History of Dawn Wells in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 26, 2024

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.

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