Tina Louise is talking about the death of her “Gilligan’s Island” co-star, Dawn Wells.
Louise, 86, the only remaining member of the original cast who is still alive, said in a statement after the news of Wells’ death on Wednesday that she was “saddened to learn of Dawn’s passing”.
“I will always remember your kindness to me, said Louise.” 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. “
Wells, who starred as the “good girl” Mary Ann Summers, without remorse, died in Los Angeles of complications related to COVID-19 on Wednesday morning, according to her publicist.
STAR DAWN WELLS OF ‘GILLIGAN’S ISLAND’ SAYS IT’S ‘FREE’ FOR ‘FRIENDS AND FANS WHO CARE’ WHILE SUFFERING FINANCIALS
Louise played the flashy Ginger Grant alongside Wells in the iconic TV series that aired from 1964 to 1967 and in which Bob Denver played the title character.
Dawn Wells and Tina Louise appear on ‘Gilligan’s Island’ in 1966. Wells died on Wednesday of coronavirus complications, his aide told Fox News.
STAR DAWN OF ‘GILLIGAN’S ISLAND’ DEAD AT 82
Louise said in a 2019 interview with Closer Weekly that she loved how the sitcom “represented this great escape” after the Cuban missile crisis, the tragic assassination of President John F. Kennedy and in the midst of the escalating Vietnam War.
“When we first aired, our country was in turmoil,” reflected Louise, adding, “I think people really needed an escape. So we lost our beloved Martin Luther King and in a moment of uncertainty, ‘Gilligan’s Island represented this great escape. “
HOLLYWOOD REATS THE DEATH OF ‘ISLE OF GILLIGAN’ STAR DAWN WELLS ‘
Tina Louise, right, and Dawn Wells co-starred on ‘Gilligan’s Island’.
(Photo by SGranitz / WireImage via Getty Images)
“This sweet and silly show has given its fans calm and joy in a scary moment and continues to do so,” continued Louise.
CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO OUR ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER
“Well-made television transports people to fantasy and no matter what turmoil there is in the world, ‘Gilligan’s Island’ has provided this escape in a lasting way. Considering the state of affairs today, we should all be happy to still be reruns! “
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPLICATION
“Gilligan’s Island” continues to be shown worldwide in more than 30 languages. In addition to Louise, Wells and Denver, he featured Alan Hale Jr. as the captain; Jim Backus and Natalie Schafer as wealthy passengers Thurston and Lovey Howell, and Russell Johnson as the teacher.
Stephanie Nolasco, Melissa Roberto and Fox News’ The Associated Press contributed to this report.