Dawn Wells Dead: Celebrities Mourn The Death Of 'Gilligan's Island' Star

Dawn Wells, known for playing the role of Mary Ann on the hit TV series “Gilligan's Island,” passed away Wednesday due to complications caused by COVID-19. She was 82.

The news of her death was confirmed by her publicist Harlan Boll, who said that the actress died peacefully at a residential facility in Los Angeles, BBC has learned. According to her publicist, there is much more to Wells than the character she played on the show that brought her “fame.”

Her longtime friend and “Gilligan’s Island” co-star Tina Louise issued a statement to Variety, saying that she’s really heartbroken after hearing the tragic news.

“I was sad to learn of Dawn’s passing, I will always remember her kindness to me. We shared in creating a cultural landmark that has continued to bring comfort and smiles to people during this difficult time. I hope that people will remember her the way that I do – always with a smile on her face,” Variety quoted Louise, as saying.

Louise is now the last surviving member of the show’s cast.

Celebrities like William Shatner, Jane Lynch, Jon Cryer, and many others paid tribute to Wells on social media.

Shatner extended his condolences to Wells’ family and noted that he is really “sad” about her death. “Condolences to the family of Dawn Wells. Very sad,” Shatner wrote on Twitter.

“Oh, this is so sad. Bon voyage, Mary Ann,” Lynch posted on Twitter.

Meanwhile, Cryer said it was such a “thrill” for him to meet the “Growing Pains” star when she visited the set of his hit TV series “Two and a Half Men.”

“It was such a thrill for me to meet Dawn Wells when she came to see ‘Two and a Half Men’. She could not have been more lovely and gracious. I’m so grateful that I got to enjoy the work she loved doing. #RIPDawnWells,” Cryer noted.

Wells started her professional acting career in 1961 with a TV series titled “The Roaring 20s.” Up until 1964, the actress made appearances on numerous projects like “77 Sunset Trip,” “Tales of Wells Fargo,” “It’s a Man’s World,” and “The New Interns.”

However, her moment of glory came in 1964 when she was cast as Mary Ann Summers on “Gilligan’s Island.” The show turned out to be a massive success for Wells as it cemented her name in the entertainment industry.

Apart from TV shows, Wells also made an appearance in a number of movies such as “Winterhawk,” “The Town That Dreaded Sundown,” “Super Sucker,” “It’s Our Time” and “Silent But Deadly.”

Wells is survived by her stepsister, Weslee Wells.

Here are some more meaningful tributes: