Tina Louise, now the last surviving star of the beloved TV series “Gilligan’s Island”, paid tribute to her late co-star Dawn Wells on Wednesday.
“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, ”said a tweet on the official account of the 86-year-old star on Twitter. “I hope people remember her as I do – always with a smile on their face.”
Louise played the redhead “movie star” Ginger Grant on the CBS sitcom. She was a glamorous contrast to Wells’ beautiful neighbor, Mary Ann Summers, on the unknown desert island, where they were abandoned with other clients on the infamous “three-hour tour”. Wells died on Wednesday of complications from COVID-19. She was 82 years old.
Speaking to the New York Post, Louise described her co-actor as a “wonderful person”.
“Nothing is more important than family and she was family. She will always be remembered, ”said Louise.
“Gilligan’s Island” starred Bob Denver as the title character, Alan Hale Jr. (the Captain), Jim Backus (the Millionaire), Natalie Schafer (his wife), Russell Johnson (the Teacher), Wells and Louise. The group situation comedy was insulted by TV critics and aired only from 1964 to 1967. Even so, it survived and grew a cult following in distribution for years later.
“I only spent three years doing this,” Louise told The Times in 1992. The series was so successful, she added, because “everyone played their part right. Everyone wants to be on a desert island. It covers everyone’s fantasy because there is someone for everyone ”.