Actor Russel Johnson in his most famous role: Professor Roy Hinkley on Gilligan’s Island.

Another familiar face from my childhood passed away today — actor Russell Johnson, best known as “The Professor” on Gilligan’s Island passed away today at the age of 89.

We watched “Gilligan” all the time when I was growing up, and yeah it was pretty silly, but often it had some sly underlying humor.  I always had a little crush on The Professor too;(so handsome!) Russell was a peach and I wanted him and Ginger to run off together.   My favorite scenes on the show were whenever  dream sequences were played out, taking the castaways out of their island dilemma.(He’s so funny as the old man here)

Here he discusses Gilligan:

But Russell Johnson did more than Gilligan; in the 50’s he co-starred in the classic sci-fi film, This Island Earth, and  was a wonderful character actor who guest starred on many TV shows throughout his career, as well as Marshall Gib Scott on the western Black Saddle.  He was always friendly and grateful for his fans, and never forgot them. He was also a loving family man and AIDS activist. He will be missed. 🙁