Fanboys Anonymous

Russell Johnson, the man who played the Professor from the hit television show Gilligan's Island, died last Thursday morning, January 16th, 2013.

Russell Johnson playing the Professor in a scene from Gilligan's Island.

Johnson's agent reported his death to The Wrap, who announced that the actor "died at his home in Washington state of natural causes." According to Business Insider, Johnson died at the age of 89 and was the last surviving male from the cast of Gilligan's Island. Now, Dawn Wells and Tina Louise, who played Mary Ann and Ginger, are the only living members left from the cast.

Moreover, Johnson had been a pilot during World War II before he began acting. He even earned a Purple Heart when his B-25 bomber was hit by flak and he sustained physical injuries to both his ankles. Ten years later Johnson began acting, and his first roles were in television shows such as It Came From Outer Space, This Island Earth, Attack of the Crab Monsters, Black Saddle, and The Twilight Zone.

It was not until 1964 that Johnson took on the role that would make him famous. CBS first aired Gilligan's Island on televisions all over the United States of America on September 26th, 1964. Johnson played the character Roy Hinkley, who became widely known as the Professor. Fanboys and Fangirls who grew up in America during the 90s will know Gilligan's Island because reruns of the show were aired by Nickelodeon. If you all remember, Gilligan always made funny comments, and the Professor clarified them.

Based on Wikipedia's page about Gilligan's Island, the show ran for 98 episodes and aired for three seasons until it ended on September 4, 1967. Fans can read more about the show from the book Johnson wrote, which Business Insider describes thus:

"Johnson published his memoirs, Here on Gilligan's Isle, which offers fans behind-the-scenes anecdotes and answers the oft-asked question: how was the professor able to build a nuclear reactor and a car but never a boat?"

The cast of Gilligan's Island, with the Professor (Left) and Gilligan (right) sitting in the front side-by-side.

There are also many videos of Johnson available at Hollywood Reporter's website. In recognition of Johnson's work, The Wrap published this quote from TV Land president Larry Jones:

"We are deeply saddened to have learned of the passing of Russell Johnson, the beloved 'Professor.' We extend our deepest condolences to his family. Gilligan's Island is one of the most iconic television series in pop culture history. The news about Russell makes its return to TV Land on Monday all the more meaningful."

What are your favorite moments from Gilligan's Island? How do you feel about the passing of Russell Johnson and the memory he left behind?