"The Professor" Dies

"The Professor"  Russell Johnson

Gilligan's Island ran for only three years, 1964 - 1967, but with its popularity in syndication, it has become one of the most important TV sitcoms of all time!
The Professor, played by Russell Johnson was a key reason for the show's success. Johnson once addressed a group at MIT saying that his character had a degree from MIT. That's why he could build a radio out of a coconut but couldn't patch a hole in the side of a boat!

Johnson served in the Army Air Force during WWII. He was a highly decorated pilot, serving more than 40 missions and survived his plane being shot down.

He went to acting school on the GI bill. His acting career was long and varied.

Johnson died this morning, at home, from kidney failure. He was 89.