Actress Dawn Wells, who famously played Mary Ann Summers on the hit 1960s sitcom Gilligan's Island, has died at the age of 82 as a result of complications due to COVID-19.
Wells died peacefully at a residential facility in Los Angeles, publicist Harlan Boll said.
"America's favourite castaway, Dawn Wells, passed peacefully this morning, in no pain as a result of complications due to Covid," Boll said.
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"Dawn would say that Mary Ann fits today just as she fit three generations ago, because she is timeless," Boll said.
"In a world where the industry and society has been celebrating their 'Bad girls,' Mary Ann continues to be, for many, the breathe [sic] of fresh air as the 'Good Girl.'
"There is so much more to Dawn Wells" than the Gilligan's Island character that brought her fame."
Upon hearing the sad news, friends, fans and former co-stars were quick to pay tribute to the late star, including the last surviving Gilligan's Island cast member, Tina Louise, who played sultry Hollywood star, Ginger.
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"I will always remember her kindness to me," Louise said in a statement.
"We shared in creating a cultural landmark that has continued to bring comfort and smiles to people during this difficult time. I hope that people will remember her the way that I do - always with a smile on her face."
"Oh, this so sad. Bon voyage, Mary Ann," Glee star Jane Lynch added on Twitter.
Back in 2018, Wells revealed to fans that she had been overwhelmed by medical and tax bills, leading to a friend creating a GoFundMe page for the star.
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After receiving around $200,000 in donations, Wells took to Facebook to thank fans.
"Where did the time go? I don't know how this happened," she wrote.
"I thought I was taking all the proper steps to ensure my golden years.
"Now, here I am, no family, no husband, no kids and no money. I'm grateful that God has given me so many friends and fans who care, or it would all be too .... overwhelming .....I am grateful to any of my fans who are willing to offer support."
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Along with Tina Louise, Wells starred on the popular series alongside Bob Denver as Gilligan, Alan Hale Jr. as the Skipper, Jim Backus and Natalie Schafer as wealthy passengers Thurston and Lovey Howell, and Russell Johnson, known as the Professor.
Topics: Entertainment, Coronavirus, Covid-19