5. Actress Dawn Wells Is The Only Cast Member To Still Earn Money From The Show
4. Natalie Schafer, Who Played Mrs. Howell While In Her 60s, Did Most Of Her Own Stunts
Schafer, who was in her 60s while filming ‘Gilligan’s Island,’ insisted on doing most of her own stunts. She went on record in a 1965 Chicago Tribune article to credit her swimming and crash diets with her staying in shape for the role.
3. The Character Mary Ann Was Originally Cast As A Secretary Named Bunny
Our beloved Mary Ann almost didn’t exist! The part was originally supposed to be a secretary named Bunny, who had no resemblance to Mary Ann. I think I can speak for everyone when I say I’m glad it didn’t work out with Bunny!
2. The Opening Credits Were Originally Longer
One of the scenes cut from the opening sequence was Gilligan trying to give the Skipper a cup of coffee during the thick of the storm in the middle of the night, which was ultimately what led to the ship getting marooned. If it had been up to me, I would have kept that part in! (Little Things)
1. The Pilot Episode Didn’t Air Until 29 Years Later
Due to casting changes that occurred after the pilot was shot in 1963, the original pilot didn’t air until 1992 on TBS. In the pilot, the professor was played by John Gabriel but was a high school professor instead. Ginger wasn’t a movie star, but a secretary played by Kit Smythe. Instead of Mary Ann, there was Bunny, Ginger’s coworker, played by Nancy McCarthy (pictured above). (Little Things)
World Lifestyle: 20 Surprising Secrets About “Gilligan’s Island” You Need To Know
Photos: WorldLifestyle