Russell Johnson (Professor) "Gilligan's Island" Dead at 89
01-16-14, 02:38 PM
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Russell Johnson (Professor) "Gilligan's Island" Dead at 89
The actor who played the Professor in "Gilligan's Island" has died ... TMZ has learned.
Russell Johnson, who played Professor Roy Hinkley, died of natural causes at his home in Washington.
Dawn Wells, who played Mary Ann, just posted on Facebook, "My 2 favorite people are now gone. The professor past (sic) away this morning. My heart is broken."
The other person who died is Bob Denver, who played Gilligan. He died in 2005.
Johnson was on the show from 1964 to 1967. Johnson was not in the original opening of the show. He and Mary Ann were referred to as "The rest." But Denver insisted that they be included and that happened later.
Wells went on: "Russell was a true gentleman, a good father, a great friend, and 'the rest.'"
Johnson was married -- this was his third wife. He passed away in hospice, surrounded by his wife and 2 kids.
Johnson was 89.
The only surviving members of the original cast are Mary Ann and Ginger, played by Tina Louise.
Read more: http://www.tmz.com#ixzz2qb0fojGU
Russell Johnson, who played Professor Roy Hinkley, died of natural causes at his home in Washington.
Dawn Wells, who played Mary Ann, just posted on Facebook, "My 2 favorite people are now gone. The professor past (sic) away this morning. My heart is broken."
The other person who died is Bob Denver, who played Gilligan. He died in 2005.
Johnson was on the show from 1964 to 1967. Johnson was not in the original opening of the show. He and Mary Ann were referred to as "The rest." But Denver insisted that they be included and that happened later.
Wells went on: "Russell was a true gentleman, a good father, a great friend, and 'the rest.'"
Johnson was married -- this was his third wife. He passed away in hospice, surrounded by his wife and 2 kids.
Johnson was 89.
The only surviving members of the original cast are Mary Ann and Ginger, played by Tina Louise.
Read more: http://www.tmz.com#ixzz2qb0fojGU
01-16-14, 03:01 PM
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Re: Russell Johnson (Professor) "Gilligan's Island" Dead at 89
RIP The Professor
Hope he gets reunited with Denver, Hale and Backus up there.
Hope he gets reunited with Denver, Hale and Backus up there.
01-16-14, 03:25 PM
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01-16-14, 03:27 PM
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Re: Russell Johnson (Professor) "Gilligan's Island" Dead at 89
I'll always appreciate how he sacrificed himself to save Cal and Ruth.
This thread couldn't be all Gilligan's Island references.
This thread couldn't be all Gilligan's Island references.
01-16-14, 04:30 PM
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01-16-14, 10:26 PM
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Re: Russell Johnson (Professor) "Gilligan's Island" Dead at 89
He seemed like a nice guy during interviews and cast reunions. Not bitter at all at getting zero residuals from a show that still runs today.
01-16-14, 11:34 PM
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Re: Russell Johnson (Professor) "Gilligan's Island" Dead at 89
I always liked Russell Johnson - he was a good actor and seemed like a geniunely nice guy.
Alan Hale was also a very talented actor, and both of them had busy careers cut way back because of the iconic nature of Gilligan's Island.
It's sad to see that the Professor is gone, but he did live a full life. He will be remembered as long as old TV shows are broadcast or webcast (or however they'll be delivered in the future)...
Alan Hale was also a very talented actor, and both of them had busy careers cut way back because of the iconic nature of Gilligan's Island.
It's sad to see that the Professor is gone, but he did live a full life. He will be remembered as long as old TV shows are broadcast or webcast (or however they'll be delivered in the future)...
01-17-14, 05:40 AM
#19
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Re: Russell Johnson (Professor) "Gilligan's Island" Dead at 89
Here's something cool about him, from his Wikipedia page:
"After high school, in the midst of World War II, Johnson joined the United States Army Air Forces as an aviation cadet and was commissioned as a second lieutenant. He flew 44 combat missions as a bombardier in B-25 Mitchell twin-engine medium bombers. While flying as a navigator in a B-25 with the 100th Bombardment Squadron, 42nd Bombardment Group, 13th Air Force, his plane and two other B-25s were shot down in the Philippines in March 1945 during a low level bombing and strafing run against Japanese targets. The planes were hit by intense flak and had to ditch in the waters off the port of Zamboanga. During the ditching, he broke both his ankles and the radioman next to him was killed. Johnson earned a Purple Heart for this mission. He was also awarded the Air Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with three service stars, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one service star, and the World War II Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged with the rank of first lieutenant on November 22, 1945."
"After high school, in the midst of World War II, Johnson joined the United States Army Air Forces as an aviation cadet and was commissioned as a second lieutenant. He flew 44 combat missions as a bombardier in B-25 Mitchell twin-engine medium bombers. While flying as a navigator in a B-25 with the 100th Bombardment Squadron, 42nd Bombardment Group, 13th Air Force, his plane and two other B-25s were shot down in the Philippines in March 1945 during a low level bombing and strafing run against Japanese targets. The planes were hit by intense flak and had to ditch in the waters off the port of Zamboanga. During the ditching, he broke both his ankles and the radioman next to him was killed. Johnson earned a Purple Heart for this mission. He was also awarded the Air Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with three service stars, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one service star, and the World War II Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged with the rank of first lieutenant on November 22, 1945."
01-17-14, 07:45 AM
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Re: Russell Johnson (Professor) "Gilligan's Island" Dead at 89
No, whatever beef they may have had they dealt with a long time ago. She mentioned on the episode of Chopped she was on, that she had just taught Tina how to cook something just before she taped the episode.
01-17-14, 11:37 AM
#22
Re: Russell Johnson (Professor) "Gilligan's Island" Dead at 89
Sad news. He always seemed like such a nice guy. I'll always be appreciative for his role in one of my favorite shows of all time. 
01-18-14, 01:54 PM
#23
Re: Russell Johnson (Professor) "Gilligan's Island" Dead at 89
RIP. Always wanted to go to one of the conventions that had him and some of the other cast members but never had the chance.
One of my favorite shows to watch in reruns as a kid. There's only 2 of the castaways left now. Hard to believe that the show will celebrate it's 50th anniversary later this year!!
One of my favorite shows to watch in reruns as a kid. There's only 2 of the castaways left now. Hard to believe that the show will celebrate it's 50th anniversary later this year!!
