Dawn Wells, the real-life Mary Ann Summers of “Gilligan’s Island,” was as sunny and unknown as on screen, her co-star Tina Louise, the only surviving cast member on the show. he told The Post Wednesday.
Louise, who played the indelible Ginger Grant, with flaming hair, on CBS’s program, spoke fondly of Wells, who died Wednesday at the age of 82 in Los Angeles after fighting COVID-19.
“I’m very sad,” said Louise, who infamously gave up appearing in revivals and rebooting or discussing the show for decades since it ended in 1967.
“Dawn was a very wonderful person. I want people to remember her as someone who always had a smile on her face, “said Louise, who lives in eastern Manhattan.” Nothing is more important than family and she was family. She will always be remembered. ” .
Louise, a enduring beauty who asked The Post not to mention her age, was shocked to learn of her friend’s death during a phone call from a Hollywood friend. “No one wants to receive this kind of news, especially in this way, with this horrible disease,” she said, adding that the health-conscious actress is doing her part to strengthen herself. “Today I do my exercise and vegetarian dino,” he said, adding, “Everything is complicated now.”
The beloved program, which lasted three seasons from 1964 to 1967, and followed a shipwrecked group of stranded strangers living on an island, is as enduring as ever, especially during the closure, when new generations discovered its charming charms.
“We were part of the wonderful show that everyone loves and it has been a great source of comfort, especially during these times,” Louise said.
While notoriously refusing to appear in the 1978 television movie “Rescue from Gilligan’s Island,” “Surviving Gilligan’s Island” in 2001 and several other revivals, he mocked rumors that always bothered his role and the program.
“It’s never true: I loved doing my part, especially after they actually started writing for my character, who originally presented herself as a‘ Marilyn Monroe ’character type,” Louise told The Post. “A different director took over and really started writing for my character,” he added, admitting that he originally thought about quitting. “I really loved my character.”
He also made out any comparisons between beloved Mary Ann, the neighbor, and her less inhibited roommate, Ginger. “There is a character for each person. Everyone can identify with a different person, “he said, noting the close kinship of the seamless cast.” We were always a family. I had huge fans. “
Although she said “Dawn was wonderful for her part,” she even had special moments with her late co-star, recalling her favorite memory when she was invited to Wells’ house around 1966.
“I just got married and it was Thanksgiving. I didn’t know how to cook especially. He invited me to his house with his mother, ”said Louise, who learned how to make a potato soufflé recipe that became a favorite. “It became something I did every year at Thanksgiving,” he said. “I never forgot it.”
Louise, who continued to star in “The Stepford Wives,” “The Love Boat” and “Dallas,” said she’s grateful for the outpouring of “Gilligan’s Island” fans over the past few months. “We brought a lot of joy to the people and we still do. This program is an escape from so many things that happen, “he said.” Parents share it with their children now. I get letters all the time about it. “
Until next time
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Wells, who starred in popular shows like “Bonanza” and “Maverick,” would always be indelibly linked to her charming character in “Gilligan’s Island,” Louise said. “You always have to remember with a smile on your face: you were a person full of joy and shared your joy with everyone.”
Although the two co-stars hadn’t spoken in a while, Louise said Wells’ smile was etched in her heart and said fans were writing to her to tell her they bought the series box for their children.
“The show will live on forever, and so will she. We will remember her with a smile.”