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 A wholesome beauty with comedic appeal, Dawn Elberta Wells was born on October 18, 1938 in Reno, Nevada. Wells' childhood was a happy and healthy one. She and her mother grew their own fruits and vegetables in their gardens and Dawn rode horses. In her high school years, she was the class treasurer, President of the debate team and an honor rolls student. Dawn was on her way to becoming a ballerina, but bad knees prevented her from realizing the dream. She was Miss Nevada in 1959 and went on to the 1960 Miss America Pageant. Dawn had wanted to be a doctor, and enrolled in the elite Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri to study medicine, but then she discovered the Drama Club. She then transferred to the University of Washington, which was known for their Theatre Department, and she graduated with a Degree in Theatre.Dawn moved to Hollywood and was cast as Mary Ann Summers on CBS's Gilligan's Island (1964). The rest is history. However, there was much more to Dawn than her simple Mary Ann character. Wells refused to be an unemployed actor after the show ended and was never out of work since the show decades ago. She performed in over 66 theatrical productions, including the National Touring Company of "They're Playing Our Song!" She did countless voice-overs, commercials and talk shows. She worked for the Australian news show "Midday" and interviewed such talents as Julia Roberts, Eddie Murphy and Tom Hanks, to name a few. Dawn has also had great success as a producer and has a number of television movies to her credit. After years of touring and performing in dramas, comedies, and musical theatre, Dawn slowed down a little. In 1998, she founded the Dawn Wells' Film Actors Boot Camp in Driggs, Idaho. The camp is for the already trained actor looking to make the transition from the amateur to the professional actor.Wells managed the camp for many years. She has been in a popular commercial for Western Union, capitalizing on her character Mary Ann Summers. In 2003, Dawn did tours of the plays "Love Letters" with Adam West and Eve Ensler's Award Winning "The Vagina Monologues." In early 2004, Dawn established and founded The Spud Film Institute in Idaho and Wyoming, and held the first ever Spud Drive in Film and Music Festival in the summer of 2004. She was also the artistic director of the festival. If that is not enough, Ms. Wells also had her own clothing line for the physically challenged called "Wishing Wells Collections" and she recently launched her own skin care line, Classic Beauty. Dawn Wells continued to contribute to the business she loved so much and constantly gave back to the acting community. She mentored young actors and traveled to colleges all across the United States to teach Master Classes. She served as Artist in Residence at several Universities. Dawn was in constant demand for personal appearances and speaking engagements, yet never forgot to give back to the Artistic community. She will surely be remembered for all her good work. Wells passed away on December 30, 2020 at age 82. You can get information about all of Dawn's organizations at her website, dawn-wells.com.
Bio:
A wholesome beauty with comedic appeal, Dawn Elberta Wells was born on October 18, 1938 in Reno, Nevada. Wells' childhood was a happy and healthy one. She and her mother grew their own fruits and vegetables in their gardens and Dawn rode horses. In her high school years, she was the class treasurer, President of the debate team and an honor rolls student. Dawn was on her way to becoming a ballerina, but bad knees prevented her from realizing the dream. She was Miss Nevada in 1959 and went on to the 1960 Miss America Pageant. Dawn had wanted to be a doctor, and enrolled in the elite Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri to study medicine, but then she discovered the Drama Club. She then transferred to the University of Washington, which was known for their Theatre Department, and she graduated with a Degree in Theatre.Dawn moved to Hollywood and was cast as Mary Ann Summers on CBS's Gilligan's Island (1964). The rest is history. However, there was much more to Dawn than her simple Mary Ann character. Wells refused to be an unemployed actor after the show ended and was never out of work since the show decades ago. She performed in over 66 theatrical productions, including the National Touring Company of "They're Playing Our Song!" She did countless voice-overs, commercials and talk shows. She worked for the Australian news show "Midday" and interviewed such talents as Julia Roberts, Eddie Murphy and Tom Hanks, to name a few. Dawn has also had great success as a producer and has a number of television movies to her credit. After years of touring and performing in dramas, comedies, and musical theatre, Dawn slowed down a little. In 1998, she founded the Dawn Wells' Film Actors Boot Camp in Driggs, Idaho. The camp is for the already trained actor looking to make the transition from the amateur to the professional actor.Wells managed the camp for many years. She has been in a popular commercial for Western Union, capitalizing on her character Mary Ann Summers. In 2003, Dawn did tours of the plays "Love Letters" with Adam West and Eve Ensler's Award Winning "The Vagina Monologues." In early 2004, Dawn established and founded The Spud Film Institute in Idaho and Wyoming, and held the first ever Spud Drive in Film and Music Festival in the summer of 2004. She was also the artistic director of the festival. If that is not enough, Ms. Wells also had her own clothing line for the physically challenged called "Wishing Wells Collections" and she recently launched her own skin care line, Classic Beauty. Dawn Wells continued to contribute to the business she loved so much and constantly gave back to the acting community. She mentored young actors and traveled to colleges all across the United States to teach Master Classes. She served as Artist in Residence at several Universities. Dawn was in constant demand for personal appearances and speaking engagements, yet never forgot to give back to the Artistic community. She will surely be remembered for all her good work. Wells passed away on December 30, 2020 at age 82. You can get information about all of Dawn's organizations at her website, dawn-wells.com.
Tivia:
She was the only Gilligan's Island (1964) cast member to attend Alan Hale Jr.'s funeral (1990). She also attended Russell Johnson's memorial service (2014).She and fellow Gilligan's Island (1964) cast member Tina Louise have both been asked to appear together in numerous television ad campaigns over the years. However, the two actresses have never liked each other and have not spoken in years. They have turned down many of these offers. The most notable one was a commercial for Old Navy clothing stores, which would feature them as Mary Ann Summers and Ginger Grant, still stuck on the island.Owned her own company, Wishing Wells, which makes clothing for people with disabilities.Miss Nevada 1959; she participated in Miss America 1960.Despite playing a supporting role to Tina Louise on Gilligan's Island (1964) (and to Bob Denver and Jim Backus), her character Mary Ann Summers was consistently the most popular among viewers, which also contributed to the tension between her and Louise.Had been a spokeswoman for Idaho Potatoes since 2004. A publicity video released by the Idaho Potato Commission, which features Wells demonstrating the perfect way to peel an Idaho potato, was posted on YouTube. It went viral and has over 10 million views.She auditioned for the role of Lois Lane in the blockbuster Superman (1978), but lost out to Margot Kidder.She and Russell Johnson are best known for their roles on the sitcom Gilligan's Island (1964), but they are also well known for being infamously referred to as "and the rest" in the sitcom's original theme song. The phrase was later replaced by "the Professor and Mary Ann" after protests from the actors.Had played the same character (Mary Ann Summers) on seven different series: Gilligan's Island (1964), The New Adventures of Gilligan (1974), Gilligan's Planet (1982), ALF (1986), Baywatch (1989), Herman's Head (1991) and Meego (1997).She was ready to play the role of Nora in the Disney film Pete's Dragon (1977). She bowed out just before filming began and was replaced by Helen Reddy. Her co-star from Gilligan's Island (1964), Jim Backus, made a cameo in the film as the Mayor.Had appeared in nearly 100 theatrical productions since 1967, averaging two plays a year.She received an Associate degree from Stephens College in Columbia, MO, and later a Bachelor's degree from the University of Washington (1960).Managed the Film Actors Boot Camp for wannabe actors at her ranch in Driggs, Idaho.The punk rock band Squirtgun has a song called "Mary Ann", which is about the character she played on Gilligan's Island (1964). She appeared in the music video for the song.Her great-great-grandfather was a stagecoach driver during the 1849 California gold rush.Her alma mater, Stephens College in Columbia, MO, is a college for women. Joan Crawford was expelled there in the early 1920s.She co-produced and starred on a television show called Dawn Wells: Reel Adventures (1997).Just before Alan Hale Jr.'s death, he contributed a family recipe ("Kansas Chicken and Dumplings") to her cookbook "Mary Ann's Gilligan's Island Cookbook" (1993). Hale, whose character was the inspiration behind such included concoctions as, "Skipper's Coconut Pie", "Skipper's Navy Bean Soup" and "Skipper's Goodbye Ribeye", can be seen depicted as Skipper Jonas Grumby, in numerous photographs through the book.Her father, Joseph Wesley Wells, once owned the Las Vegas Thunderbird Hotel.As of January 2009, she was dividing her time between her home in Los Angeles and her ranch in Idaho. She also served, along with fitness celebrity Denise Austin, as a spokeswoman for Idaho Potatoes.Was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority.As of November 2005, she was producing television in Los Angeles, CA.As of July 2009, she had sold her Idaho and Los Angeles homes to take up residence full-time in Palm Springs, CA.As of July 2004, she was serving as founder and Artistic Director of the Spud Drive in Film and Music Festival, in Driggs, ID and Jackson Hole, WY.Ex-husband Larry Rosen was an agent.Is buried next to her mother Evelyn Wells (1911-2004) at the Mountain View Cemetery in Reno.She served as one of Natalie Schafer's caregivers at the end of her life.She was the daughter of Evelyn (Steinbrenner) and Joseph Wesley Wells. Her mother was of half German and half Italian descent.According to some of her close friends, Wells appeared to have dementia during her last one or two years. She often kept repeating herself.Former President of the Idaho Film & Television Institute.Colleen Haskell, from Survivor (2000) was often compared to Wells' character Mary Ann Summers from Gilligan's Island (1964).She is referenced in the comedy-drama film Danny Collins (2015). |
| Name: |
Dawn Wells |
Type: |
Actress,Producer,Costume and Wardrobe Department (IMDB) |
| Area: |
All World |
Platform: |
IMDB |
| Category: |
|
Business scope: |
Actress,Producer,Costume and Wardrobe Department |
| Products for sale: |
Actress,Producer,Costume and Wardrobe Department |
| Model rank: |
469 |
| Last update: |
2024-07-01 04:26:33 |
| Height: |
5' 4' (1.63 m) |
| Biography: |
A wholesome beauty with comedic appeal, Dawn Elberta Wells was born on October 18, 1938 in Reno, Nevada. Wells\' childhood was a happy and healthy one. She and her mother grew their own fruits and vegetables in their gardens and Dawn rode horses. In |
| Trivia: |
She was the only Gilligan's Island (1964) cast member to attend Alan Hale Jr.'s funeral (1990). She also attended Russell Johnson's memorial service (2014).She and fellow Gilligan's Island (1964) cast member Tina Louise have both been asked to appear together in numerous television ad campaigns over the years. However, the two actresses have never liked each other and have not spoken in years. They have turned down many of these offers. The most notable one was a commercial for Old Navy clothing stores, which would feature them as Mary Ann Summers and Ginger Grant, still stuck on the island.Owned her own company, Wishing Wells, which makes clothing for people with disabilities.Miss Nevada 1959; she participated in Miss America 1960.Despite playing a supporting role to Tina Louise on Gilligan's Island (1964) (and to Bob Denver and Jim Backus), her character Mary Ann Summers was consistently the most popular among viewers, which also contributed to the tension between her and Louise.Had been a spokeswoman for Idaho Potatoes since 2004. A publicity video released by the Idaho Potato Commission, which features Wells demonstrating the perfect way to peel an Idaho potato, was posted on YouTube. It went viral and has over 10 million views.She auditioned for the role of Lois Lane in the blockbuster Superman (1978), but lost out to Margot Kidder.She and Russell Johnson are best known for their roles on the sitcom Gilligan's Island (1964), but they are also well known for being infamously referred to as "and the rest" in the sitcom's original theme song. The phrase was later replaced by "the Professor and Mary Ann" after protests from the actors.Had played the same character (Mary Ann Summers) on seven different series: Gilligan's Island (1964), The New Adventures of Gilligan (1974), Gilligan's Planet (1982), ALF (1986), Baywatch (1989), Herman's Head (1991) and Meego (1997).She was ready to play the role of Nora in the Disney film Pete's Dragon (1977). She bowed out just before filming began and was replaced by Helen Reddy. Her co-star from Gilligan's Island (1964), Jim Backus, made a cameo in the film as the Mayor.Had appeared in nearly 100 theatrical productions since 1967, averaging two plays a year.She received an Associate degree from Stephens College in Columbia, MO, and later a Bachelor's degree from the University of Washington (1960).Managed the Film Actors Boot Camp for wannabe actors at her ranch in Driggs, Idaho.The punk rock band Squirtgun has a song called "Mary Ann", which is about the character she played on Gilligan's Island (1964). She appeared in the music video for the song.Her great-great-grandfather was a stagecoach driver during the 1849 California gold rush.Her alma mater, Stephens College in Columbia, MO, is a college for women. Joan Crawford was expelled there in the early 1920s.She co-produced and starred on a television show called Dawn Wells: Reel Adventures (1997).Just before Alan Hale Jr.'s death, he contributed a family recipe ("Kansas Chicken and Dumplings") to her cookbook "Mary Ann's Gilligan's Island Cookbook" (1993). Hale, whose character was the inspiration behind such included concoctions as, "Skipper's Coconut Pie", "Skipper's Navy Bean Soup" and "Skipper's Goodbye Ribeye", can be seen depicted as Skipper Jonas Grumby, in numerous photographs through the book.Her father, Joseph Wesley Wells, once owned the Las Vegas Thunderbird Hotel.As of January 2009, she was dividing her time between her home in Los Angeles and her ranch in Idaho. She also served, along with fitness celebrity Denise Austin, as a spokeswoman for Idaho Potatoes.Was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority.As of November 2005, she was producing television in Los Angeles, CA.As of July 2009, she had sold her Idaho and Los Angeles homes to take up residence full-time in Palm Springs, CA.As of July 2004, she was serving as founder and Artistic Director of the Spud Drive in Film and Music Festival, in Driggs, ID and Jackson Hole, WY.Ex-husband Larry Rosen was an agent.Is buried next to her mother Evelyn Wells (1911-2004) at the Mountain View Cemetery in Reno.She served as one of Natalie Schafer's caregivers at the end of her life.She was the daughter of Evelyn (Steinbrenner) and Joseph Wesley Wells. Her mother was of half German and half Italian descent.According to some of her close friends, Wells appeared to have dementia during her last one or two years. She often kept repeating herself.Former President of the Idaho Film & Television Institute.Colleen Haskell, from Survivor (2000) was often compared to Wells' character Mary Ann Summers from Gilligan's Island (1964).She is referenced in the comedy-drama film Danny Collins (2015). |
| Trademarks: |
Spokeswoman for Idaho Potatoes
Her pigtails and gingham dress as Mary Ann on Gilligan's Island (1964)
Natural brunette hair
Large brown eyes
Attractive figure |
| Quotes: |
Acting is my first love.
<br />
<hr>
[in 2004, on her Gilligan's Island (1964) co-star Tina Louise] I saw Tina recently and she is so thin! I mean, I give her credit for staying in shape, but the woman needs to eat some lunch!
<br />
<hr>
Just because a woman is over 50 does not mean she no longer has anything to offer. If anything, we have so much more to offer! We have lived life, we get better with age. I do my best work now in my 60s. Sure, I could retire; but what would I do? Play Bingo? I think not!
<br />
<hr>
Mary Ann has been such a big part of my life these past 40 years, it's really impossible to get away from it. But why would I want to? Everywhere in the world that I go, I am greeted with love. Some kids who watched the show back then are still watching, but with their grandchildren now. That is a really wonderful thing! As an actress, I have succeeded, I created a character that meant something to some people and it has lasted. So I refuse to ignore it and run away from it.
<br />
<hr>
The industry has changed somewhat over the years. I think the opportunity of being who you are is a little easier. You don't have to fit into the mold of the beautiful sexpot or the beautiful leading lady. Your essence of your personality is more of a key. |
| Salaries: |
Rescue from Gilligan's Island (1978) - $60,000
<br />
<hr>
Gilligan's Island (1964) - $1,600 a week |
| Job title: |
Actress,Producer,Costume and Wardrobe Department |
| Others works: |
(1993) Book: "Mary Ann's Gilligan's Island Cookbook". Rutledge Hill Press. ISBN 1558532455
(1999) TV commercial: Western Union as Mary Ann Summers.
(2003) Stage: Appeared in the Missouri tour of "The Vagina Monologues" |
| Spouse: |
Larry Rosen (October 27, 1962 - 1967) (divorced) |
| Children: |
No Children |
| Parents: |
Joe Wells
Betty Wells |
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