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{{short description|American actress (1938–2020)}}
{{Infobox Person
{{Use American English|date=September 2024}}
|name= Dawn Wells
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2024}}
|image =
{{Infobox person
|caption=
| name = Dawn Wells
|birth_date= {{birth date and age|1938|10|18|mf=y}}
| image = Dawn Wells 1975.jpg
|birth_place= ], ]
| caption = Wells in 1975
|death_date =
| alma_mater = ]<br />]
|death_place =
| birth_name = Dawn Elberta Wells
|death_cause =
| birth_date = {{birth date|1938|10|18}}
|resting_place =
| birth_place = ], U.S.
|resting_place_coordinates =
| death_date = {{death date and age|2020|12|30|1938|10|18}}
|residence = ], ]
| death_place = Los Angeles, California, U.S.
|nationality = American
| education = ]
|other_names =
| known_for = ] 1959<br />'']''
|occupation = Actress
| occupation = {{hlist|Actress|author}}
|known_for = Played ] on '']'' (1964-67)
| years_active = 1961–2019
|signature =
| spouse = {{marriage|Larry Rosen|1962|1967|reason=divorced}}
|website = http://www.dawn-wells.com/
| website =
}} }}


'''Dawn Elberta Wells'''<ref name="NYT obituary">{{cite web | last=Gates | first=Anita | title=Dawn Wells, Mary Ann on 'Gilligan's Island,' Dies at 82 | website=The New York Times | date=December 30, 2020 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/30/arts/television/dawn-wells-dead.html | access-date=July 17, 2024}}</ref> (October 18, 1938 – December 30, 2020) was an American actress. She is best known for her role as ] in the sitcom '']''.
'''Dawn Elberta Wells''' (born ], ], in ], ]) is an American actress, best known for her television work in the 1960s, particularly her role as ] on the ] '']'', which first ran on ] from ]-], and has been continuously rerun in American television markets over the subsequent decades. The "Mary Ann" character was based on the "Dorothy" character of ], a typical American girl stranded in an exotic locale. Dawn's fresh, wholesome looks made for a good contrast to those of the island's glamorous "movie star," ].


==Early life and career== ==Early life==
Wells attended ] in ], ], where she majored in ]. She later transferred to the ] in ], where she graduated in ] with a degree in ]. She was a member of the ] ]. Wells was born to Evelyn (née Steinbrenner) and Joe Wesley Wells in ], where she attended and graduated from ].<ref name="GlamourGidgets" /><ref name="NYT obituary"/> Her father owned a local Reno construction<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.wcilv.com/ |title=Home |website=wcilv.com}}</ref> company called "Wells Cargo" (not to be confused with the trailer manufacturer). After high school graduation, Wells attended ] in Columbia, Missouri, where she majored in chemistry. She transferred to the ] in ], where she graduated in 1960 with a degree in theater arts and design. She was a member of the ] sorority.<ref name="GlamourGidgets" />


==Career==
In ], Wells was crowned ] and represented her state in the 1960 ] pageant in ]. After moving to ], she began appearing in guest roles in such television series as '']'', '']'', both on ], and '']'' on ], before she won the role of Mary Ann.
In 1959, Wells was crowned ] and represented her state in the ] 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|date=November 24, 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Delen |last=Goldberg |newspaper=] |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>


In Hollywood, Wells made her debut on '']'' and the movie '']'' and was cast in episodes of such television series as '']'', '']'' with ], '']'' with ], '']'' with ], and '']'' with ] and ].<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=Dawn Wells Biography - Official Website|url=http://www.castproductions.com/dawnwells.html|access-date=January 4, 2021|website=castproductions.com}}</ref>
She was married to Larry Rosen (a talent agent) from ]-1967.<ref> from gilligansisle.com</ref>


Wells appeared as a guest star on the '']'' episode "]" with guest star ], '']'' with ], '']'' with ], '']'' with ] and ], '']'' with ], '']'' with ], '']'' with ], '']'' with ], '']'' with ], '']'', '']'' with ], '']'' with ], '']'' with ], '']'' with ], '']'' with ], '']'' with Robert Conrad, '']'' with Efrem Zimbalist Jr., '']'' with ], '']'', '']'' with ], '']'' with ], '']'', '']'' with ], '']'' with ], '']'' with Greg Robbins, and '']'' with ].<ref name=":1" />
==Post-''Gilligan's Island'' career==
Wells starred with ] in the ] independent movie, '']'', playing a Western settler kidnapped by a ] chief.


===''Gilligan's Island''===
In the ], she spoofed her character on a commercial for ]. She has also reprised her role in the various ''Gilligan's Island'' reunion specials, and on an episode of '']''.
] in ''Gilligan's Island'' (1964)]]
She took her signature role of Mary Ann on '']'' in 1964. The series aired for a total of 98 episodes from 1964 to 1967. She reprised her character in the various ''Gilligan's Island'' specials, including the reunion cartoon spin-off '']'' (1982–83), and three reunion TV-movies: '']'' (1978), '']'' (1979), and '']'' (1981).<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> She also reprised her character in a 1987 episode of '']'', ], and 1992 episode of '']'', ].<ref>{{cite web |title=Baywatch S02E16 Now, Sit Right Back And You'll Hear A Tale |url=https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x5u2kwd |website=dailymotion.com |date=August 3, 2017 |publisher=] |access-date=November 28, 2022}}</ref>


In 1993, Wells published ''Mary Ann's Gilligan's Island Cookbook'' with co-writers Ken Beck and Jim Clark, including a foreword by ]. ], who played ] on ''Gilligan's Island'', contributed a family recipe (Kansas Chicken and Dumplings) to her cookbook. Hale's character was the inspiration behind recipes such 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 |last=Cuneo |first=Kevin |date=October 15, 2014 |title=Kevin Cuneo: Mary Ann's still a sweetheart |url=http://www.goerie.com/kevin-cuneo-mary-anns-still-a-sweetheart |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141017075405/http://www.goerie.com/kevin-cuneo-mary-anns-still-a-sweetheart |archive-date=October 17, 2014 |access-date=December 8, 2015 |work=GoErie.com}}</ref>
According to ''] Collector'', in ] ], Wells consigned for sale her original ] blouse and shorts ensemble from her signature role. A ] auction house, , sold it for $20,700.<ref>, Missy Sullivan, Forbes Collector, April 2005 Vol 3 Nbr 4, newsletter archive at ''Art Market Insider''</ref><!-- {{Rp|5}} !-->


In 1997, Wells starred as her ''Gilligan's Island'' character in a music video for the song "Mary Ann" by the pop-punk band ]. 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 it 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>
In ], Wells came to ] to join ], the creator of ''Gilligan's Island'' for the celebration of Schwartz' entry into the ].


In 2005, Wells consigned for sale her original gingham blouse and shorts ensemble from her signature role. Auction house Profiles in History sold it for $20,700.<ref name="potempa" />
==Life in Idaho==
Wells, who spent summers in her early years in the ] of eastern ], relocated there in the 1990s.<ref> an April 2005 article from '']'' (a project of the ])</ref>
In Idaho, Wells runs a successful business, , making clothing for people with limited mobility. She is the founder of the ].<ref></ref> She also organized , a regional annual family movie festival.


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 |last=King |first=Susan |date=September 27, 2014 |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 |website=]}}</ref>
== Marijuana Incidents ==
In 1998, fellow Islander ] was arrested for having a parcel of marijuana delivered to his home. He originally said that the parcel had come from Dawn Wells, but later refused to name her in court, and testified that "some crazy fan must have sent it".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://slate.msn.com/id/2125800/fr/rss/ |title=Gilligan's Dreams |author=Dana Stevens |publisher=slate.msn.com |date=] ]}}</ref>


]
Wells was arrested on ] ], after a ] ]'s ] pulled her over after observing her swerve across the fog lines and center lines of State Highway 33 and repeatedly accelerating and slowing down. The officer noted the odor of "burning marijuana", and a search of her vehicle produced several partially consumed ] ]s and several containers of marijuana. Wells was taken into custody after failing a field sobriety test.<ref name="tmz">http://www.aolcdn.com/tmz_documents/0311_dawn_wells_wm.pdf Jail Booking Detail], Teton County Sheriff, October 18, 2007</ref> According to the Associated Press, she was sentenced on ] ] to five days in jail, fined $410.50, and placed on six months probation after pleading guilty to one count of ].<ref name="Seattle PI">{{cite web | url = http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/354554_maryann12.html | title = Gilligan's Island good girl caught with pot |author=], via the '']'' website | date = ] ] | accessdate = 2008-03-11}}</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 young female stars they preferred: ] 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 news |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 |newspaper=] |access-date=January 2, 2021}}</ref>
{{POV-section|date=March 2008}}
Wells' lawyers have branded the media reports "extremely inaccurate and erroneous". Her attorney, Ron Swafford, has publicly insisted that Wells did not serve a jail term - and was only issued with a small fine and unsupervised probation for reckless driving. Charges related to DUI and marijuana possession were dropped. According to ETonline.com, reports of a plea bargain are inaccurate. Her attorney states that Wells' car had been borrowed by a "third party" earlier in the day, who testified in court, taking responsibility for the marijuana left in her vehicle. According to Swafford, Wells swerved only because she was "reaching for her heater controls in an unfamiliar new car".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.starpulse.com/news/index.php/2008/03/12/dawn_wells_lawyer_arrest_reports_are_ina |title=Dawn Wells' Lawyer: 'Arrest Reports Are Inaccurate And Erroneous' |publisher=starpulse.com |date=] ]}}</ref>


===Film===
==Partial filmography==
Wells had small roles in the early-1960s films '']'' and '']'', and later starred with ] in the independent 1975 film ''Winterhawk'', playing a Western settler kidnapped by a Native American chief. Her other films include '']'', '']'', ''Lover's Knot'', ''Soulmates'', ''Forever for Now'', and '']''. 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|date=February 13, 2014 |access-date=June 26, 2017}}</ref> a comedy horror film released in 2012.
*'']'' (1961)
*'']'' (1963)
*'']'' (1964)
*'']'' (1964-1967)
*'']'' (1975)
*'']'' (1976)
*'']'' (1977)
*'']'' (1978)
*'']'' (1979)
*'']'' (1983)
*'']'' (1989)
*'']'' (1992)
*'']'' (1996)
*'']'' (2002)
*''Forever for Now'' (2004)
*'']'' (2005)


==Footnotes== ===Theater===
Following ''Gilligan's Island'', Wells embarked on a theater career, appearing in nearly 100 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 ]'s '']'' (in the role of Jennie Malone), and replacing ] as Sonia Walsk in the second national tour of '']''.<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=ibdb.com}}</ref> She also had a one-woman show at the ] in Las Vegas in 1985.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lenker |first=Maureen Lee |date=December 30, 2020 |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>
{{reflist}}

===MeTV===
In May 2016, Wells was named marketing ambassador to ] Network, which had begun airing reruns of ''Gilligan's Island''.<ref>{{cite web |date=May 5, 2016 |title=Dawn Wells joins MeTV as 'marketing ambassador' |url=https://www.robertfeder.com/2016/05/05/dawn-wells-joins-metv-as-marketing-ambassador/ |access-date=February 23, 2018 |website=robertfeder.com}}</ref>

==Humanitarian activities==
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, educational organization with "a vision of education, technical training and economic development in Southeastern Idaho.".<ref name="IdahoFilmInstitute-2006-04-06" />

Wells organized and founded ], an annual family film and festival in Driggs, Idaho,<ref name="IdahoFilmInstitute-2006-04-06" /> which was sponsored by ].<ref name="IdahoPotato" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=May 22, 2006 |title=Famous Television Castaway Dawn Wells of Gilligan's Island Fame Draws Fans at FMI |url=https://idahopotato.com/pressroom/famous-television-castaway-dawn-wells-of-gilligans-island-fame-draws-fans-at-fmi |access-date=September 9, 2022 |website=Idaho Potato Commission |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rexburgstandardjournal.com/news/spudfest-coming-soon/article_4728970a-3e2a-5c0d-a5ef-0aa35a3a9d1a.html|title=BSpudfest Coming Soon|website=Rexburg Standard Journal|date=July 10, 2007 |access-date=July 10, 2007}}</ref>

] held festivals from 2004 to 2008, and showcased film premieres, and included in-person festival appearances by classic TV icons, including ] of '']'' and actor ], who portrayed '']''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rexburgstandardjournal.com/news/spudfest-coming-soon/article_4728970a-3e2a-5c0d-a5ef-0aa35a3a9d1a.html|title=Spudfest Coming Soon|date=July 10, 2007 |access-date=July 10, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.progressivegrocer.com/former-tv-icons-will-join-idaho-potato-commission-fresh-summit|title=Former TV Icons Will Join Idaho Potato Commission At Fresh Summit|access-date=October 5, 2006}}</ref>

Wells also lent her support to the Denver Foundation, a West Virginia charity chaired by Dreama Denver, widow of Wells' ''Gilligan's Island'' co-star ]. 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" />

==Personal life and death==
Wells married Larry Rosen, a talent agent, on October 27, 1962. The couple had no children, and 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 2018, a ] 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>

In June 2020, Wells' manager revealed in court documents that Wells was suffering from dementia.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 27, 2020 |title='Gilligan's Island' Star Dawn Wells Has Dementia, Gets Restraining Order |url=https://www.tmz.com/2020/06/27/gilligans-island-dawn-wells-dementia-mary-ann-restraining-order/ |access-date=January 15, 2021 |website=TMZ |language=en}}</ref>

Wells died from ] in Los Angeles, on December 30, 2020, at age 82, during the ].<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/ |website=Variety|date=December 30, 2020}}</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> The week before her death, she had recorded a ] video 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=January 12, 2021|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 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/vFrigIYOGhY |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |url-status=live|access-date=January 12, 2021|website=youtube.com| date=December 31, 2020 }}{{cbignore}}</ref>

==Filmography==
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>
{{Columns-list|colwidth=30em|
*1961: '']''&nbsp;— "The Captain Dan Brady Story" as Mrs. Murray
*1961: '']'' as Piney<ref name="Fifties Everglades">{{cite web|title=Everglades|date=July 23, 2015 |url=https://fiftiesweb.com/tv/everglades/|access-date=December 31, 2020|publisher=Fifties Web}}</ref>
*1961: '']''&nbsp;— "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|date=July 12, 2020 }}</ref>
*1961: '']''&nbsp;— "The Deadly Image" as Caprice Rambeau
*1961: '']''&nbsp;— 4 episodes as Yvonne Martell/Judy Rogers/Nixie Martin/Connie Kenwood
*1961: '']''&nbsp;— "Kelly's Clover Girls" as Molly
*1961–1962: '']''&nbsp;— 2 episodes as June/Consuelo Hernandez
*1962: '']''&nbsp;— 2 episodes as Carolyn Barnes/Lois Corey
*1962: '']''&nbsp;— "The Way Station" as Marty Johnson
*1962: '']''&nbsp;— 2 episodes as Molly
*1962: '']''&nbsp;— "No Contest" as Elly Stratton
*1963: '']'' as Girl at Police Station<small>(uncredited)</small>
*1963: '']''&nbsp;— "Willie" as Evvie Eden
*1963: '']''&nbsp;— "The Violent Ones" as Millie
*1964: '']''<ref name="NYT Interns">{{cite news|last1=Crowther|first1=Bosley|date=August 20, 1964|title=George Segal Stars in 'The New Interns'|work=]|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/08/20/archives/george-segal-stars-in-the-new-interns.html|access-date=January 1, 2021}}</ref>
*1964: '']''&nbsp;— "Joey and ] Play a Benefit"
*1964–1967: '']'' (98 episodes)
*1967: '']''&nbsp;— "Dark Outpost"
*1967: '']''&nbsp;— "The Night of the Headless Woman" as Betsy Jeffers S3 E17
*1968: '']''&nbsp;— "The Burning Sky" as Moon Holt
*1975: '']''<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=RogerEbert.com}}</ref>
*1976: '']''<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>
*1977: '']''<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>
*1978: '']'' (TV movie)<ref name="Closer Revisiting" />
*1979: '']'' (TV movie)<ref name="Closer Revisiting" />
*1980: '']'' "The Family Plan/The Promoter/May the Best Man Win/Forever Engaged/The Judges" as Valerie Madden
*1981: '']'' (TV movie)<ref name="Closer Revisiting" />
*1982–1983: '']''&nbsp;— voices of Mary Ann and Ginger Grant<ref name="Closer Revisiting" />
*1983: '']'' (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>
*1983: '']'': "Gilligan's Island vs. Hawaiian Eye"
*1983: '']'': "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>
*1983: '']'': "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>
*1987: '']'': "Carnival" as Myrtle
*1987: '']'': "Broadway Bound" as Casting Receptionist
*1987: '']''&nbsp;— "Somewhere Over the Rerun" as Mary Ann
*1988: '']'' with ]
*1989: ''The Princess and the Dwarf''
*1992: ''Soulmates'' as Lucille Perkins
*1992: '']''&nbsp;— "Now Sit Right Back and You'll Hear a Tale" as Mary Ann
*1993: '']'' - "It's All in the Game"
*1994: '']''&nbsp;— "Gilligan" as herself
*1995: '']''&nbsp;— "Sherwood Schwartz: A Loving Tribute" as Darlene
*1996: ''Lover's Knot''
*1997: "Mary Ann"&nbsp;— music video by the alternative band Squirtgun, appearing as Mary Ann<ref name=":2" />
*2000: '']''&nbsp;— episode 206, as herself
*2001: '']'' as herself (TV movie)
*2002: '']''
*2004: ''Forever for Now''
*2005: ''Girlfriends'' as herself
*2010: '']''&nbsp;— "A Star Is Born Again" as herself<ref>{{Cite news|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|last1=Times |first1=Windy City}}</ref>
*2012: ''Hotel Arthritis''<ref>{{Cite web|last=Valadez|first=Eloise Marie|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|date=December 28, 2011 |language=en}}</ref>
*2013: '']''&nbsp;— "Chopped Celebrity Holiday Bash"<ref>{{Cite web|last=Russo|first=Maria|title=Introducing: Dawn Wells from the Chopped Celebrity Holiday Bash|url=https://www.foodnetwork.com/fn-dish/shows/2013/11/dawn-wells-chopped-celebrity-holiday-bash}}</ref>
*2016: '']'' 1 episode as Alice<ref name="NYT obituary"/>
*2019: '']''&nbsp;— "The Ghastly Danger of the Ghost Dentist" as Gumbalina Toothington<ref name="NYT obituary"/>
}}

==Books==
* Wells, Dawn (with Ken Beck and Jim Clark). (1993) ''Mary Ann's Gilligan's Island Cookbook''. Nashville, TN: Rutledge Hill Press.
* Wells, Dawn (with Steve Stinson). (2014) ''What Would Mary Ann Do?: A Guide to Life''. Lanham, MD: Taylor Trade Publishing.

==References==
{{Reflist|refs=
<!-- <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 |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>

<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 |publisher=Idaho Potato Commission |year=2010 |access-date=July 16, 2010 |archive-date=February 10, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150210124812/http://www.idahopotato.com/video_player/id-17 |url-status=dead }}</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>}}


==External links== ==External links==
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*{{IMDb name}}
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*{{imdb name|id=0920171}} *{{IBDB name}}
*{{tvtome person|id=5794}} *{{TCMDb name}}
*{{Rotten Tomatoes}}
*{{The Interviews name}}
*{{Find a Grave|220386501}}


{{Nevada pageant winners}}
{{Gilligan's Island cast}}
{{Portal bar|Biography|United States|Greater Los Angeles|California|Film|Television}}
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Latest revision as of 22:24, 30 December 2024

American actress (1938–2020)

Dawn Wells
Wells in 1975
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.
EducationReno High School
Alma materStephens College
University of Washington
Occupations
  • Actress
  • author
Years active1961–2019
Known forMiss Nevada 1959
Gilligan's Island
Spouse Larry Rosen ​ ​(m. 1962; div. 1967)​

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

Early life

Wells was born to Evelyn (née Steinbrenner) and Joe Wesley Wells in Reno, Nevada, where she attended and graduated from Reno High School. Her father owned a local Reno construction company called "Wells Cargo" (not to be confused with 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.

Career

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

In Hollywood, Wells made her debut on The Roaring 20's and the movie The New Interns and was cast in episodes of such television series as The Joey Bishop Show, 77 Sunset Strip with Efrem Zimbalist Jr., Cheyenne with Clint Walker, Maverick with Jack Kelly, and Bonanza with Lorne Greene and Dan Blocker.

Wells appeared as a guest star on the Wagon Train episode "The Captain Dan Brady Story" with guest star Joseph Cotten, Tales of Wells Fargo with Dale Robertson, 87th Precinct with Robert Lansing, Surfside 6 with Troy Donahue and Van Williams, Hawaiian Eye with Robert Conrad, Ripcord with Ken Curtis, The Everglades with Ron Hayes, The Detectives with Robert Taylor, Lawman with John Russell, Bonanza, It's a Man's World with Glenn Corbett, Channing with Jason Evers, Laramie with Robert Fuller, Burke's Law with Gene Barry, The Invaders with Roy Thinnes, The Wild Wild West with Robert Conrad, The F.B.I. with Efrem Zimbalist Jr., Vega$ with Robert Urich, The Love Boat, Fantasy Island with Ricardo Montalbán, Matt Houston with Lee Horsley, Growing Pains, Herman's Head with William Ragsdale, Three Sisters with Vicki Lewis, Pastor Greg with Greg Robbins, and Roseanne with Roseanne Barr.

Gilligan's Island

Wells as Mary Ann Summers in Gilligan's Island (1964)

She took her signature role of Mary Ann on Gilligan's Island in 1964. The series aired for a total of 98 episodes from 1964 to 1967. She reprised her character in the various Gilligan's Island specials, including the reunion cartoon spin-off Gilligan's Planet (1982–83), and three reunion TV-movies: Rescue from Gilligan's Island (1978), The Castaways on Gilligan's Island (1979), and The Harlem Globetrotters on Gilligan's Island (1981). She also reprised her character in a 1987 episode of ALF, "Somewhere Over the Rerun", and 1992 episode of Baywatch, "Now Sit Right Back and You'll Hear a Tale".

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 recipes such 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."

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. 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 it was featured as part of a variety of alternative-themed music video programs.

In 2005, Wells consigned for sale her original gingham blouse and shorts ensemble from her signature role. Auction house Profiles in History sold it for $20,700.

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.

Wells in 2015

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 young 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."

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), a comedy horror film released in 2012.

Theater

Following Gilligan's Island, Wells embarked on a theater career, appearing in nearly 100 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. She also had a one-woman show at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas in 1985.

MeTV

In May 2016, Wells was named marketing ambassador to MeTV Network, which had begun airing reruns of Gilligan's Island.

Humanitarian activities

For several years, Wells operated a business, Wishing Wells Collections, making clothing for people with limited mobility. She was the founder of the Idaho Film and Television Institute, a not-for-profit, educational organization with "a vision of education, technical training and economic development in Southeastern Idaho.".

Wells organized and founded SpudFest, an annual family film and festival in Driggs, Idaho, which was sponsored by Idaho Potatoes.

SpudFest held festivals from 2004 to 2008, and showcased film premieres, and included in-person festival appearances by classic TV icons, including Barbara Eden of I Dream of Jeannie and actor Lou Ferrigno, who portrayed The Incredible Hulk.

Wells also 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.

Personal life and death

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

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

In June 2020, Wells' manager revealed in court documents that Wells was suffering from dementia.

Wells died from COVID-19 in Los Angeles, on December 30, 2020, at age 82, during the COVID-19 pandemic in California. The week before her death, she had recorded a Happy New Year video to be released on the holiday.

Filmography

Sources:

Books

  • Wells, Dawn (with Ken Beck and Jim Clark). (1993) Mary Ann's Gilligan's Island Cookbook. Nashville, TN: Rutledge Hill Press.
  • Wells, Dawn (with Steve Stinson). (2014) What Would Mary Ann Do?: A Guide to Life. Lanham, MD: Taylor Trade Publishing.

References

  1. ^ Gates, Anita (December 30, 2020). "Dawn Wells, Mary Ann on 'Gilligan's Island,' Dies at 82". The New York Times. Retrieved July 17, 2024.
  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.
  3. "Home". wcilv.com.
  4. ^ Potempa, Phillip (November 24, 2010). "From the Farm: Leftover turkey perfect for 'Gilligan's Island' casserole". nwi.com. Retrieved July 9, 2011.
  5. Goldberg, Delen (January 12, 2012). "10 past Nevada pageant winners who have gained notoriety". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved July 20, 2014.
  6. ^ "Dawn Wells Biography - Official Website". castproductions.com. Retrieved January 4, 2021.
  7. ^ Gross, Ed. "Revisiting 'Gilligan's Island' With Mary Ann Herself, Dawn Wells (Exclusive)". Closer Weekly. Retrieved December 31, 2020.
  8. "Baywatch S02E16 Now, Sit Right Back And You'll Hear A Tale". dailymotion.com. Dailymotion. August 3, 2017. Retrieved November 28, 2022.
  9. Cuneo, Kevin (October 15, 2014). "Kevin Cuneo: Mary Ann's still a sweetheart". GoErie.com. Archived from the original on October 17, 2014. Retrieved December 8, 2015.
  10. ^ Bongiovanni, Domenica. "Squirtgun has success on multiple levels". Journal and Courier. Retrieved January 4, 2021.
  11. "SQUIRTGUN". Reggies Chicago. Retrieved January 4, 2021.
  12. King, Susan (September 27, 2014). "The world according to Dawn Wells, a.k.a. 'Gilligan Island's' Mary Ann". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved April 17, 2015.
  13. Bernstein, Adam. "Dawn Wells, wholesome castaway on 'Gilligan's Island,' dies of covid-19 at 82". The Washington Post. Retrieved January 2, 2021.
  14. "Silent But Deadly: Film Review". The Hollywood Reporter. February 13, 2014. Retrieved June 26, 2017.
  15. "Dawn Wells – Broadway Cast & Staff | IBDB". ibdb.com. Retrieved January 1, 2021.
  16. Lenker, Maureen Lee (December 30, 2020). "Dawn Wells, Mary Ann on 'Gilligan's Island,' dies at 82". EW.com. Retrieved January 4, 2021.
  17. "Dawn Wells joins MeTV as 'marketing ambassador'". robertfeder.com. May 5, 2016. Retrieved February 23, 2018.
  18. Wells, Dawn (2006). "Wishing Wells Collections". dawn-wells.com. Archived from the original on September 19, 2010. Retrieved July 16, 2010.
  19. ^ "Idaho Film and Television Institute". idahofilminstitute.org. Archived from the original on April 6, 2006. Retrieved July 24, 2010.
  20. "Peeling Idaho Potatoes". idahopotato.com. Idaho Potato Commission. 2010. Archived from the original on February 10, 2015. Retrieved July 16, 2010.
  21. "Famous Television Castaway Dawn Wells of Gilligan's Island Fame Draws Fans at FMI". Idaho Potato Commission. May 22, 2006. Retrieved September 9, 2022.
  22. "BSpudfest Coming Soon". Rexburg Standard Journal. July 10, 2007. Retrieved July 10, 2007.
  23. "Spudfest Coming Soon". July 10, 2007. Retrieved July 10, 2007.
  24. "Former TV Icons Will Join Idaho Potato Commission At Fresh Summit". Retrieved October 5, 2006.
  25. "Bob Denver website". bobdenver.com. Archived from the original on September 13, 2008. Retrieved July 16, 2010.
  26. 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.
  27. 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.
  28. "'Gilligan's Island' Star Dawn Wells Has Dementia, Gets Restraining Order". TMZ. June 27, 2020. Retrieved January 15, 2021.
  29. Pedersen, Erik. "Dawn Wells Dies of Covid-19: Mary Ann on 'Gilligan's Island' was 82". MSN.
  30. Saperstein, Pat (December 30, 2020). "Dawn Wells, 'Gilligan's Island's' Mary Ann, Dies of COVID at 82". Variety.
  31. Bond, Paul (December 30, 2020). "Dawn Wells, Mary Ann on 'Gilligan's Island,' Dies at 82". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved December 30, 2020.
  32. "Gilligan's Island actress Dawn Wells dies of Covid complications". BBC News. December 30, 2020. Retrieved December 31, 2020.
  33. "Dawn Wells Wishes Fans a Happy 2021 in Final Video Message". Extra. Retrieved January 12, 2021.
  34. "Dawn Wells' Rapid Deterioration in Final Days With COVID-19 - YouTube". youtube.com. December 31, 2020. Archived from the original on December 21, 2021. Retrieved January 12, 2021.
  35. "Dawn Wells". TCM. Retrieved December 31, 2020.
  36. "Dawn Wells". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved December 31, 2020.
  37. "Dawn Wells". TV Guide. Retrieved December 31, 2020.
  38. "Everglades". Fifties Web. July 23, 2015. Retrieved December 31, 2020.
  39. "Lone Patrol". TV Gems. July 12, 2020. Retrieved December 31, 2020.
  40. Crowther, Bosley (August 20, 1964). "George Segal Stars in 'The New Interns'". The New York Times. Retrieved January 1, 2021.
  41. Ebert, Roger. "Winterhawk". RogerEbert.com. Retrieved December 31, 2020.
  42. Hendricks, Nancy. "Town That Dreaded Sundown, The". Encyclopedia of Arkansas. Retrieved December 30, 2020.
  43. Bledsoe, C.L. "The Legend of Boggy Creek". Encyclopedia of Arkansas. Retrieved December 31, 2020.
  44. Tramel, Jimmie (March 24, 2016). "Pop culture: Crispin Glover has no regrets about turning down sitcoms". Tulsa World. Retrieved December 31, 2020.
  45. "Family Feud: Gilligan's Island vs Lost in Space". TV party. Retrieved December 31, 2020.
  46. "The casts of 'Gilligan's Island' and 'Batman' competed on an episode of 'Family Feud'". MeTV. April 17, 2017. Retrieved December 31, 2020.
  47. Times, Windy City (December 28, 2011). "'Gilligan's' Dawn Wells on her Chicago show - Windy City Times News". Windy City Times. Retrieved January 4, 2021.
  48. Valadez, Eloise Marie (December 28, 2011). "Actress Dawn Wells knows her way around the kitchen". nwitimes.com. Retrieved January 4, 2021.
  49. Russo, Maria. "Introducing: Dawn Wells from the Chopped Celebrity Holiday Bash".

External links

Nevada pageant winners
Miss Nevada
Miss Nevada USA
Miss Nevada Teen USA
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