COVID has claimed the life of Gilligan’s Island’s Mary Ann, actress Dawn Wells. The publicist for the 82-year-old TV legend announced her death today. America’s favorite castaway. passed peacefully this morning, in no pain as a result of complications due to COVID.”
Wells, a former Miss Nevada, co-starred in the 1960s series Gilligan’s Island was beloved by generations of TV watchers for her portrayal of the wholesome Mary Ann. Glamorous actress Tina Louise co-starred as Ginger. The question of which type of girl you preferred a Ginger or a Mary Ann became part of the lexicon of popular culture. At 86, Tina Louise is the last surviving member of the cast.
Gilligan’s Island only ran for three seasons. However, the show was incredibly popular with generations of kids in reruns. The show spawned several sequel TV movies. Wells made frequent TV guest appearances over the years on shows like Wild Wild West, Growing Pains, 77 Sunset Strip, The Love Boat, and more. Her last appearance was as a voice actress in 2019 in Captain Underpants.
Wells Stayed Active
Wells kept active in recent years. She ran the Film Actors Book Camp in Idaho, as served as chair of the Terry Lee Wells Foundation. She was also active in animal charities like the Shambala Animal Preserve, which was founded by fellow actress Tippi Hedren.
Wells posted a Christmas greeting on her Facebook page on Christmas Eve and seemed to be in great spirits, commenting, “I know I will have a new appreciation in a simple gathering of college friends at a coffee shop a few months from now. Please find joy amidst the pandemic and be cognizant of our overwhelmed first responders. Let’s not let our actions make a bigger burden for them. I am thankful and in awe of the dedication of our health care professionals.”
Her publicist requested donations to the Elephant Sanctuary, Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum, or the Shambala Preserve.
