World News – USA – Dawn Wells, Mary Ann of Gilligan’s Island, dies of COVID at age 82

Dawn Wells, who appeared as the « good girl » Mary Ann on the popular 1960s sitcom « Gilligan’s Island, » died of related COVID-19 in Los Angeles on Wednesday. She was 82 years old.

Pig tailed and clad in her ubiquitous dungaress or gingham gown on display at the Hollywood Museum, the Mary Ann character was the girl next to Tina Louise’s suggestive gown in Ginger, which was often the subject of comments from male stars in the show’s dialogue read.

She told Smashing Interviews magazine that she was happy to change her image by playing a prostitute role on « The Owl and the Pussycat » shortly after the show ended. “Mary Ann was a good girl. She was polite. She was a hard worker. She would be your best friend. She cooked. She cleaned. She did all of these things and was a really good role model. But the first thing you want to do is break that character and do something else, ”Wells said.

Wells represented Nevada in the 1959 Miss America pageant and appeared on several television series before being cast on « Gilligan’s Island » in 1964. Wells is from Reno and has also appeared on 77 Sunset Strip, Maverick, Bonanza, The Joey Bishop Show and the Hawaiian Eye. ”

After the series ended in 1967, she returned for several television films and spin-off series. She was the producer of the television films « Surviving Gilligan’s Island » and « Return to the Bat Cave » with Adam West.

She appeared on shows such as « Growing Pains », « The Bold and the Beautiful » and « Baywatch » and voiced Gumbalina Toothington on « The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants ».

In films, Wells appeared in « Winterhawk », « The Town That Dreaded Sundown », « Super Sucker », « The New Interns », « It’s Our Time » and « Silent But Deadly ». ”

Wells has had a long career on stage, appearing on the national tours of « Chapter Two » and « Theyre Playing Our Song » as well as « Fatal Attraction » with Ken Howard, « The Odd Couple » with Marcia Wallace,  » Steel Magnolias « and » The Vagina Monologues « . ”

Though she has appeared in numerous television shows, films and plays, her role as Mary Ann has been her most enduring, leading to appearances such as « Castaway Correspondent » for Australia’s Channel 9 and spokeswoman for the MeTV network. She wrote the book, A Guide to Life: What Would Mary Ann Do? in honor of the 50. Anniversary of « Gilligan’s Island. ”

Her charitable endeavors included serving as chair of the Terry Lee Wells Foundation, focusing on women and children in northern Nevada. She received the Elephant Sanctuary Trumpeting Award for her work with the Elephant Sanctuary. She also ran the Idaho film actor boot camp for seven years.

Wells is survived by her stepsister Weslee Wells. Donations can go to the Elephant Sanctuary, the Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum, or the Shambala Preserve.

Dawn Wells, Gilligans Island, Mary Ann Summers