Russell Johnson, the Professor on 'Gilligan's Island,' Dead at 89
Russell Johnson, the actor best known for his role as The Professor in the popular comedy "Gilligan's Island," has passed away at age 89. He died from natural causes.
His two surviving co-stars Tina Louise, who played the role of Ginger, and Dawn Wells, who played the role of Mary Anne are both deeply saddened.
Tina Louise released a statement to the press regarding the late Johnson.
"I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Russell Johnson," Louise said in a statement sent to FOX411. "He will always be in our hearts and remembered as part of American pop culture history as 'Gilligan's Island' lives on through ME TV and TV Land. He will be missed."
Dawn Wells took to Facebook to express her grief. She expressed gratitude to her fans.
"I am overwhelmed with the outpouring of love from all of you. Because of each and every one of you, Gilligan's Island endures and remains special in all of our hearts including mine. Thank you for the adulations," Wells wrote. "Russell's passing and your responses here on facebook are a reminder of how we touch each other's lives and how special our moments are together."
"I am moved by all your comments and apologize in advance for not responding to individual messages I am receiving during this time," she continued.
"This is a time of reflection for me. To acknowledge and celebrate the life of a dynamic person that was always full of life and a person of strong character and integrity. A kindred spirit. I smile thinking that he ended up living on an island himself," Wells added.
Johnson is survived by his daughter and wife.
