Russell Johnson, The Professor On 'Gilligan's Island,' Dies Of Liver Failure At 89

by UInterviewJanuary 17, 2014, 12:00 amNews >

Russell Johnson, who stared as The Professor on Gilligan’s Island (1964-1967), died Thursday, Jan. 16, at 89 years old.

Johnson died of liver failure in the company of his third wife, Constance and his daughter Kim.

“He died at home, peaceful; in his sleep at 5:21 a.m. today. He was a very brave guy who knew what he wanted, and he wanted to be at home,” Constance told ABC News.

Johnson is most known for his role as the resident heartthrob on Gilligan’s Island, but he had a prolific acting career outside of the famed comedy, with appearances on various television shows including Wonder Woman and The Jeffersons.

Johnson, who outlived his fellow male stars of Gilligan’s Island, publicly expressed his fond memories of the beloved show and wrote about his love of Gilligan fans on his website:

“I think, what I love most at this point in time in the long life of Gilligan’s Island is the positive, intelligent nature of longtime Gilligan aficionados,” Johnson wrote on his website.

Dawn Wells Remembers Russell Johnson

Johnson’s Gilligan co-star, Dawn Wells, who played the part of Mary Ann, took to Facebook to express her grief, calling him “a true gentleman, a good father, a great friend.”

“I love him and shall miss him,” Wells continued before sending her love to Constance and Kim.

Post by Dawn Wells.

“He [Johnson] was a gentleman, very kind… He was very smart and very respectful. He was a nice, normal guy,” Mike Eisentadt, Johnson’s agent, told E! News, echoing Wells statement.

“We are deeply saddened to have learned of the passing of Russell Johnson, the beloved ‘Professor.’ We extend our deepest condolences to his family. Gilligan’s Island is one of the most iconic television series in pop culture history. The news about Russell makes its return to TV Land on Monday all the more meaningful,” Larry W. Jones, president of TV Land, said on Thursday.

Gilligan’s Island will air weekdays at 7 p.m. on TV Land starting Monday, Jan. 20.

Actors and fans have also taken to social media to express their sadness over Johnson’s passing. Jim O’Heir, who currently stars as Jerry in Parks and Recreation, paid tribute to the actor on Twitter.