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Miss Nevada in 1959 and a 1960 contestant in the Miss America pageant, Dawn rode to fame as Mary Ann Summers on
Gilligan s Island. Both she and the show remained popular throughout the decades, and her name often came up as a local hero during my tenure with the Nevada Film Office. Our paths crossed a few times over the years. In that time, she always showed warmth, friendliness and good humor. She never did any official work with the film office, but I regarded her as a sort of ambassador for Reno.
Her bios regularly mention her status as a Miss Nevada who grew up in Reno, so many people knew about her connection here. She maintained those ties, showing up for Reno High School reunions and attending benefits for causes she supported. And mentioning Dawn’s name made people smile; though
FAIRFIELD-SUISUN, CALIFORNIA
‘Gilligan’s Island’ star Tina Louise praises Dawn Wells, the Mary Ann to her Ginger [Los Angeles Times]
Tina Louise, now the last surviving star of the beloved 1960s TV series “Gilligan’s Island,” paid tribute to her late costar Dawn Wells Wednesday.
“I will always remember Dawn’s kindness to me. We shared in creating a cultural landmark that has continued to bring comfort and smiles to people during this difficult time,” said a tweet on the 86-year-old star’s official Twitter account. “I hope that people will remember her the way that I do always with a smile on her face.”
Robert Lloyd: In just three seasons, Dawn Wells left a lasting mark herald-review.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from herald-review.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Tina Louise Leads Tribute to Gilligan s Island Co-Star Dawn Wells Following Her Death
Celebrity
The last surviving member of the original Gilligan s Island cast has paid tribute to her castmate who recently passed away from coronavirus complications. Jan 1, 2021
Gilligan s Island cast, has led tributes to her late co-star
Dawn Wells.
Pin-up Wells, who starred as Mary Ann Summers in the much-loved TV show, died on Wednesday morning (30Dec20) in Los Angeles from complications due to the coronavirus. She was 82.
Following her death, Tina Louise - who played Ginger Grant on Gilligan s Island - said in a statement to CNN, I was sad to learn of Dawn s passing, I will always remember her kindness to me.