LOS ANGELES (AP) – Dawn Wells, who played the wholesome Mary Ann among an unsuitable group of shipwrecked people in the 1960s sitcom “Gilligan’s Island”, died Wednesday of causes related to COVID-19, her audience said . She was 82.
Wells died peacefully in a Los Angeles neighborhood, publicist Harlan Boll said. “There’s so much more to Dawn Wells” than the character “Gilligan’s Island” who brought her fame, Boll said in a statement.
Boll, in addition to credits for TV, film and stage shows, also included her teacher and motivational speaker.
Tina Louise, 86, who played film star Ginger, is the last surviving member of a cast that included Bob Denver as the title character; Alan Hale Jr. as the Skipper; Jim Backus and Natalie Schafer as rich passengers Thurston and Lovey Howell, and Russell Johnson, known as the professor.
Wells, a native of Reno, Nevada, represented her state in the 1959 Miss America pageant and quickly turned to an active career. Her early TV roles included in ’77 Sunset Strip ‘,’ Maverick ‘and’ Bonanza ‘.
Then came ‘Gilligan’s Island’, a silly, good-natured comedy that aired from 1964-67, which became an unlikely but indelible part of popular culture. Wells’ pleasant but innocent Mary Ann complemented Louise’s worldly ginger, and both became harmless 60s TV versions of sex symbols.
Wells’ wardrobe included a gingham dress and shorts that modestly covered her navel, with both costumes in Los Angeles at The Hollywood Museum.
A TV movie from the series followed, including ‘Rescue from Gilligan’s Island’ in 1978, but Wells also moved on to other TV guest roles and films, including the 2002 comedy ‘Super Sucker’ with Jeff, Daniels. She has acted on stage in dozens of plays, including ‘Chapter Two’ and ‘The Odd Couple’.
Two years ago, a friend launched a GoFundMe ride to help cover medical and other expenses for Wells, although she argued that she did not need the help. Eventually, she acknowledges her need and accepts more than $ 180,000 in donations.
Dawn is survived by her step-sister, Weslee Wells.