Dawn Wells, who starred as the demure Mary Ann in popular 1960s sitcom “Gilligan’s Island,” died Wednesday of causes related to Covid-19 in Los Angeles. She was 82.
A native of Reno, Wells also appeared in “77 Sunset Strip,” “Maverick,” “Bonanza,” “The Joey Bishop Show” and “Hawaiian Eye.”
Her death was announced in a statement from her publicist, provided to NBC News.
“Dawn was an actress, producer, author, journalist, motivational speaker, teacher, humanitarian, spokesperson, and chairwoman of the Terry Lee Wells Foundation — focusing on women and children in Northern Nevada and ran her Film Actors Boot Camp for 7 years in Idaho,” the statement said.
Wells represented Nevada in the 1959 Miss America pageant and appeared on several TV series before being cast in “Gilligan’s Island” in 1964.
After the series ended in 1967, she returned for several TV movies and spinoff series.
“America’s favorite castaway … passed peacefully this morning, in no pain as a result of complications due to Covid,” the statement from her publicist said.
Wells is survived by her stepsister, Weslee Wells. Donations may be made to the Elephant Sanctuary, Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum or the Shambala Preserve.
Source: | This article originally belongs to Nbcnews.com
