Gilligan’s Island “Professor” dies

We all knew him as simply the Professor.

Russell Johnson, the actor known as the quirky, smart Gilligan’s Island character, Professor Roy Hinkley, has died at age 89.

ABC News confirmed with the actor’s wife, Constance, that Johnson died Thursday morning of kidney failure.

“He died at home, peaceful, in his sleep at 5:21 am today,” she said. “(He was) a very brave guy who knew what he wanted, and he wanted to be at home.”

Dawn Wells, who played Mary Ann on the show, posted a note on Facebook, reports TMZ , that said, “My 2 favorite people are now gone. The professor past (sic) away this morning. My heart is broken.” She added, “Russell was a true gentleman, a good father, a great friend…” Read more. USA Today

I didn’t know Johnson was a Bainbridge Island resident. Who was your favorite Gilligan’s Island character?