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{{short description|American actress (1938–2020)}}
{{Use American English|date=December 2015}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2021}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
|name        = Dawn Wells
|name        = Dawn Wells
|image        = Dawn Wells Gilligan's Island 1964.jpg
|image        = Dawn Wells 2015.jpg
|caption      = Wells as Mary Ann on ''Gilligan's Island'' in 1964
|caption      = Wells in 2015
|birth_name  = Dawn Elberta Wells
|birth_name  = Dawn Elberta Wells
|birth_date  = {{birth date and age|1938|10|18}}
|birth_date  = {{birth date|1938|10|18|mf=yes}}
|birth_place  = [[Reno, Nevada|Reno]], [[Nevada]], U.S.
|birth_place  = [[Reno, Nevada]], U.S.
|death_date  =
|death_date  = {{death date and age|2020|12|30|1938|10|18|mf=y}}
|death_place  =
|death_place  = Los Angeles, California, U.S.
|occupation  = Actress
|occupation  = Actress
|years_active = 1961–present
|years_active = 1961–2019
|spouse      = {{marriage|Larry Rosen|1962|1967|reason=divorced}}
|spouse      = {{marriage|Larry Rosen|1962|1967|reason=divorced}}
|website      = {{URL|http://www.dawn-wells.com/}}
|website      = {{Official URL}}
}}
}}


'''Dawn Elberta Wells''' (born October 18, 1938) is an American actress who is best known for her role as [[Mary Ann Summers]] on the [[CBS]] [[sitcom]] ''[[Gilligan's Island]]''. She and [[Tina Louise]] are the last surviving regular cast members from that series.
'''Dawn Elberta Wells''' (October 18, 1938 – December 30, 2020) was an American actress known for her role as [[Mary Ann Summers]] on the [[CBS]] sitcom ''[[Gilligan's Island]]''.


==Early life==
== Early life ==
Wells was born in Reno, Nevada, where she attended Reno High School. She later attended Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, where she majored in chemistry. She transferred to the University of Washington in Seattle, where she graduated in 1960 with a degree in theater arts and design. She was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority.
Wells was born to Evelyn (Steinbrenner) and Joe Wesley Wells in [[Reno, Nevada]], where she attended [[Reno High School]].<ref name="GlamourGidgets"/><ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/30/arts/television/dawn-wells-dead.html |title=Dawn Wells, Mary Ann on 'Gilligan's Island,' Dies at 82 |work=The New York Times |date=December 30, 2020 |access-date=December 31, 2020}}</ref> Her father owned a local Reno shipping company called "Wells Cargo" (not the trailer manufacturer). After high school graduation, Wells attended [[Stephens College]] in [[Columbia, Missouri]], where she majored in chemistry. She transferred to the [[University of Washington]] in [[Seattle]], where she graduated in 1960 with a degree in theater arts and design. She was a member of the [[Alpha Chi Omega]] sorority.<ref name="GlamourGidgets"/>


In 1959, Wells was crowned [[Miss Nevada]] and represented her state in the [[Miss America 1960]] pageant in [[Atlantic City, New Jersey]].<ref name=potempa/><ref>{{cite news |first=Delen |last=Goldberg |newspaper=[[Las Vegas Sun]] |title=10 past Nevada pageant winners who have gained notoriety |url=http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2011/jun/17/many-past-nevada-pageant-winners-have-gained-notor/ |date=January 12, 2012 |accessdate=July 20, 2014}}</ref>
== Career ==
In 1959, Wells was crowned [[Miss Nevada]] and represented her state in the [[Miss America 1960]] pageant in [[Atlantic City, New Jersey]].<ref name="potempa">{{cite web|last=Potempa|first=Phillip|title=From the Farm: Leftover turkey perfect for 'Gilligan's Island' casserole|url=http://www.nwitimes.com/lifestyles/food-and-cooking/article_f512c6c2-3d70-529f-a708-f53b0a7945a5.html|access-date=July 9, 2011|work=nwi.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Delen |last=Goldberg |newspaper=[[Las Vegas Sun]] |title=10 past Nevada pageant winners who have gained notoriety |url=http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2011/jun/17/many-past-nevada-pageant-winners-have-gained-notor/ |date=January 12, 2012 |access-date=July 20, 2014}}</ref>


==Career==
In Hollywood, Wells made her debut on [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]'s ''[[The Roaring 20s (TV series)|The Roaring 20s]]'' and the movie ''[[The New Interns]]'' and was cast in episodes of such television series as ''[[The Joey Bishop Show (TV series)|The Joey Bishop Show]]'', ''[[77 Sunset Strip]]'', ''[[Cheyenne (1955 TV series)|Cheyenne]]'', ''[[Maverick (TV series)|Maverick]]'', and ''[[Bonanza]].''<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=Dawn Wells Biography - Official Website|url=http://www.castproductions.com/dawnwells.html|access-date=January 4, 2021|website=www.castproductions.com}}</ref>
In [[Hollywood]], Wells made her debut on [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]'s ''[[The Roaring 20s (TV series)|The Roaring 20s]]'' and was cast in episodes of such [[television series]] as ''[[77 Sunset Strip]]'', ''[[Cheyenne (1955 TV series)|The Cheyenne Show]]'', ''[[Maverick (TV series)|Maverick]],'' and ''[[Bonanza]]'', before she took the role of Mary Ann on ''[[Gilligan's Island]]''. She reprised her character in the various ''Gilligan's Island'' reunion specials, including a reunion cartoon spin-off, ''[[Gilligan's Planet]]'', and three reunion movies: ''[[Rescue from Gilligan's Island]]'', ''[[The Castaways on Gilligan's Island]]'' and ''[[The Harlem Globetrotters on Gilligan's Island]]''.


She also appeared as a guest star on ''[[Wagon Train]]'', ''[[Tales of Wells Fargo]]'', ''[[87th Precinct (TV series)|87th Precinct]]'', ''[[Surfside 6]]'', ''[[Hawaiian Eye]]'', ''[[Ripcord (TV series)|Ripcord]]'', ''[[The Everglades (TV series)|The Everglades]]'', ''[[The Detectives (1959 TV series)]]'', ''[[It's a Man's World (TV series)|It's a Man's World]]'', ''[[Laramie (TV series)|Laramie]]'', ''[[Burke's Law]]'', ''[[The Invaders]]'', ''[[The Wild Wild West]]'', ''[[The F.B.I. (TV series)|The F.B.I.]]'', ''[[Vega$]]'', ''[[The Love Boat]]'', ''[[Fantasy Island]]'', ''[[ALF (TV series)|ALF]]'', ''[[Herman's Head]]'', ''[[Three Sisters (TV series)|Three Sisters]]'', ''[[Pastor Greg]],'' and ''[[Roseanne (TV series)|Roseanne]]''.
Wells appeared as a guest star on ''[[Wagon Train]]'', ''[[Tales of Wells Fargo]]'', ''[[87th Precinct (TV series)|87th Precinct]]'', ''[[Surfside 6]]'', ''[[Hawaiian Eye]]'', ''[[Ripcord (TV series)|Ripcord]]'', ''[[The Everglades (TV series)|The Everglades]]'', ''[[The Detectives (1959 TV series)|The Detectives]]'', ''[[It's a Man's World (TV series)|It's a Man's World]]'', ''[[Channing (TV series)|Channing]]'', ''[[Laramie (TV series)|Laramie]]'', ''[[Burke's Law (1963 TV series)|Burke's Law]]'', ''[[The Invaders]]'', ''[[The Wild Wild West]]'', ''[[The F.B.I. (TV series)|The F.B.I.]]'', ''[[Vega$]]'', ''[[The Love Boat]]'', ''[[Fantasy Island]]'', ''[[Matt Houston]]'', ''[[ALF (TV series)|ALF]]'', ''[[Herman's Head]]'', ''[[Three Sisters (American TV series)|Three Sisters]]'', ''[[Pastor Greg]]'', and ''[[Roseanne]]''.<ref name=":1" />


=== ''Gilligan's Island'' ===
[[File:Dawn Wells 1975.jpg|thumb|Wells 1975 press release]]
[[File:Dawn Wells 1975.jpg|thumb|Wells 1975 press release]]
Wells had small roles in the early 1960s films ''[[Palm Springs Weekend]]'' and ''[[The New Interns]]'', and later starred with [[Michael Dante]] in the independent 1975 film ''Winterhawk'', playing a Western settler kidnapped by a [[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] chief.  Her other films include ''[[The Town That Dreaded Sundown]]'', ''[[Return to Boggy Creek]]'', ''Lover's Knot'', ''[[Soulmates (1992 film)|Soulmates]]'', ''[[Forever For Now]]'', and ''[[Super Sucker]]''. In fall 2011, she began filming ''Hotel Arthritis'', a comedy horror film released in 2012.
She took her signature role of Mary Ann on ''[[Gilligan's Island]]'' in 1964. She reprised her character in the various ''Gilligan's Island'' reunion specials, including the reunion cartoon spin-off ''[[Gilligan's Planet]]'' and three reunion movies: ''[[Rescue from Gilligan's Island]]'', ''[[The Castaways on Gilligan's Island]]'', and ''[[The Harlem Globetrotters on Gilligan's Island]]''.<ref name="Closer Revisiting">{{cite news |last1=Gross |first1=Ed |title=Revisiting 'Gilligan's Island' With Mary Ann Herself, Dawn Wells (Exclusive) |url=https://www.closerweekly.com/posts/gilligans-island-cast-member-dawn-wells/ |access-date=December 31, 2020 |work=Closer Weekly}}</ref>
 
Following ''Gilligan's Island'', Wells embarked on a theater career, appearing in nearly one hundred theatrical productions as of July 2009. She spent the majority of the 1970s and 1980s touring in musical theater productions. She also had a one-woman show at the [[MGM Grand Hotel and Casino]] in Las Vegas in 1985.
 
In 1993, Wells published ''Mary Ann's Gilligan's Island Cookbook'' with co-writers Ken Beck and Jim Clark, including a foreword by [[Bob Denver]].


In 2005, Wells consigned for sale her original [[gingham]] blouse and shorts ensemble from her signature role. A [[Beverly Hills, California|Beverly Hills]] auction house, Profiles in History, sold it for $20,700.<ref name=potempa>{{cite web|last=Potempa|first=Phillip|title=From the Farm: Leftover turkey perfect for 'Gilligan's Island' casserole|url=http://www.nwitimes.com/lifestyles/food-and-cooking/article_f512c6c2-3d70-529f-a708-f53b0a7945a5.html|work=nwi.com|accessdate=9 July 2011}}</ref>
In 1993, Wells published ''Mary Ann's Gilligan's Island Cookbook'' with co-writers Ken Beck and Jim Clark, including a foreword by [[Bob Denver]]. [[Alan Hale Jr.]], who played [[The Skipper]] on ''Gilligan's Island'', contributed a family recipe ("Kansas Chicken and Dumplings") to her cookbook. Hale's character was the inspiration behind such concoctions as Skipper's Coconut Cream Pie, Skipper's Navy Bean Soup, and Skipper's Goodbye Ribeye, and he is depicted as Skipper Jonas Grumby in numerous photographs throughout the book. She said in a 2014 interview with GoErie.com, "Alan could not have been kinder to a young actress. He was a real peach."<ref>{{cite web|title=Kevin Cuneo: Mary Ann's still a sweetheart|url=http://www.goerie.com/kevin-cuneo-mary-anns-still-a-sweetheart|access-date=December 8, 2015|work=GoErie.com - Erie, PA}}</ref>


In 2008, Wells came to [[Los Angeles]] to join [[Sherwood Schwartz]], the creator of ''Gilligan's Island'', for the celebration of Schwartz's entry into the [[Hollywood Walk of Fame]].
In 1997, Wells starred as her ''Gilligan's Island'' character in a music video for the song "Mary Ann" by the pop-punk band [[Squirtgun]] (Lookout Records label mates of [[Green Day]]). The song describes an infatuation with Mary Ann and sings praises to the wholesome character, specifically choosing her over Ginger. The video reached the top 40 of MTV's Alternative Music charts, and was featured as part of a variety of alternative-themed music video programs.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|last=Bongiovanni|first=Domenica|title=Squirtgun has success on multiple levels|url=https://www.jconline.com/story/entertainment/music/2015/05/20/squirtgun-success-multiple-levels/27651931/|access-date=January 4, 2021|website=Journal and Courier|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=SQUIRTGUN|url=https://www.reggieslive.com/band/squirtgun/|access-date=January 4, 2021|website=Reggies Chicago|language=en-US}}</ref>


Wells appeared on a celebrity episode of [[Food Network]]'s ''[[Chopped (TV series)|Chopped]]'', entitled "Celebrity Holiday Bash", which first aired December 1, 2013. <!-- Episode CQ1701H (use it later to build the reference.) -->
In 2005, Wells consigned for sale her original [[gingham]] blouse and shorts ensemble from her signature role. [[Beverly Hills, California|Beverly Hills]] auction house Profiles in History sold it for $20,700.<ref name="potempa" />


In 2014 Wells released ''What Would Mary Ann Do? A Guide to Life'', which she co-wrote with Steve Stinson. The book was released to coincide with the 50th anniversary of ''Gilligan's Island''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/classichollywood/la-et-dawn-wells-classic-hollywood-20140928-story.html |title=The world according to Dawn Wells, a.k.a. 'Gilligan Island's' Mary Ann |accessdate=17 April 2015}}</ref>
In 2014, Wells released ''What Would Mary Ann Do? A Guide to Life'', which she co-wrote with Steve Stinson. The book was released to coincide with the 50th anniversary of ''Gilligan's Island''.<ref>{{cite web|title=The world according to Dawn Wells, a.k.a. 'Gilligan Island's' Mary Ann|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/classichollywood/la-et-dawn-wells-classic-hollywood-20140928-story.html|access-date=April 17, 2015}}</ref>


Wells was close to [[Alan Hale Jr.]], who played [[The Skipper]] in ''Gilligan's Island'', even after the series completed its run. Before his death, Hale contributed a family recipe ("Kansas Chicken and Dumplings") to her 1993 cookbook, ''Mary Ann's Gilligan's Island Cookbook''. Hale, whose character was the inspiration behind such included concoctions as 'Skipper's Coconut Pie,' 'Skipper's Navy Bean Soup,' and 'Skipper's Goodbye Ribeye,' can be seen depicted as Skipper Jonas Grumby in numerous photographs throughout the book. She said in a 2014 interview with GoErie.com, about her memory with him, "Alan could not have been kinder to a young actress. He was a real peach."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goerie.com/kevin-cuneo-mary-anns-still-a-sweetheart|title=Kevin Cuneo: Mary Ann's still a sweetheart|work=GoErie.com - Erie, PA|accessdate=December 8, 2015}}</ref>  
A recurring theme, in the form of a rivalry, developed from the show that posed the question, mainly to men, as to which one of the female stars they preferred: Ginger or Mary Ann? Wells embraced the good-natured rivalry. During a 2014 interview with the [[Vancouver Sun]], Wells said that she had a t-shirt that read: "Ginger or Mary Ann, the ultimate dilemma." The question of which of these two characters men prefer endured long after the end of the series. "You can go anywhere and say 'Ginger or Mary Ann?' You don't have to say what show it is. Everybody gets it. And I always win."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bernstein |first1=Adam |title=Dawn Wells, wholesome castaway on 'Gilligan's Island,' dies of covid-19 at 82 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/dawn-wells-dead/2020/12/30/c7546744-b84a-11e8-94eb-3bd52dfe917b_story.html |website=[[The Washington Post]] |access-date=January 2, 2021}}</ref>
When he died in January 1990, she was the only cast member to attend his memorial.{{citation needed|date=August 2015}}


Following the January 2014 death of ''Gilligan's Island'' co-star [[Russell Johnson]], Wells and actress [[Tina Louise]] are the only surviving cast members of the original sitcom.
=== Film ===
Wells had small roles in the early 1960s films ''[[Palm Springs Weekend]]'' and ''[[The New Interns]]'', and later starred with [[Michael Dante]] in the independent 1975 film ''Winterhawk'', playing a Western settler kidnapped by a Native American chief. Her other films include ''[[The Town That Dreaded Sundown]]'', ''[[Return to Boggy Creek]]'', ''Lover's Knot'', ''Soulmates'', ''Forever for Now'', and ''[[Super Sucker]]''. In fall 2011, she began filming ''Silent But Deadly'' (originally titled ''Hotel Arthritis''),<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/silent-but-deadly-film-review-680044|title=Silent But Deadly: Film Review|work=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=June 26, 2017}}</ref> a comedy horror film released in 2012.


In May 2016, Wells was named Marketing Ambassador to [[MeTV]] Network. From a network press release: "Dawn Wells will serve as the MeTV Marketing Ambassador for the coming year, bringing her talent, warmth and generous spirit to a variety of MeTV appearances, performances and events. First up, Dawn will be the on-camera network hostess for ''The Summer of Me'', MeTV’s annual programming event."{{citation needed|date=May 2016}}
=== Theater ===
Following ''Gilligan's Island'', Wells embarked on a theater career, appearing in nearly one hundred theatrical productions as of July 2009. She spent the majority of the 1970s, and 1980s, touring in theater productions, notably the second national (bus and truck) tour of [[Neil Simon]]'s ''[[Chapter Two (play)|Chapter Two]]'' (in the role of Jennie Malone), and replacing [[Lorna Luft]] as Sonia Walsk in the second national tour of ''[[They're Playing Our Song]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Dawn Wells – Broadway Cast & Staff {{!}} IBDB|url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/dawn-wells-521821|access-date=January 1, 2021|website=www.ibdb.com}}</ref> She also had a one-woman show at the [[Bally's Las Vegas|MGM Grand Hotel and Casino]] in Las Vegas in 1985.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Dawn Wells, Mary Ann on 'Gilligan's Island,' dies at 82|url=https://ew.com/tv/dawn-wells-mary-ann-gilligans-island-dies-at-82/|access-date=January 4, 2021|website=EW.com|language=EN}}</ref>


==Personal life==
=== MeTV ===
[[File:Dawn Wells 2015.jpg|thumb|Wells in 2015]]
In May 2016, Wells was named Marketing Ambassador to [[MeTV]] Network, which had begun airing reruns of ''Gilligan's Island''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.robertfeder.com/2016/05/05/dawn-wells-joins-metv-as-marketing-ambassador/|title=Dawn Wells joins MeTV as 'marketing ambassador'|website=robertfeder.com|access-date=February 23, 2018}}</ref>
She married Larry Rosen, a talent agent, in 1962. The couple had no children and were divorced in 1967.<ref name="interdawn" />


===Community involvement===
== Humanitarian activities ==
In Idaho, Wells runs a business, Wishing Wells Collections, making clothing for people with limited mobility.<ref name="WishingWells" /> She is the founder of the Idaho Film and Television Institute, a not-for-profit ([[501c3]]) educational organization with "a vision of education, technical training and economic development in Southeastern Idaho."<ref name="IdahoFilmInstitute-2006-04-06" /> She organized [[SpudFest]], a regional annual family movie festival,<ref name="IdahoFilmInstitute-2006-04-06" /> and has been a spokeswoman for [[Idaho Potato Commission|Idaho Potatoes]].<ref name="IdahoPotato" />
For several years, Wells operated a business, Wishing Wells Collections, making clothing for people with limited mobility.<ref name="WishingWells" /> She was the founder of the Idaho Film and Television Institute, a not-for-profit ([[501c3|501(c)(3)]]) educational organization with "a vision of education, technical training and economic development in [[Eastern Idaho|Southeastern Idaho]]."<ref name="IdahoFilmInstitute-2006-04-06" /> She organized [[SpudFest]], a regional annual family movie festival,<ref name="IdahoFilmInstitute-2006-04-06" /> and promoted [[Idaho Potato Commission|Idaho Potatoes]].<ref name="IdahoPotato" />


Wells continues to lend her support to the Denver Foundation, a charity chaired by Dreama Denver, widow of Wells' ''Gilligan’s Island'' co-star [[Bob Denver]]. In November 2009, she appeared at the Denver Foundation's Christmas Wish Celebrity Auction, helping to raise funds for the disabled and disadvantaged in West Virginia.<ref name="BobDenverCom" />
Wells lent her support to the Denver Foundation, a West Virginia charity chaired by Dreama Denver, widow of Wells' ''Gilligan's Island'' co-star [[Bob Denver]]. In November 2009, she appeared at the Denver Foundation's Christmas Wish Celebrity Auction, helping to raise funds for the disabled and disadvantaged in [[West Virginia]].<ref name="BobDenverCom" />


===Reckless driving incident===
== Personal life and death ==
While driving home from her birthday party celebration on October 18, 2007, Wells was observed swerving across the roadway, was found in possession of marijuana<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.tmz.com/2008/03/11/mary-ann-busted-with-mary-jane | title=Mary Ann--More Like Mary Jane!! | accessdate=2013-03-03 | date=2008-03-11 | work=TMZ | publisher=[[Time Warner]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,336817,00.html | title=Mary Ann of 'Gilligan's Island' Caught With Marijuana in Car | accessdate=2013-03-03 | work=Fox News | publisher=[[Fox Entertainment Group]]}}</ref> and was arrested by Idaho police. A third party, who had been in possession of Wells' car that day and had left the joints behind, came forward and claimed full responsibility for the marijuana.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.tmz.com/2008/03/12/it-wasnt-mary-anns-mary-jane/ | title=It Wasn't Mary Ann's Mary Jane! | accessdate=2013-03-03 | date=2008-03-12 | work=TMZ | publisher=[[Time Warner]]}}</ref> Wells pleaded guilty to one count of reckless driving, was fined, and served six months' unsupervised probation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/03/11/entertainment/main3926937.shtml|title="Gilligan's Island" Good Girl In Hot Water|publisher=[[CBS News]]|date=March 11, 2008|accessdate=July 20, 2010}}</ref>
Wells married Larry Rosen, a talent agent, on October 27, 1962. The couple had no children and were divorced in 1967.<ref name="GlamourGidgets">{{cite book |last=Pilato |first=Herbie |date=2014 |title=Glamour, Gidgets, and the Girl Next Door: Television's Iconic Women from the 50s, 60s, and 70s |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FbyCBAAAQBAJ&q=%22dawn+wells%22+rosen&pg=PA147 |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield |page=147 |isbn=978-1589799707}}</ref>


In a statement, Wells admitted swerving, saying she was reaching for her car heater controls.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dawn-wells.com/Statement_from_Dawn/statement_from_dawn.html |title=Statement of Facts from Dawn |publisher=Dawn Wells |accessdate=July 20, 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100918204618/http://dawn-wells.com/Statement_from_Dawn/statement_from_dawn.html |archivedate=September 18, 2010 |df=mdy }}</ref> Wells lost a speaking engagement because of the incident.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2008/mar/14/dawn-wells-lecture-for-girl-scouts-canceled|title='Gilligan's Island' star Dawn Wells won't be Girl Scouts speaker after arrest|publisher=[[Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group]]|date=March 14, 2008|accessdate=July 20, 2010}}</ref> Later, Wells said, "I think it is so hysterical that people went nuts over it. I am what, now, 102 years old? I get booked for the first time in my life and suddenly I am a drug-using bum? I have told people the facts, but facts don't interest people or the media. They only trust headlines. The only reason I even cared was because it negatively affected my film festival and film school, and my sponsors were concerned. If I did not own a not-for-profit school, I would be on ''Saturday Night Live'' making fun of it!"{{citation needed|date=May 2016}}
In 2018, a [[GoFundMe]] page was set up to help Wells cope with financial trouble from medical care after a fall.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/tv/celebrity/gilligan%E2%80%99s-island-star-dawn-wells-embarrassed-but-flattered-after-gofundme-raises-dollar130k/ar-BBN1eiO |title=Gilligan's Island Star Dawn Wells 'Embarrassed' but 'Flattered' After GoFundMe Raises $130K |first=Christina |last=Dugan |date=September 7, 2018 |publisher=MSN |access-date=February 3, 2019 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180908193706/http://www.msn.com/en-us/tv/celebrity/gilligan%E2%80%99s-island-star-dawn-wells-embarrassed-but-flattered-after-gofundme-raises-dollar130k/ar-BBN1eiO |archive-date=September 8, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/gilligans-island-star-dawn-wells-says-she-is-grateful-for-friends-and-fans-who-care-while-suffering-financially |title='Gilligan's Island' star Dawn Wells says she is 'grateful' for 'friends and fans who care' while suffering financially |last=Nolasco |first=Stephanie |date=September 7, 2018 |publisher=Fox News |access-date=February 3, 2019}}</ref>


Wells had previously been implicated in a previous marijuana incident in 1998, when fellow ''Gilligan'' cast member [[Bob Denver]] claimed she had sent him a box with the drug in it. Denver retracted the previous statement in court and claimed the box of marijuana was sent by "some crazy fan."<ref>[http://slate.msn.com/id/2125800/fr/rss/ Gilligan's Dreams] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070311002121/http://slate.msn.com/id/2125800/fr/rss/ |date=March 11, 2007 }} Dana Stevens at slate.msn.com, September 6, 2005</ref>
Wells died on December 30, 2020, at the age of 82 in Los Angeles, due to causes related to [[Covid-19|COVID-19]] during the [[COVID-19 pandemic in California]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Pedersen|first1=Erik |title=Dawn Wells Dies of Covid-19: Mary Ann on 'Gilligan's Island' was 82 |url=https://msn.com/en-us/tv/news/dawn-wells-dies-of-covid-19-mary-ann-on-gilligan-s-island-was-82/ar-BB1cm21J?ocid=msedgntp |publisher=MSN}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Saperstein |first1=Pat |title=Dawn Wells, 'Gilligan's Island's' Mary Ann, Dies of COVID at 82 |url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/dawn-wells-dead-gilligans-island-mary-ann-1234876755/?fbclid=IwAR1L30lzp1NL2_t9-neeBCZApiBECSsupdZQMbM8OrpT7cwS_ZqCXYH1yUQ |website=Variety}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Bond |first=Paul |title=Dawn Wells, Mary Ann on 'Gilligan's Island,' Dies at 82 |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/dawn-wells-dead-mary-ann-gilligans-island-was-82-1149549 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=December 30, 2020 |access-date=December 30, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=December 30, 2020|title=Gilligan's Island actress Dawn Wells dies of Covid complications|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-55493964|access-date=December 31, 2020}}</ref>


==Reception==
The week prior to her death, she had a Happy New Year video pre recorded to be released on the holiday.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Dawn Wells Wishes Fans a Happy 2021 in Final Video Message|url=https://extratv.com/2020/12/31/dawn-wells-wishes-fans-a/|access-date=2021-01-12|website=Extra|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Dawn Wells’ Rapid Deterioration in Final Days With COVID-19 - YouTube|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFrigIYOGhY|access-date=2021-01-12|website=www.youtube.com}}</ref>
In 2005, ''[[TV Guide]]'' ranked Wells No. 50 on its "50 Sexiest Stars of All Time" list.<ref>{{cite book|title=TV Guide Book of Lists|year=2007|publisher=Running Press|isbn=0-7624-3007-9|pages=202}}</ref>


==Partial filmography==
== Filmography ==
{{Columns-list|2|
Sources:<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{cite web|title=Dawn Wells|url=http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/204049%7C37156/Dawn-Wells|access-date=December 31, 2020|publisher=TCM|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Dawn Wells|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/dawn_wells|access-date=December 31, 2020|publisher=Rotten Tomatoes|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Dawn Wells|url=https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/dawn-wells/credits/146755|access-date=December 31, 2020|website=TV Guide|language=en}}</ref>
* 1961: ''[[The Everglades (TV series)|The Everglades]]'' ‒ as Piney
{{Columns-list|colwidth=30em|
* 1961: ''[[Cheyenne (1955 TV series)|The Cheyenne Show]]'' ‒ "Lone Patrol"; as Sarah Claypool
*1961: ''[[Wagon Train]]'' – "The Captain Dan Brady Story" – as Mrs. Murray
* 1961: ''[[Maverick (TV series)|Maverick]]'' ‒ "The Deadly Image"; as Caprice Rambeau
*1961: ''[[The Everglades (TV series)|The Everglades]]'' ‒ as Piney<ref name="Fifties Everglades">{{cite web|title=Everglades|url=https://fiftiesweb.com/tv/everglades/|access-date=December 31, 2020|publisher=Fifties Web}}</ref>
* 1962: ''[[Bonanza]]'' ‒ "The Way Station"; as Marty Johnson
*1961: ''[[Cheyenne (TV series)|The Cheyenne Show]]'' ‒ "Lone Patrol"; as Sarah Claypool<ref name="TV Gems Lone">{{cite web|title=Lone Patrol|url=http://www.tvgems.net/lone-patrol/|access-date=December 31, 2020|website=TV Gems}}</ref>
* 1962: ''[[It's a Man's World (TV series)|It's a Man's World]]'' ‒ 2 episodes; as Molly
*1961: ''[[Maverick (TV series)|Maverick]]'' ‒ "The Deadly Image"; as Caprice Rambeau
* 1963: ''[[Palm Springs Weekend]]''
*1961: ''[[77 Sunset Strip]]'' ‒ 4 episodes; as Yvonne Martell / Judy Rogers / Nixie Martin / Connie Kenwood
* 1963: ''[[Laramie (TV series)|Laramie]]'' ‒ "The Violent Ones"; as Millie
*1961: ''[[Tales of Wells Fargo]]'' – "Kelly's Clover Girls"; as Molly
* 1964: ''[[The New Interns]]''
*1961-1962: ''[[Surfside 6]]'' ‒ 2 episodes; as June / Consuelo Hernandez
* 1964: ''[[The Joey Bishop Show (sitcom)|The Joey Bishop Show]]'' – "Joey and [[Roberta Sherwood]] Play a Benefit"
*1962: ''[[Hawaiian Eye]]'' ‒ 2 episodes; as Carolyn Barnes / Lois Corey
* 1964–67: ''[[Gilligan's Island]]'' (98 episodes)
*1962: ''[[Bonanza]]'' ‒ "The Way Station"; as Marty Johnson
* 1967: ''[[The Invaders]]'' – "Dark Outpost"
*1962: ''[[It's a Man's World (TV series)|It's a Man's World]]'' ‒ 2 episodes; as Molly
* 1968: ''[[Bonanza]]'' ‒ "The Burning Sky"; as Moon Holt
*1962: ''[[Lawman (TV series)|Lawman]]'' – "No Contest"; as Elly Stratton
* 1975: ''[[Winterhawk]]''
*1963: ''[[Palm Springs Weekend]]''; as Girl at Police Station<small>(uncredited)</small>
* 1976: ''[[The Town That Dreaded Sundown]]''
*1963: ''[[Ripcord (TV series)|Ripcord]]'' – "Willie"; as Evvie Eden
* 1977: ''[[Return to Boggy Creek]]''
*1963: ''[[Laramie (TV series)|Laramie]]'' ‒ "The Violent Ones"; as Millie
* 1978: ''[[Rescue from Gilligan's Island]]'' (TV movie)  
*1964: ''[[The New Interns]]''<ref name="NYT Interns">{{cite news|last1=Crowther|first1=Bosley|date=August 20, 1964|title=George Segal Stars in 'The New Interns'|work=New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/08/20/archives/george-segal-stars-in-the-new-interns.html|access-date=January 1, 2021}}</ref>
* 1979: ''[[The Castaways on Gilligan's Island]]'' (TV movie)  
*1964: ''[[The Joey Bishop Show (TV series)|The Joey Bishop Show]]'' – "Joey and [[Roberta Sherwood]] Play a Benefit"
* 1981: ''[[The Harlem Globetrotters on Gilligan's Island]]'' (TV movie)  
*1964–1967: ''[[Gilligan's Island]]'' (98 episodes)
* 1982–83: ''[[Gilligan's Planet]]'' ‒ voices of Mary Ann and Ginger
*1967: ''[[The Invaders]]'' – "Dark Outpost"
* 1983: ''[[High School U.S.A.]]'' (TV movie)  
*1968: ''[[The Wild Wild West]]'' – "The Night of the Headless Woman"; as Betsy Jeffers
* 1983:   Family Feud: Gilligan's Island vs Lost in Space
*1968: ''[[Bonanza]]'' ‒ "The Burning Sky"; as Moon Holt
* 1983:   Family Feud: Gilligan's Island vs Batman
*1975: ''[[Winterhawk]]''<ref name="Ebert Winterhawk">{{cite web|last1=Ebert|first1=Roger|title=Winterhawk|url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/winterhawk-1975|access-date=December 31, 2020|website=www.RogerEbert.com}}</ref>
* 1987: ''[[ALF (TV series)|ALF]]'' ‒ "Somewhere Over the Rerun"; as Mary Ann
*1976: ''[[The Town That Dreaded Sundown]]''<ref name="Arkansas Hendricks">{{cite web|last1=Hendricks|first1=Nancy|title=Town That Dreaded Sundown, The|url=https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/entries/town-that-dreaded-sundown-the-movies-7819/|access-date=December 30, 2020|publisher=Encyclopedia of Arkansas}}</ref>
* 1988: Fox Late show with Ross Shafer. Cast reunion.  As herself
*1977: ''[[Return to Boggy Creek]]''<ref name="Arkansas Bledsoe">{{cite web|last1=Bledsoe|first1=C.L.|title=The Legend of Boggy Creek|url=https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/entries/the-legend-of-boggy-creek-movie-2192/|access-date=December 31, 2020|publisher=Encyclopedia of Arkansas}}</ref>
* 1989: ''The Princess and the Dwarf''
*1978: ''[[Rescue from Gilligan's Island]]'' (TV movie)<ref name="Closer Revisiting"></ref>
* 1992: ''[[Soulmates (1992 film)|Soulmates]]'' as Lucille Perkins
*1979: ''[[The Castaways on Gilligan's Island]]'' (TV movie)<ref name="Closer Revisiting" />
* 1992: "Baywatch, season 2 episode 16 (now sit right back you'll hear a tale) as Mary Ann
*1980: ''[[The Love Boat]]'' "The family plan/the promoter/May the Best Man Win/Forever engaged/The Judges" as Valerie Madden
* 1994: ''[[Space Ghost Coast to Coast]]'' ‒ "Gilligan"; as herself
*1981: ''[[The Harlem Globetrotters on Gilligan's Island]]'' (TV movie)<ref name="Closer Revisiting" />
* 1995: Roseanne (Sherwood Shwartz, a loving tribute) as Darlene
*1982–1983: ''[[Gilligan's Planet]]'' ‒ voices of Mary Ann and Ginger Grant<ref name="Closer Revisiting" />
* 1996: ''Lover's Knot''
*1983: ''[[High School U.S.A.]]'' (TV movie)<ref name="Tulsa Crispin">{{cite news|last1=Tramel|first1=Jimmie|date=March 24, 2016|title=Pop culture: Crispin Glover has no regrets about turning down sitcoms|work=Tulsa World|url=https://tulsaworld.com/entertainment/pop-culture-crispin-glover-has-no-regrets-about-turning-down-sitcoms/article_5cab7e7a-ed91-514c-bf36-04816be3d8c8.html|access-date=December 31, 2020}}</ref>
* 2000: ''[[The Man Show]]'' ‒ episode 206, as herself
*1983: ''[[Family Feud]]'': "Gilligan's Island vs. Hawaiian Eye"
* 2001: ''[[Surviving Gilligan's Island]]'' as herself (TV movie)  
*1983: ''[[Family Feud]]'': "Gilligan's Island vs. Lost in Space"<ref name="TVP Lost">{{cite web|title=Family Feud: Gilligan's Island vs Lost in Space|url=http://www.tvparty.com/1-lis-batman.html|access-date=December 31, 2020|publisher=TV party}}</ref>
* 2002: ''[[Super Sucker]]''
*1983: ''[[Family Feud]]'': "Gilligan's Island vs. Batman"<ref name="MeTV Batman">{{cite web|date=April 17, 2017|title=The casts of 'Gilligan's Island' and 'Batman' competed on an episode of 'Family Feud'|url=https://www.metv.com/stories/the-casts-of-gilligans-island-and-batman-competed-on-an-episode-of-family-feud|access-date=December 31, 2020|publisher=MeTV}}</ref>
* 2004: ''Forever for Now''
*1987: ''[[Growing Pains]]'': "Carnival"; as Myrtle
* 2005: ''Cyber Meltdown''
*1987: ''[[Growing Pains]]'': "Broadway Bound"; as Casting Receptionist
* 2005: ''Girlfriends'' as herself
*1987: ''[[ALF (TV series)|ALF]]'' ‒ "Somewhere Over the Rerun"; as Mary Ann
* 2012: ''Hotel Arthritis''
*1988: ''[[The Late Show (1986 talk show)|The Late Show]]'' with [[Ross Shafer]]. Cast reunion; as herself
* 2016: ''[[The Bold and the Beautiful]]''; one episode
*1989: ''The Princess and the Dwarf''
*1992: ''Soulmates'' as Lucille Perkins
*1992: ''[[Baywatch]]'' – "Now Sit Right Back and You'll Hear a Tale"; as Mary Ann
*1993 ''[[Columbo]]'' - "It's All in the Game"
*1994: ''[[Space Ghost Coast to Coast]]'' ‒ "Gilligan"; as herself
*1995: ''[[Roseanne]]'' – "Sherwood Schwartz: A Loving Tribute" as Darlene
*1996: ''Lover's Knot''
*1997: "Mary Ann" – music video by the alternative band Squirtgun, appearing as Mary Ann<ref name=":2" />
*2000: ''[[The Man Show]]'' ‒ episode 206, as herself
*2001: ''[[Surviving Gilligan's Island]]'' as herself (TV movie)
*2002: ''[[Super Sucker]]''
*2004: ''Forever for Now''
*2005: ''Girlfriends'' as herself
*2010: ''[[RuPaul's Drag U]]'' ‒ "A Star Is Born Again"; as herself<ref>{{Cite web|date=December 28, 2011|title='Gilligan's' Dawn Wells on her Chicago show - Windy City Times News|url=https://www.windycitytimes.com/m/APPredirect.php?AID=35437|access-date=January 4, 2021|website=Windy City Times}}</ref>
*2012: ''Hotel Arthritis''<ref>{{Cite web|last=Eloise.Valadez@nwi.com (219) 933-3365|first=Eloise Marie Valadez|title=Actress Dawn Wells knows her way around the kitchen|url=https://www.nwitimes.com/niche/shore/discover-articles/actress-dawn-wells-knows-her-way-around-the-kitchen/article_eae4a84d-abb2-53f0-9b72-daa32ff47c8e.html|access-date=January 4, 2021|website=nwitimes.com|language=en}}</ref>
*2016: ''[[The Bold and the Beautiful]]'' 1 episode; as Alice<ref name=":0" />
*2019: ''[[The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants]]'' – "The Ghastly Danger of the Ghost Dentist" as Gumbalina Toothington<ref name=":0" />
}}
}}


==References==
== References ==
{{Reflist |colwidth=30em |refs=
{{Reflist|refs=
 
<ref name="interdawn">{{cite web |url=http://www.gilligansisle.com/interdawn.html |title=Dawn Wells Interview |work=gilligansisle.com |accessdate=July 16, 2010}}</ref>


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<ref name="Headwaters">{{cite web|url=http://www.headwatersnews.org/pr.filmschool042805.html |title=Driggs plans film school |first=Paul |last=Menser |work=headwatersnews.org |publisher=Headwaters News |date=April 2005 |accessdate=July 16, 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20050502061753/http://www.headwatersnews.org/pr.filmschool042805.html |archivedate=May 2, 2005 }}</ref>-->
<ref name="Headwaters">{{cite web|url=http://www.headwatersnews.org/pr.filmschool042805.html |title=Driggs plans film school |first=Paul |last=Menser |work=headwatersnews.org |publisher=Headwaters News |date=April 2005 |access-date=July 16, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050502061753/http://www.headwatersnews.org/pr.filmschool042805.html |archive-date=May 2, 2005 }}</ref>-->


<ref name="WishingWells">{{cite web
<ref name="WishingWells">{{cite web |url=http://www.dawn-wells.com/wishing_wells/wishing_wells.html |title=Wishing Wells Collections |last=Wells |first=Dawn |work=dawn-wells.com |year=2006 |access-date=July 16, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100919003222/http://dawn-wells.com/Wishing_Wells/wishing_wells.html |archive-date=September 19, 2010}}</ref>
|url=http://www.dawn-wells.com/wishing_wells/wishing_wells.html  
|title=Wishing Wells Collections  
|first=Dawn  
|last=Wells
|work=dawn-wells.com  
|year=2006  
|accessdate=July 16, 2010  
|deadurl=yes
|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100919003222/http://dawn-wells.com/Wishing_Wells/wishing_wells.html  
|archivedate=September 19, 2010  
|df=mdy
}}</ref>


<ref name="IdahoFilmInstitute-2006-04-06">{{cite web |url=http://www.idahofilminstitute.org/ |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060406135618/http://www.idahofilminstitute.org/ |title=Idaho Film and Television Institute |publisher=idahofilminstitute.org |archivedate=April 6, 2006 |accessdate=July 24, 2010}}</ref>
<ref name="IdahoFilmInstitute-2006-04-06">{{cite web |url=http://www.idahofilminstitute.org/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060406135618/http://www.idahofilminstitute.org/ |title=Idaho Film and Television Institute |publisher=idahofilminstitute.org |archive-date=April 6, 2006 |access-date=July 24, 2010}}</ref>


<ref name="IdahoPotato">{{cite web |url=http://www.idahopotato.com/video_player/id-17 |title=Peeling Idaho Potatoes |work=idahopotato.com
<ref name="IdahoPotato">{{cite web |url=http://www.idahopotato.com/video_player/id-17 |title=Peeling Idaho Potatoes |work=idahopotato.com |publisher=Idaho Potato Commission |year=2010 |access-date=July 16, 2010}}</ref>
|publisher=Idaho Potato Commission |year=2010 |accessdate=July 16, 2010}}</ref>


<ref name="BobDenverCom">{{cite web |url=http://www.bobdenver.com/ |title=Bob Denver website |publisher=bobdenver.com |date= |accessdate=July 16, 2010}}</ref>}}
<ref name="BobDenverCom">{{cite web |url=http://www.bobdenver.com/ |title=Bob Denver website |publisher=bobdenver.com |access-date=July 16, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080913140605/http://www.bobdenver.com/ |archive-date=September 13, 2008}}</ref>}}
 
{{Portal|Biography|Nevada|Missouri|Washington|Los Angeles|California|Idaho|Film|Television}}


==External links==
==External links==
* {{official website|http://www.dawn-wells.com/}}
{{commons category}}
* {{IMDb name|920171}}
* {{IMDb name}}
* {{amg name|75449}}
*Dawn Wells on IBDB
* {{EmmyTVLegends name|dawn-wells|Dawn Wells}}
* {{TCMDb name}}
* {{AllMovie name}}
* {{The Interviews name}}
* {{findagrave|220386501}}


{{Nevada Pageant Winners}}
{{Nevada pageant winners}}
{{Gilligan's Island}}
{{Portal bar|Biography|United States|Greater Los Angeles|California|Film|Television}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Use American English|date=December 2015}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2015}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Wells, Dawn}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Wells, Dawn}}
[[Category:1938 births]]
[[Category:1938 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:2020 deaths]]
[[Category:20th-century American actresses]]
[[Category:21st-century American actresses]]
[[Category:Actresses from Los Angeles]]
[[Category:Actresses from Reno, Nevada]]
[[Category:American film actresses]]
[[Category:American television actresses]]
[[Category:American television actresses]]
[[Category:American film actresses]]
[[Category:Deaths from the COVID-19 pandemic in California]]
[[Category:Miss America 1960s delegates]]
[[Category:Miss America 1960s delegates]]
[[Category:Miss Nevada winners]]
[[Category:Miss Nevada winners]]
[[Category:People from Teton County, Idaho]]
[[Category:People from Teton County, Idaho]]
[[Category:Actors from Reno, Nevada]]
[[Category:Reno High School alumni]]
[[Category:Reno High School alumni]]
[[Category:Stephens College people]]
[[Category:Stephens College alumni]]
[[Category:University of Washington alumni]]
[[Category:University of Washington School of Drama alumni]]
[[Category:Actresses from Nevada]]
[[Category:Actresses from Los Angeles]]

Revision as of 17:02, 10 March 2021

Dawn Wells
Dawn Wells 2015.jpg
Wells in 2015
BornDawn Elberta Wells
(1938-10-18)October 18, 1938
Reno, Nevada, U.S.
DiedDecember 30, 2020(2020-12-30) (aged 82)
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
OccupationActress
Years active1961–2019
Spouse(s)Larry Rosen (m. 1962; div. 1967)
Website{{#property:P856}}

Dawn Elberta Wells (October 18, 1938 – December 30, 2020) was an American actress known for her role as Mary Ann Summers on the CBS sitcom Gilligan's Island.

Early life[edit]

Wells was born to Evelyn (Steinbrenner) and Joe Wesley Wells in Reno, Nevada, where she attended Reno High School.[1][2] Her father owned a local Reno shipping company called "Wells Cargo" (not the trailer manufacturer). After high school graduation, Wells attended Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, where she majored in chemistry. She transferred to the University of Washington in Seattle, where she graduated in 1960 with a degree in theater arts and design. She was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority.[1]

Career[edit]

In 1959, Wells was crowned Miss Nevada and represented her state in the Miss America 1960 pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey.[3][4]

In Hollywood, Wells made her debut on ABC's The Roaring 20s and the movie The New Interns and was cast in episodes of such television series as The Joey Bishop Show, 77 Sunset Strip, Cheyenne, Maverick, and Bonanza.[5]

Wells appeared as a guest star on Wagon Train, Tales of Wells Fargo, 87th Precinct, Surfside 6, Hawaiian Eye, Ripcord, The Everglades, The Detectives, It's a Man's World, Channing, Laramie, Burke's Law, The Invaders, The Wild Wild West, The F.B.I., Vega$, The Love Boat, Fantasy Island, Matt Houston, ALF, Herman's Head, Three Sisters, Pastor Greg, and Roseanne.[5]

Gilligan's Island[edit]

Wells 1975 press release

She took her signature role of Mary Ann on Gilligan's Island in 1964. She reprised her character in the various Gilligan's Island reunion specials, including the reunion cartoon spin-off Gilligan's Planet and three reunion movies: Rescue from Gilligan's Island, The Castaways on Gilligan's Island, and The Harlem Globetrotters on Gilligan's Island.[6]

In 1993, Wells published Mary Ann's Gilligan's Island Cookbook with co-writers Ken Beck and Jim Clark, including a foreword by Bob Denver. Alan Hale Jr., who played The Skipper on Gilligan's Island, contributed a family recipe ("Kansas Chicken and Dumplings") to her cookbook. Hale's character was the inspiration behind such concoctions as Skipper's Coconut Cream Pie, Skipper's Navy Bean Soup, and Skipper's Goodbye Ribeye, and he is depicted as Skipper Jonas Grumby in numerous photographs throughout the book. She said in a 2014 interview with GoErie.com, "Alan could not have been kinder to a young actress. He was a real peach."[7]

In 1997, Wells starred as her Gilligan's Island character in a music video for the song "Mary Ann" by the pop-punk band Squirtgun (Lookout Records label mates of Green Day). The song describes an infatuation with Mary Ann and sings praises to the wholesome character, specifically choosing her over Ginger. The video reached the top 40 of MTV's Alternative Music charts, and was featured as part of a variety of alternative-themed music video programs.[8][9]

In 2005, Wells consigned for sale her original gingham blouse and shorts ensemble from her signature role. Beverly Hills auction house Profiles in History sold it for $20,700.[3]

In 2014, Wells released What Would Mary Ann Do? A Guide to Life, which she co-wrote with Steve Stinson. The book was released to coincide with the 50th anniversary of Gilligan's Island.[10]

A recurring theme, in the form of a rivalry, developed from the show that posed the question, mainly to men, as to which one of the female stars they preferred: Ginger or Mary Ann? Wells embraced the good-natured rivalry. During a 2014 interview with the Vancouver Sun, Wells said that she had a t-shirt that read: "Ginger or Mary Ann, the ultimate dilemma." The question of which of these two characters men prefer endured long after the end of the series. "You can go anywhere and say 'Ginger or Mary Ann?' You don't have to say what show it is. Everybody gets it. And I always win."[11]

Film[edit]

Wells had small roles in the early 1960s films Palm Springs Weekend and The New Interns, and later starred with Michael Dante in the independent 1975 film Winterhawk, playing a Western settler kidnapped by a Native American chief. Her other films include The Town That Dreaded Sundown, Return to Boggy Creek, Lover's Knot, Soulmates, Forever for Now, and Super Sucker. In fall 2011, she began filming Silent But Deadly (originally titled Hotel Arthritis),[12] a comedy horror film released in 2012.

Theater[edit]

Following Gilligan's Island, Wells embarked on a theater career, appearing in nearly one hundred theatrical productions as of July 2009. She spent the majority of the 1970s, and 1980s, touring in theater productions, notably the second national (bus and truck) tour of Neil Simon's Chapter Two (in the role of Jennie Malone), and replacing Lorna Luft as Sonia Walsk in the second national tour of They're Playing Our Song.[13] She also had a one-woman show at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas in 1985.[14]

MeTV[edit]

In May 2016, Wells was named Marketing Ambassador to MeTV Network, which had begun airing reruns of Gilligan's Island.[15]

Humanitarian activities[edit]

For several years, Wells operated a business, Wishing Wells Collections, making clothing for people with limited mobility.[16] She was the founder of the Idaho Film and Television Institute, a not-for-profit (501(c)(3)) educational organization with "a vision of education, technical training and economic development in Southeastern Idaho."[17] She organized SpudFest, a regional annual family movie festival,[17] and promoted Idaho Potatoes.[18]

Wells lent her support to the Denver Foundation, a West Virginia charity chaired by Dreama Denver, widow of Wells' Gilligan's Island co-star Bob Denver. In November 2009, she appeared at the Denver Foundation's Christmas Wish Celebrity Auction, helping to raise funds for the disabled and disadvantaged in West Virginia.[19]

Personal life and death[edit]

Wells married Larry Rosen, a talent agent, on October 27, 1962. The couple had no children and were divorced in 1967.[1]

In 2018, a GoFundMe page was set up to help Wells cope with financial trouble from medical care after a fall.[20][21]

Wells died on December 30, 2020, at the age of 82 in Los Angeles, due to causes related to COVID-19 during the COVID-19 pandemic in California.[22][23][24][25]

The week prior to her death, she had a Happy New Year video pre recorded to be released on the holiday.[26][27]

Filmography[edit]

Sources:[5][28][29][30]

References[edit]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Pilato, Herbie (2014). Glamour, Gidgets, and the Girl Next Door: Television's Iconic Women from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Rowman & Littlefield. p. 147. ISBN 978-1589799707.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Dawn Wells, Mary Ann on 'Gilligan's Island,' Dies at 82". The New York Times. December 30, 2020. Retrieved December 31, 2020.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Potempa, Phillip. "From the Farm: Leftover turkey perfect for 'Gilligan's Island' casserole". nwi.com. Retrieved July 9, 2011.
  4. ↑ Goldberg, Delen (January 12, 2012). "10 past Nevada pageant winners who have gained notoriety". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved July 20, 2014.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 "Dawn Wells Biography - Official Website". www.castproductions.com. Retrieved January 4, 2021.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 Gross, Ed. "Revisiting 'Gilligan's Island' With Mary Ann Herself, Dawn Wells (Exclusive)". Closer Weekly. Retrieved December 31, 2020.
  7. ↑ "Kevin Cuneo: Mary Ann's still a sweetheart". GoErie.com - Erie, PA. Retrieved December 8, 2015.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Bongiovanni, Domenica. "Squirtgun has success on multiple levels". Journal and Courier. Retrieved January 4, 2021.
  9. ↑ "SQUIRTGUN". Reggies Chicago. Retrieved January 4, 2021.
  10. ↑ "The world according to Dawn Wells, a.k.a. 'Gilligan Island's' Mary Ann". Retrieved April 17, 2015.
  11. ↑ Bernstein, Adam. "Dawn Wells, wholesome castaway on 'Gilligan's Island,' dies of covid-19 at 82". The Washington Post. Retrieved January 2, 2021.
  12. ↑ "Silent But Deadly: Film Review". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved June 26, 2017.
  13. ↑ "Dawn Wells – Broadway Cast & Staff | IBDB". www.ibdb.com. Retrieved January 1, 2021.
  14. ↑ "Dawn Wells, Mary Ann on 'Gilligan's Island,' dies at 82". EW.com. Retrieved January 4, 2021.
  15. ↑ "Dawn Wells joins MeTV as 'marketing ambassador'". robertfeder.com. Retrieved February 23, 2018.
  16. ↑ Wells, Dawn (2006). "Wishing Wells Collections". dawn-wells.com. Archived from the original on September 19, 2010. Retrieved July 16, 2010.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 "Idaho Film and Television Institute". idahofilminstitute.org. Archived from the original on April 6, 2006. Retrieved July 24, 2010.
  18. ↑ "Peeling Idaho Potatoes". idahopotato.com. Idaho Potato Commission. 2010. Retrieved July 16, 2010.
  19. ↑ "Bob Denver website". bobdenver.com. Archived from the original on September 13, 2008. Retrieved July 16, 2010.
  20. ↑ Dugan, Christina (September 7, 2018). "Gilligan's Island Star Dawn Wells 'Embarrassed' but 'Flattered' After GoFundMe Raises $130K". MSN. Archived from the original on September 8, 2018. Retrieved February 3, 2019.
  21. ↑ Nolasco, Stephanie (September 7, 2018). "'Gilligan's Island' star Dawn Wells says she is 'grateful' for 'friends and fans who care' while suffering financially". Fox News. Retrieved February 3, 2019.
  22. ↑ Pedersen, Erik. "Dawn Wells Dies of Covid-19: Mary Ann on 'Gilligan's Island' was 82". MSN.
  23. ↑ Saperstein, Pat. "Dawn Wells, 'Gilligan's Island's' Mary Ann, Dies of COVID at 82". Variety.
  24. ↑ Bond, Paul (December 30, 2020). "Dawn Wells, Mary Ann on 'Gilligan's Island,' Dies at 82". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved December 30, 2020.
  25. ↑ "Gilligan's Island actress Dawn Wells dies of Covid complications". BBC News. December 30, 2020. Retrieved December 31, 2020.
  26. ↑ "Dawn Wells Wishes Fans a Happy 2021 in Final Video Message". Extra. Retrieved January 12, 2021.
  27. ↑ "Dawn Wells' Rapid Deterioration in Final Days With COVID-19 - YouTube". www.youtube.com. Retrieved January 12, 2021.
  28. ↑ "Dawn Wells". TCM. Retrieved December 31, 2020.
  29. ↑ "Dawn Wells". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved December 31, 2020.
  30. ↑ "Dawn Wells". TV Guide. Retrieved December 31, 2020.
  31. ↑ "Everglades". Fifties Web. Retrieved December 31, 2020.
  32. ↑ "Lone Patrol". TV Gems. Retrieved December 31, 2020.
  33. ↑ Crowther, Bosley (August 20, 1964). "George Segal Stars in 'The New Interns'". New York Times. Retrieved January 1, 2021.
  34. ↑ Ebert, Roger. "Winterhawk". www.RogerEbert.com. Retrieved December 31, 2020.
  35. ↑ Hendricks, Nancy. "Town That Dreaded Sundown, The". Encyclopedia of Arkansas. Retrieved December 30, 2020.
  36. ↑ Bledsoe, C.L. "The Legend of Boggy Creek". Encyclopedia of Arkansas. Retrieved December 31, 2020.
  37. ↑ Tramel, Jimmie (March 24, 2016). "Pop culture: Crispin Glover has no regrets about turning down sitcoms". Tulsa World. Retrieved December 31, 2020.
  38. ↑ "Family Feud: Gilligan's Island vs Lost in Space". TV party. Retrieved December 31, 2020.
  39. ↑ "The casts of 'Gilligan's Island' and 'Batman' competed on an episode of 'Family Feud'". MeTV. April 17, 2017. Retrieved December 31, 2020.
  40. ↑ "'Gilligan's' Dawn Wells on her Chicago show - Windy City Times News". Windy City Times. December 28, 2011. Retrieved January 4, 2021.
  41. ↑ Eloise.Valadez@nwi.com (219) 933-3365, Eloise Marie Valadez. "Actress Dawn Wells knows her way around the kitchen". nwitimes.com. Retrieved January 4, 2021.

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