Dawn Wells, who famously played ‘good girl’ Mary Ann Summers on the popular 1960s sitcom Gilligan’s Island, has died. She was 82.
According to a News.com.au report, the actress died Wednesday morning in Los Angeles of causes related to Covid-19.
Other than Tina Louise, who played movie star Ginger Grant on the show, Wells was one of the last surviving cast members of the popular show, which ran from 1964 to 1967 — for three seasons.
After the show came to an end, Wells went on to appear in a number of series including Growing Pains, The Bold and the Beautiful and Baywatch. She also appeared in several movies including Winterhawk, The Town That Dreaded Sundown and Super Sucker, just to name a few.
Many people have since taken to social media to pay their respects, with Two and a Half Men star John Cryer leading the way. “It was such a thrill for me to meet Dawn Wells when she came to see Two and a Half Men,” he wrote on Twitter. “She could not have been more lovely and gracious. I’m so grateful that I got to enjoy the work she loved doing.”
Meanwhile fan @CurmudgeonHappy tweeted: “So sad to learn that Dawn Wells has died of COVID complications. She played Mary Ann, the Kansas farm girl, on Gilligan’s Island. I was in love with her throughout my childhood. Mary Ann over Ginger any day of the week! RIP you beauty and thanks for the laughs.”
And @CJirishlez commented: “Always loved Mary Ann. She was my original crush growing up. So sad to see her pass.”
Twitter user @ruminatingtrex wrote: “You were kind, smart, sincere, hard-working, bold, and so talented. Many breakfasts were eaten and laughs had watching your work. Thank you Dawn Wells; we could all stand to be a bit more like you (and Mary Ann) today.”
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