always be remembered. “
Louise heard the news of Wells’s passing during a phone call with a friend. “Nobody wants to receive this type of news – especially with this horrible disease.”
She is now the last surviving member of the cast, who made a “three-hour tour” a television milestone during her first season of 1964-1967.
“We were part of this wonderful show that everyone loves and has been a great source of comfort, especially in those times,” said Louise.
And in response to the old “Ginger or Mary Ann” debate, Louise refused to choose. “There is a character for each person. Everyone can identify with a different person, ”she said. “We have always been a family. She had huge fans. “
I will always remember Dawn’s kindness to me. We share the creation of a cultural landmark that continued to bring comfort and smiles to people during this difficult period. I hope people remember her as I do – always with a smile on their face. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/teFLyVv07C
– Tina Louise (@TheTinaLouise) December 31, 2020