Date of Birth: October 18, 1938
Zodiac Sign: Libra
Date of Death: December 30, 2020
Biography
Dawn Elberta Wells was an American actress best known for her iconic role as Mary Ann Summers on the hit television show “Gilligan’s Island,” which aired from 1964 to 1967. Born in Reno, Nevada, Wells initially pursued a career in medicine, attending Stephens College in Missouri before transferring to the University of Washington in Seattle, where she graduated with a degree in theater arts and design. After winning the title of Miss Nevada in 1959 and participating in the Miss America pageant in 1960, Wells decided to move to Hollywood to pursue an acting career. She quickly found success in television, making guest appearances on shows like “77 Sunset Strip,” “Maverick,” and “Bonanza.” However, it was her role as the sweet and wholesome Mary Ann that cemented her place in American pop culture. Post-“Gilligan’s Island,” Wells continued to work in television, film, and theater, and she became an advocate for actors’ rights and mental health awareness. She also co-authored a cookbook and memoir titled “Mary Ann’s Gilligan’s Island Cookbook.” Dawn Wells passed away on December 30, 2020, in Los Angeles, California, due to complications related to COVID-19.
5 Interesting Facts about Dawn Wells
1. Dawn Wells was crowned Miss Nevada in 1959 and competed in the Miss America pageant in 1960.
2. She was originally planning to become a doctor before switching her major to theater arts and design.
3. Wells co-authored a cookbook titled “Mary Ann’s Gilligan’s Island Cookbook,” combining her love for cooking and her iconic role.
4. She was an advocate for actors’ rights, serving as a member of the Screen Actors Guild.
5. Dawn Wells started the “Wishing Wells Collections,” a company that makes clothing for people with limited mobility.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Dawn Wells
1. “I have been so blessed to have been a working actress for over 50 years.”
2. “Mary Ann has been such a part of my life, it’s like she’s a friend of mine.”
3. “There’s a part of Mary Ann in everyone, and I think that’s why she’s so relatable.”
4. “I think the character of Mary Ann represented the values of a simpler time.”
5. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to have touched so many lives through my work.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
The highest net worth Dawn Wells achieved was approximately $50,000 at the time of her death.
Children
Dawn Wells did not have any children.
Relevant Links
1. [Dawn Wells IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0920335/
2. [Dawn Wells Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dawn_Wells
3. [Dawn Wells on Biography.com](https://www.biography.com/actor/dawn-wells
5. [Dawn Wells on Find a Grave](https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/220406922/dawn-wells
