Gilligan’s Island
There is no doubt everyone would remember the awesome show Gilligan’s Island, and the S.S. Minnow’s beloved castaways. With the ubiquity of reruns, the TV show has dominated viewers’ televisions for many decades. Now that it has been years since it first graced our screens, here is an inside scoop of all that happened behind the camera. Are you ready for the juicy details?
From Ginger and Mary Ann to main character Gilligan, we hold the true story of what exactly went into creating this massively popular show. It may come as a surprise to you to hear of the original casting choices for the characters and the off-set personalities of the show’s actors. Sherwood Schwartz went down in TV history as the creator of the hit shows Gilligan’s Island and The Brady Bunch. Now, let’s listen to what the crew of Gilligan’s Island kept secret during filming!
No Outfit Repeats
It is common knowledge that the show’s characters Mary Ann and Ginger were assumed to be taking a boat tour for three hours when they ended up on Gilligan’s Island. However, you may have noticed that they had extensive wardrobes on hand. How could this be? Neither of the two ever sported the same garb twice. Somehow, the two ladies managed to pack enough clothes to never wear an outfit again for each single day that they were both stranded on Gilligan’s Island. Perhaps, a suspension of disbelief on this one was required by the viewers. Let’s just give them a pass on this one.
No Outfit Repeats
Name That Skipper!
Gilligan’s Island fans may have thought Skipper had never even gotten a name. Actually, that’s not the case. In the show’s pilot episode in 1964, his name Jonas Grumby was mentioned. Do you remember the episode where Alan Hale Jr.’s character died? In that episode his ashes was scattered and someone made a comment that “It’s what ‘The Skipper’ would have wanted.” Perhaps they also didn’t remember that it was actually Jonas!
Name That Skipper!
Breaking The Fourth Wall
You don’t need to become a producer for you to know the meaning of a fourth wall, but for the benefit of the unaware, the fourth wall is the space separating the cast from the crew or audience. Skipper (Alan Hale Jr.) gained notoriety for tearing down this wall by staring straight into the camera and making a face. For the time, this wasn’t very common among what was on TV. In addition, supposedly, the show was to produce movie No.4, but that’s a different story!
Breaking The Fourth Wall
Influencing His Character
Because actor Alan Hale Jr. used to refer to other people as ‘little buddy,’ members of the crew came up with an idea. This tic gave them inspiration to make things go from real to reel. Thus, the reason for the character Skipper always calling Gilligan (played by Bob Denver), ‘little buddy.’ The crew though it was extremely fitting for the overall demeanor of Skipper.
Influencing His Character
Equal Credit
Bob Denver, the show’s star, was a strong believer of equality. As a matter of fact, he got very upset seeing that the names of Dawn Wells and Russell Johnson were not included in the credits. Therefore, he did all he could to change this. Since we are on the topic of Gilligan, Jerry Van Dyke, the legendary actor, turned down the offer to play the main character, but later was quoted to have said, “But that’s the joke: I turned it down and took My Mother the Car. But, again, it was really good, because I’d [have] been forever known as Gilligan. So that worked out, too.”
Equal Credit
Reason For Half Mast
A tragedy in real life was why American flags on Gilligan’s Island was flown half-mast. As it turns out, filming of the show had begun immediately after the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Wow! So, now you know why it can be seen that the flag is flying half-mast during the show’s opening credits. As a matter of fact, the pilot episode of Gilligan’s Island was finished on the same day JFK was assassinated, the 22nd of November 1963.
Reason For Half Mast
Inside Joke
Years after, we’re spilling the beans with this one! Newton Minow, Federal Communications Commission or FCC’s head, was not entirely creator Sherwood Schwartz’s favorite. In reality, Schwartz detested the head of the FCC. Thus, Schwartz thought it hilarious that the shipwreck is named the S.S. Minnow. The people behind Gilligan’s Island then made it an inside joke among them. Fingers crossed, Minow never found out, but this may change that!
Inside Joke
Not So Practical
The whole of first season viewers watched Gilligan’s Island characters take their drinks from real coconut cups. However, fans never came to realize just how porous, as well as completely unpractical the coconut cups were! The cups got destroyed quite fast. Once the show’s first season was finished, they needed to switch to drinking from ceramic cups, which looked like coconuts instead. So, things weren’t as authentic as they seemed, but honestly, it’s astonishing to find out how the Gilligan’s Island characters consumed so much coconut milk!
Not So Practical
Ginger’s Bottomless Bag
Sorry, but there is definitely a need to take a look again at the outfits this one has. Before, we already talked about the numerous clothes Ginger just seemed to have, but what about the impressive array? Although Ginger packed for a very short trip, she really had thought about everything. So many options! She brought with her dresses, gowns, even clothes for working out and more! Well, clothing seemed to continue washing up, but it definitely seemed more than a little peculiar!
Ginger’s Bottomless Bag
Custom Outfit
Well, now we’re on the subject of clothing again, it’s time to discuss Mary Ann’s outfits. In actual fact, actress Dawn Wells made more contributions to the wardrobe of her character than many fans knew. Wells knew there would be endless comparisons between her and costar, Ginger (Tina Louise). Thus, as way to compensate for her short stature, she preferred outfits that would showcase her legs a lot. Thus, she thought up short shorts during the time when television was not even permitted to show belly buttons. Wells added some extra fabric so she could hide her navel, but it still seemed the outfits were flashy for the audience. You mustn’t forget, this time is the first ever that a character has worn short shorts!
Custom Outfit
Aging Cast
Of course, from the time Gilligan’s Island started airing during the 60’s until now, many of the cast members have since passed. In actual fact, Sherwood Shwartz, the famous creator, has also died. He passed way in 2011. Out of the main cast of Gilligan’s Island, only Dawn Wells and Tina Louise are left. Here’s to hoping that these lovely women stay around much longer, if not forever!
Aging Cast
She Didn’t Tell A Soul
We’re now letting the cat out of the bag. As you may recall, actress Natalie Schafer played the character Mrs. Howell on the hit show Gilligan’s Island. Anyway, Schafer wasn’t entirely being honest to the producers, the crew, the whole cast, and quite frankly, the fans the whole time. She actually never revealed how old she really was to anyone. However, the truth finally came out. Jim Backus, who starred as her husband on-screen, was apparently 13 years her junior, but she didn’t want people to find out there was such a huge age difference between the two of them.
She Didn’t Tell A Soul
Special Mention In Her Contract
If we’re completely being honest, Natalie Schafer’s story definitely has more to it. It appears that she included a very interesting clause in the contract she had with the show. It was stated in the clause that Gilligan’s Island is prohibited from filming shots close-up to her face. What is the reason behind this, you may ask? Well, she preferred that no one caught sight of her wrinkles. Thus, nobody would ever catch wind of the 13-year age gap between Schafer and onscreen husband Jim Backus!
Special Mention In Her Contract
Radio Transmissions
Needless to say, among the key aspects of the hit show is that the characters of Gilligan’s Island got radio transmissions by using a Packard-Bell radio with an AM band. Turns out, the crew was actually responsible for adding in an antenna for telescoping. They chose to do this so that they could make things a bit more imaginable. The crew of Gilligan’s Island thought the antenna might help viewers believe the idea more that messages which are long-distance would be received. However, the actual Packard Bell model didn’t ever have an antenna, nor did it have a handle.
Radio Transmissions
Inventive Prop Team
One other essential feature of the show Gilligan’s Island is the fact that island scraps were able to be made into outrageous technology. Needless to say, this certainly posed a real challenge for members of the prop team. There was a need to be really creative, as well as inventive, despite only having a limited number of quite random things. It is retrospectively called Macgyvering, because that wasn’t certainly a thing then!
Inventive Prop Team
Next Big Idea
When viewership for Gilligan’s Island started declining, producers of the show decided introducing a character who might possibly save the TV series. However, they didn’t think that an average castaway just would cut it, so they came up with the plan of introducing a dinosaur, which luckily was friendly, to add some spice into things. However, it proved to be too expensive to do. Creator Schwartz could remember what the CBS executive Hunt Stromberg Jr. said to him, “Gilligan and his pet dinosaur! It’s our answer to ‘Mr. Ed.’”
Next Big Idea
A Wild Ride
It is a miracle that Alan Hale Jr. managed to get to the audition for Gilligan’s Island. Why is that, you may ask? First, Hale Jr. was on a set in Utah and rode a horse from there. Next, he hitchhiked all the way to the city of Las Vegas in Nevada. And he wasn’t finished! Naturally, he flew to Los Angeles from Las Vegas to make it to the audition. This is truly something to be very grateful for because no one else could be the Skipper. He IS the Skipper!
A Wild Ride
First or Last Name?
It goes without saying that fans always curious about Gilligan in the show. His personality wasn’t the only thing they wondered about. Everyone knew that he was a goofball, but what was actually his first name? Once the hit show ended, creator Schwartz eventually told everyone it was Willy. Actually, Schwartz mentioned that even Bob Denver got confused. Schwartz was quoted to have said about him, “He thinks Gilligan is his first name, and I think it’s his last name. Because in the original presentation, it’s Willy Gilligan. But he doesn’t believe it, and he doesn’t want to discuss it. He insists the name is Gilligan.”
First Or Last Name?
A $20K Skirt
There was no young boy or, quite possibly, man who did not have a crush on Mary Ann. Even the women simply adored the exceptionally talented woman and it wasn’t only her personality which everyone fondly recalls. This character in Gilligan’s Island was adored so much by the people that an item of her clothing, a skirt, was even bought for an outrageous sum of money. We aren’t kidding! One skirt of hers went for $20,000!
A $20K Skirt
Too Memorable
Moving on to Ginger from Mary Ann! Yes, we need to discuss Ginger Grant or in fact, Tina Louise, the actress that played her in the show. Actually, Tina Louise had done such an amazing job playing Ginger that people couldn’t see her taking on another role. Sadly, this wasn’t an example of what usually happens when actors play iconic roles. No, Tina Louise actually wasn’t able to get a different role afterwards. Although years have passed after the end ofGilligan’s Island, she herself blamed the show for ruining what might-have-been a good television career.
Too Memorable
All 99 Episodes
Now, everyone who has watched Gilligan’s Island can’t forget the very funny story lines, as well as the relatable cast, but maybe, what they never really realized was just how exactly outstanding, in addition to being very committed, the cast members had been to Gilligan’s Island! As a matter of fact, most of the members appeared in each episode. Well, technically, Gilligan, Skipper, and the Howells appeared in each and every episode of the show, which was 99. However, the Professor, Ginger, and Mary Ann are credited for all but one episode. Not bad! If that isn’t commitment, I don’t know what is!
All 99 Episodes
Everyone’s Least Favorite Thing
Sure, everyone hates traffic, but did you ever think about the amount of noise traffic makes? Particularly in L.A., the traffic can be crazy and extremely loud! Well, the heavy traffic in the city turned out to be quite a challenge for Gilligan’s Island at times when they did some filming at the show’s L.A. lot. For them to avoid including in their recording any traffic noise from the highway nearby, they did their best to film lagoon scenes the fastest possible way they could! How difficult this must have been!
Everyone’s Least Favorite Thing
Tone Deaf
It was unfortunate but Dawn Wells just didn’t have the aptitude for singing. This became sort of a concern at the time when the whole cast was expected to perform a song together. Therefore, she improvised then and there and managed to do some lip syncing to the song to avoid ruining the harmony. There are people who say she ought to have taken lessons in singing, but what Wells did appears to have worked fine!
Tone Deaf
Choice For Gilligan
One rumor which gained a certain amount of traction was Schwartz eyeing actor Alan Young to play Gilligan. Viewers remember Alan Young playing Wilbur Post on the show Mister Ed. However, the air was cleared by Schwartz years later after claiming that he had no idea how this rumor started because the idea of Alan Young on his show never even crossed his mind.
Choice For Gilligan
Worldwide Acclaim
Despite the fact that Gilligan’s Island only lasted for three seasons, the show still earned acclaim all over the globe. As a matter of fact, we know of a story about just how widespread Gilligan’s Island became. When Dawn Wells was traveling around the South Pacific, the actress came to one small island that is part of the Solomon Islands. One tribe on that island had been living a life simpler than most– one withou modern technology. Nevertheless, in the small fishing village which had no electricity, people still knew Dawn Wells! We aren’t kidding. While Wells was being introduced to the tribe chief, he got overwhelmed with excitement because he recognized Wells as Mary Ann!
Worldwide Acclaim
Dramatically Different Pilot
Now that we’ve set the ball rolling, we think it is only fitting that fans should know the pilot episode wasn’t entirely in step with how Gilligan’s Island ended up. Firstly, the characters were different. Moreover, the women had actually been secretaries and a high school teacher. Therefore, the network came to realize that this significantly different pilot might confuse fans. Thus, they didn’t do a re-broadcast of it until it was estimated that viewers would have the ability to deal with these discrepancies. It wasn’t until the 90’s – in 1992 actually!
Dramatically Different Pilot
Contract Clause
Out of all of the crew of Gilligan’s Island, Dawn Wells financially got the most out of the entire show franchise. It can all be traced back to Wells’s husband during that time. He worked as a TV agent and gave her excellent advice about adding a specific clause in her contract’s fine print. As stated in the clause, she must be paid royalties for every syndication the hit show earns from that time on. Now, if you think about the fact that the reruns of Gilligan’s Island still plays up to this day, this is amazing. That means she still gets checks for playing Mary Ann!
Contract Clause
Original Mary Ann
Many times, creators of TV shows have a particular actor in mind to play a role in their show, but this actor turns the role down. Thus, creators go to their second choice. Actually, Dawn Wells wasn’t first choice, she was just the back-up. They originally wanted the 1960’s sensation Raquel Welch for the role of Mary Ann. As a matter of fact, many thought Welch had saved her career by saying no to Gilligan’s Island because the actors of Gilligan’s Island couldn’t land roles after the show. They were forever associated with their characters in the show.
Original Mary Ann
On-Set Diva
On the topic of opinions the crew had on members of the cast, Tina Louise sure left a long-lasting impression on all of them. A bit more about that later. It appears that during the shooting of Gilligan’s Island, she had the cast as well as the crew make her a lot of uncommon exceptions. This was partly because of the fact Louise had the feeling she was misled about what role her character Ginger played on Gilligan’s Island. She claimed that the part presented to her by her agent was that of a film star who got stuck on an isolated island. Therefore, she didn’t realize the show didn’t solely revolve around the exploits of her character.
On-Set Diva
Miss Nevada
Have you caught wind of the fact that Dawn Wells had actually been crowned the 1959 Miss Nevada? Winning the crown assisted the aspiring actress in securing a scholarship at the University of Washington. There she took up theater. When she graduated, she moved to L.A. to pursue a career in acting. Although her desire to act was unlike that for anything else, she didn’t want to become just another one of the pretty faces in Hollywood. Therefore, aside from being conventionally beautiful, Wells worked very hard and stayed focused so that she could reach her aim for fame.
Miss Nevada
Starstruck
People not just around the country but also the world debated who they adored more, Ginger or Mary Ann. Behind the camera, the two stars became very close friends. At first, Wells got intimidated by her co-actor because Tina Louise was one of the biggest film stars in Hollywood. When Dawn Wells was just starting on Gilligan’s Island, she was not quite well known. When Wells got over her fear, the two got very close. As a matter of fact, Dawn Wells and Louise’s daughter are now friends on social media. Lasting friendships sure make us feel warm inside!
Starstruck
Favorite Episode
Out of all the Gilligan’s Island episodes she was credited for, Louise chose “All About Eva” as the one she really liked to film. In the episode, there is a woman who is washed up on the island. Her name is Eva and at first, she looks like a mess. However, Ginger decides to give the red head Eva a much needed, complete makeover. Eva then gets the chance to escape the island. In the end, she goes to Hollywood and assumes Ginger’s identity! Needless to say, Tina Louise played Ginger and Eva and she had a blast filming this episode!
Favorite Episode
Not A Dime
As what we have hinted at previously, most stars of Gilligan’s Island didn’t quite strike gold doing the show. And Bob Denver is no exception! Anyway, most of the cast had only had residual rights up until 1968. The actual reason is that many of the members of the cast never really thought Gilligan’s Island had a strong chance of becoming successful. Most of them looked at the show as an interesting, resume filler. Well, everyone except actress Dawn Wells! Fortunately, she had specified reruns in the contracts she signed, so Wells did well!
Not A Dime
Tina Didn’t Hang
Now, this might come as a shock to many fans, but Tina Louise did not actually like leisurely hanging out with the other stars of the show. In fact, even when group interviews were done by the crew, she wasn’t around. This might be traced back to the idea that she was avoiding being typecast as her character Ginger from the show. However, after the actors were done with Gilligan’s Island, they couldn’t really move on from the show because movie and television producers feared that viewers would not be able to see the actors as other characters.
Tina Didn’t Hang
Final Cut
Okay, so what exactly was the reason why Gilligan’s Island needed to end although it only had three wonderful seasons? Well, the network CBS had just had a redo of the year’s lineup and they felt they had to ax the show. During that time, Gilligan’s Island wasn’t doing well in the ratings game, so CBS initially thought it might help the show succeed if its time slot was less expensive. However, the executives chose to cancel it once they were able to pick up the show Gunsmoke.
Final Cut
The Real Lagoon
So about the ever so famous lagoon! It was specifically built for Gilligan’s Island on land that was in CBS’s Studio City back in 1964. The crew had originally imagined filming twice in Malibu. Because of some fog, there was often downtime. Oh and during winter, the temperature of the water went as low as 40 degrees. Cold! That’s why there was a need for Bob Denver to wear a wetsuit under his costume for Gilligan’s Island. In the summer, water in the lagoon became stagnant as well as very smelly. In 1995, years later, CBS turned the lagoon into a parking lot for employees and therefore, had to drain the lagoon’s water.
The Real Lagoon
Well, That’s Rude
We mentioned this in brief earlier. In the original theme song or during the opening of Gilligan’s Island, both Mary Ann and the Professor were called ‘the rest’. Fortunately, it was changed in the following seasons. Thus, in both the second and third seasons, the show’s theme song got updated and the two had names and weren’t just ‘the rest’.
Well, That’s Rude
The Origin Of Ginger’s Name
We already explained that Gilligan is just a name that was randomly selected for the character Bob Denver played. However, there was a bit more effort involved when they chose Ginger for Tina Louise’s character. It appears that they got inspiration from two of Hollywood’s greatest legends from its Golden Era – Ginger Rogers and Cary Grant. As a matter of fact, the hit show referenced Cary Grant a lot.
The Origin Of Ginger’s Name
Alf Crossover
Surely, you recall the family sitcom, Alf about the alien! However, you might have forgotten about that incredible crossover episode. Let’s jog your memory. Basically, Alf dreamt of getting stranded on yup, you guessed it…Gilligan’s Island. Thus, Alf got to spend some time on the island with the whole cast from Gilligan’s Island. Every member of the original cast was in the unique special from Alan Hale Jr. to Russell Johnson, Dawn Wells and obviously, the celebrated Bob Denver!
Alf Crossover
Tough Guy
Perhaps, you knew that Alan Hale Jr. came onto the set with experience in the military. It wasn’t just his military background that made the crew respect how tough he was. Actually, one time he proved it to them while performing his own stunt. For the episode, he needed to climb up a tree, but unfortunately, he fell onto the concrete instead of the soft landing while filming. Yikes! Even though the star broke his arm, he kept this bit of information from everyone for weeks. Once people found out and asked how he did it, Alan Hale Jr. simply replied, “It wasn’t easy.”
Tough Guy
Dramatically Different Pilot
It’s time to go all the way back to the original pilot. Honestly, the pilot barely resembled the actual show and the direction they took. Firstly, they had different characters like secretaries and a high school teacher. Due to the disparities, the network would not air the pilot for years, in order not to confuse fans. Thus, they did not end up re-broadcasting it until they felt the fans would be able to handle the dramatic changes…in 1992!
Dramatically Different Pilot
Two Cartoons
Back in the 60’s and 70’s, shows tried adapted to animation or creating cartoon spin-offs to stay relevant. So, you may recall that Gilligan’s Island also participated in this fad. Actually, they had two of their own cartoons. Well, one was the classic Gilligan’s Island but then they created an outer space themed show called Gilligan’s Planet.
Two Cartoons
So Many Gingers
Tina Louise has become synonymous with her character’s name Ginger. However, there have actually been six people who played Ginger, if you count both the cartoons and films in addition to the show. Did you know Dawn Wells voiced both her character Mary Ann and Ginger for the cartoon spin-off, Gilligan’s Planet?
So Many Gingers
Pushing For The Show
Sherwood Schwartz quickly rose to success working for the United Artists Television company. Even though he was a rising star, CBS president Jim Aubrey was hesitant to sign on to his Gilligan’s Island pitch. Aubrey worried that the audience would quickly grow frustrated that none of the characters could escape from the island. Luckily, Schwartz’s persistence paid off and the show became a hit!
Pushing For The Show
Stunt Woman
So yes, it was pretty wild that Natalie Schafer was a millionaire on and off screen. Despite being so high class, this actress chose to do every one of her own stunts. I mean, you need to give her props considering she was around 65 years old at the time! Let’s not forget she was sinking into quicksand and even falling into the lagoon. Pretty impressive!
Stunt Woman
Contract Clause
Out of all the stars, Dawn Wells earned the most from Gilligan’s Island. She can thank her husband at the time when she signed on for the show. He was a TV agent and wisely advised her to add a special clause to her contract. Within this clause, the fine print stipulated Wells must receive royalties from all Gilligan’s Island syndications. Think about every time you saw reruns of the show…yeah, she’s still earning money!
Contract Clause
Original Mary Ann
Lots of times, show creators envision a specific actor to play their character. Sadly, the first choice may not want the role or be available. Turns out, Dawn Wells was the back up for 60’s star Raquel Welch! Welch turned down the role, which many claim saved her career because the Gilligan’s Island stars had trouble getting parts after the show. That was the one down side after the stars made it big…they became so identified with their characters.
Original Mary Ann
Reference
Schwartz actually created Thurston Howell II, played by Jim Backus, as a bit of a nod to a previous character of his. Back on The Alan Young Show, another Schwartz creation, Jim Backus played Hubert Updyke III. Thus, it was obviously a sort of continuation for Backus to play Thurston. When Schwartz pitched Gilligan’s Island he said, “the island would be a social microcosm and a metaphorical shaming of world politics in the sense that when necessary for survival, yes we can all get along.”
Reference
Cheapskate
Even though Jim Backus played a wealthy man who wasn’t afraid to throw down the big bucks, he was far from his character in real life. Many who knew him went as far to call him a total cheapskate. Many crew members recalled going out to eat and Backus always ‘forgetting his wallet.’ Often times, he made others cover his bill. Actually, he did this so frequently that the cast and crew openly teased him.
Cheapskate
On-Set Diva
Speaking of crew opinions and gossip, Tina Louise also made an impression on her coworkers. However, we will get into that a bit later. While shooting the show, Louise had the crew and cast make certain exceptions for her. Apparently, she felt misled about her character’s role and felt a bit entitled. Louise’s agent told her that the show revolved around this movie star getting stranded on an island. So, Tina Louise had no clue that she wasn’t the star of the show when she signed on.
On-Set Diva
Representing America
Ready for some inside perspective on the symbolism behind the show? Well, every character, except silly Gilligan, was created to represent a part of American society. Now, it all makes sense why they called the characters by jobs and not just their names. Every person stood for a certain segment of society!
Representing America
Dawn Wells’ Memoir
Sure, everyone recognizes Dawn Wells as Gilligan’s Island‘s Mary Ann. Thus, it’s no surprise her memoir was called What Would Mary Ann Do? Besides sharing personal stories from her days on set, she also wrote some self help sections. Oh, and the book is written in Mary Ann’s voice. How cute is that for fans to read all kinds of life advice from Mary Ann, the starry-eyed Kansas native!
Dawn Wells’ Memoir
Arrest
Sadly, Wells faced some trouble with the law in 2007 when she was heading home from the Driggs, Idaho mayor’s birthday. A sheriff pulled her over after seeing her swerve. Upon his search of the car, he found three cigarettes that had controlled substances and had been smoked. Thus, Wells was placed in lockup, even though a friend of Wells’ confessed to leaving the joints in her car earlier.
Arrest
Wrong About Reruns
Luckily, everyone still loves and adores Gilligan’s Island, but that’s thanks to all the reruns. The reruns allowed Gilligan’s Island to accumulate more fans for over 50 years. Now, the best part of this success is knowing how wrong producers were back when Gilligan’s Island came out. They didn’t think that reruns would ever run when they started the first season. Could they have been more wrong?
Wrong About Reruns
Miss Nevada
Back in 1959, the real Mary Ann, aka Dawn Wells, was crowned as Miss Nevada! A young Wells was then able to secure a scholarship to study theater at the University of Washington. After graduating from college, she began pursuing an acting career. However, she was determined to be more than a beautiful face in the industry. Thus, she worked tirelessly and stayed focused on her goals to achieve fame.
Miss Nevada
Starstruck
Sure, fans constantly fought over whether Mary Ann or Ginger were their favorite. Despite what you might have thought, the two actresses are close friends in real life. In the beginning, Wells felt intimidated by Tina Louise, who was a huge movie star. Back then Wells was not famous. After getting over her fears, she grew quite close to her costar. Now, Dawn Wells is even friends on social media with Tina Louise’s daughter. How cute!
Starstruck
Tina The Teacher
After her days with Gilligan’s Island, Tina Louise changed gears and began acting in Broadway shows. Besides Broadway, this New Yorker stays busy teaching second graders as a volunteer! Believe it or not, many of her students recognize her right away as Ginger. Clearly, those reruns have had a lasting effect!
Tina The Teacher
Favorite Episode
Out of all the Gilligan’s Island episodes, Tina Louise confirmed that “All About Eva” was her absolute favorite to film. Let’s refresh your memory a bit. This was the episode when that lookalike Eva washed up on the island, and Ginger gave her a full makeover. Then this newly made-up woman escapes and returns to LA as Ginger! Obviously, Tina Louise played Ginger and also Eva, so filming was really enjoyable for her.
Favorite Episode
Sunday By Tina Louise
Just like Dawn Wells, Tina Louise also wrote a personal memoir. Her memoir is Sunday, but it’s actually a collection of memoirs. The star wrote this book in order to help young girls and teenagers. Louise, like the caring and nurturing woman she is, hoped to be a comforting voice for those having children at a young age or who aren’t currently in school. She even details her own boarding school experiences from ages 6 to 8.
Sunday By Tina Louise