Dawn Wells has died at the age of 82 after suffering from health complications related to Covid-19.
As reported by BBC News, the Gilligan's Island star passed away peacefully in Los Angeles on Wednesday morning (December 30), as confirmed by her publicist, Harlan Boll.
Wells played fan-favorite Kansas farm girl Mary Ann Summers in the classic 1960s sitcom - which ran for 98 episodes from 1964 to 1967, with Wells appearing in every single episode.
However, despite making Wells a household name, Boll said that "there is so much more to Dawn Wells" than the character that brought her fame.
Prior to her finding fame on the show, Wells represented her state of Nevada in the 1959 Miss America pageant.
Following her role on Gilligan's Island, Wells went on to appear in many other TV shows and films, including 77 Sunset Strip, Maverick, Bonanza, The Love Boat, Growing Pains, Baywatch, and Roseanne.
Per Decider, her final role came in 2019, when she voiced the character of Gumbalina Toothington in an episode of The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants.
Several stars who worked with Wells over the years have since taken to social media to pay tribute to the late actress.
Jon Cryer wrote: "It was such a thrill for me to meet Dawn Wells when she came to see Two and a Half Men.
"She could not have been more lovely and gracious. I’m so grateful that I got to enjoy the work she loved doing."
In a foreword for her 2014 memoir, Russell Johnson, who played the professor on the show, spoke fondly of Wells' beloved Mary Ann, writing:
"We love Mary Ann because she is the future, the hope of our world. [...]
"The youngest of the castaways, Mary Ann has her entire life in front of her. Watching her unfailing good cheer, her optimism is never in question. We love her because we need her emotional support and her belief that all will turn out well.
"We love Mary Ann because of Dawn Wells."
Wells is survived by her stepsister, Weslee Wells.
Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and fans at this time.
