History of Dawn Wells in Timeline

Dawn Elberta Wells was an American actress widely recognized for her portrayal of Mary Ann Summers on the popular sitcom Gilligan's Island.

October 18, 1938: Dawn Wells' Birth

On October 18, 1938, Dawn Elberta Wells was born in Reno, Nevada.

1959: Crowned Miss Nevada

In 1959, Dawn Wells was crowned Miss Nevada.

1960: Graduation from University of Washington

Dawn Wells graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in theater arts and design in 1960.

1960: Miss America Pageant

Dawn Wells represented Nevada in the Miss America pageant in 1960.

October 27, 1962: Marriage to Larry Rosen

Dawn Wells and talent agent Larry Rosen were married on October 27, 1962.

1964: Landing the Role of Mary Ann Summers

Dawn Wells was cast as Mary Ann Summers in "Gilligan's Island" in 1964.

1967: Divorce from Larry Rosen

Dawn Wells and Larry Rosen divorced in 1967.

1975: Starring Role in "Winterhawk"

Dawn Wells played a lead role in the independent film "Winterhawk" in 1975.

1985: One-Woman Show in Las Vegas

Dawn Wells performed her one-woman show at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas in 1985.

1992: Guest Appearance on Baywatch

Dawn Wells reprised her role as Mary Ann Summers in a 1992 episode of "Baywatch" titled "Now Sit Right Back and You'll Hear a Tale".

1993: Publication of "Mary Ann's Gilligan's Island Cookbook"

Dawn Wells co-authored and published "Mary Ann's Gilligan's Island Cookbook" in 1993.

1997: Appearance in Squirtgun's "Mary Ann" Music Video

Dawn Wells starred as Mary Ann in the music video for Squirtgun's song "Mary Ann" in 1997.

2004: Start of SpudFest

SpudFest, a film festival featuring classic TV icons, was first held in 2004.

2005: Auction of Iconic "Gilligan's Island" Costume

Dawn Wells' original gingham blouse and shorts from "Gilligan's Island" were sold for $20,700 at an auction in 2005.

2008: End of SpudFest

SpudFest held its final festival in 2008.

July 2009: Extensive Theater Career

By July 2009, Dawn Wells had appeared in nearly 100 theatrical productions.

November 2009: Supporting the Denver Foundation

Dawn Wells participated in the Denver Foundation's Christmas Wish Celebrity Auction in November 2009 to raise funds for those in need in West Virginia.

2011: Filming of "Silent but Deadly"

Dawn Wells began filming the comedy horror film "Silent but Deadly" in the fall of 2011.

2012: Release of "Silent but Deadly"

"Silent but Deadly", featuring Dawn Wells, was released in 2012.

2014: Release of "What Would Mary Ann Do? A Guide to Life"

Dawn Wells co-wrote and released "What Would Mary Ann Do? A Guide to Life" in 2014, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of "Gilligan's Island".

2014: Embracing the "Ginger or Mary Ann" Debate

In 2014, Dawn Wells humorously addressed the enduring "Ginger or Mary Ann" debate, mentioning a t-shirt she owned and noting that she "always wins".

2014: Positive Remarks about Alan Hale Jr.

In a 2014 interview, Dawn Wells spoke fondly of her "Gilligan's Island" co-star Alan Hale Jr., describing him as kind and a "real peach".

May 2016: Marketing Ambassador for MeTV Network

Dawn Wells was appointed as the marketing ambassador for MeTV Network in May 2016.

2018: GoFundMe Campaign for Medical Expenses

A GoFundMe page was set up in 2018 to assist Dawn Wells with medical expenses following a fall.

June 2020: Dawn Wells' Dementia Diagnosis

In June 2020, it was revealed that Dawn Wells was battling dementia.

December 30, 2020: Dawn Wells' Death

On December 30, 2020, Dawn Wells passed away.

Mentioned in this timeline

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