Tina Louise, who portrayed Ginger Grant, stands as the sole surviving actor from the original cast of the classic sitcom Gilligan's Island. The show, which aired from 1964 to 1967, has left a lasting legacy through syndication and spin-offs, but time has claimed all other main performers. At 91, Louise reflects fondly on her role despite skipping reunion projects.
Gilligan's Island, created by Sherwood Schwartz, premiered over half a century ago and ran for three seasons on CBS from 1964 to 1967. The comedy followed the misadventures of seven castaways stranded after their ship, the S.S. Minnow, veered off course. Despite its short original run, the series endured via syndication, two animated spin-offs, and three TV movies, cementing its status as a beloved TV classic. Bob Denver's portrayal of the bumbling Gilligan remains iconic among its endearing characters.
The passage of time has diminished the cast significantly. Alan Hale Jr., who played the Skipper, died in 1990. Jim Backus, the voice and face of wealthy Thurston Howell III, passed away in 1989. His on-screen wife, Natalie Schafer as Eunice "Lovey" Howell, followed in 1991. Russell Johnson, known as the Professor, lived until 2014, while Dawn Wells, who embodied the wholesome Mary Ann, died in 2020 at age 82. Bob Denver outlasted several colleagues but succumbed in 2005.
Tina Louise, at 91, is the last remaining original cast member. She stepped into the role of glamorous movie-star Ginger Grant after a pilot version played by Kit Smythe was reworked. Louise's acting career began in 1952 with the Bette Davis musical revue Two's Company. Her television debut came in 1956 on the CBS anthology series Studio One, followed by her film breakthrough in 1958's God's Little Acre as Griselda Walden opposite Jack Lord.
After Gilligan's Island ended, Louise continued working steadily. She guest-starred on series like Kojak, Knight Rider, and The Love Boat, and took on the role of J.R. Ewing's secretary Julie Grey in the soap opera Dallas. Film credits include Charmaine Wimperis in The Stepford Wives and Lola Medina in the 1968 spy comedy The Wrecking Crew with Dean Martin. Notably, Louise opted out of the reunion TV movies, where the character was recast with actresses Judith Baldwin and Constance Forslund. Addressing speculation about resentment toward the role, she told the New York Post in 2020: "I loved doing my part, especially after they really started writing for my character," adding, "We brought a lot of joy to people and still do."
