Russell Johnson 1924-2014 - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Zoneboy · 01-16-2014, 04:33 PM

The actor remained "proud" of his role and its influence on pop culture in later years.

Link

Russell Johnson, best known as Professor Roy Hinkley on Gilligan's Island, died Thursday of kidney failure. He was 89.

"He died at home, peaceful, in his sleep at 5:21 am today," his wife, Constance, told ABC News. "[He was] a very brave guy who knew what he wanted, and he wanted to be at home."

Johnson portrayed "The Professor" in the classic comedy from 1964-67, appearing in 98 of the show's 99 episodes. Johnson was a busy but little-known character actor with credits including This Island Earth and It Came From Outer Space when he was cast in the slapstick comedy about seven people marooned on an uncharted Pacific island.

During its three-season run on CBS, critics lambasted the show. But after its cancellation, it found generations of new fans in reruns and reunion movies.

In later years, Johnson remained "proud" of the role and its influence on viewers.

"I think, what I love most at this point in time in the long life of Gilligan's Island is the positive, intelligent nature of longtime Gilligan aficionados," he wrote on his website. "It amazes me. I have received mail throughout the years from young viewers from all over the world, year after year, who were so influenced by the Professor's smarts that they became science buffs and are now real professors, doctors and scientists. It makes me proud."

Johnson was the last surviving male star from the show.

He continued to work steadily through the 1990s, including in several Gilligan's Island TV movies along with appearances on such TV shows as Lassie, Newhart, Gunsmoke, Dynasty and Roseanne.

Vahan · 01-16-2014, 04:38 PM

He had a son, David, who died from AIDS in 1994.

No doubt they are reunited in Heaven.

Gilligansgirl · 01-16-2014, 04:42 PM

Oh no

Now only Dawn and Tina are left

RIP Professor.

McGillicuddy · 01-16-2014, 04:51 PM

R.I.P. Professor Hinkley.

eng51squad51 · 01-16-2014, 05:27 PM

also from METV http://metvnetwork.com/share/russell...and-dies-at-89

Zoneboy · 01-16-2014, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eng51squad51

also from METV http://metvnetwork.com/share/russell...and-dies-at-89

All that does is link to TMZ.

Smilings · 01-16-2014, 05:32 PM

In real life, Russell Johnson was a wonderful guy too.

Although the Professor would likely say "surely, you don't believe these native superstitions," I'd like to think he's now in a better place, a paradise like a tropical island.

I will always remember him as in Waiting for Watubi.

Yooch · 01-16-2014, 05:59 PM

RIP Russell Johnson

Absolutely one of my favorite TV characters of all time, not for the science aspect necessarily, though I know that influenced many, but as the 'Professor' he portrayed a person whose humanity and decency was evident. He will be missed.

The first sequel movie when they are rescued (though not a movie blockbuster or Oscar contender by any means) has some continuity from the TV show. One of the things that was brought out was how the castaways forged strong friendships that were solid, and withstood the assaults of those who were trying to take advantage of them when they were readjusting to life back in the 'real' world. It is of course fiction, but worth watching.

Some good scenes in that movie with the Professor, the Howells, etc.

AB · 01-16-2014, 06:01 PM

A very fine actor, may he rest in peace.

robyrob · 01-16-2014, 06:20 PM

aww man

80sTrivia · 01-16-2014, 06:36 PM

Sad to hear of Russell's passing. Now, Dawn and Tina are the only remaining cast members...

Fleet · 01-16-2014, 06:59 PM

His character (and Dawn's) brought some amount of reality to Gilligan's Island. I was wondering it Russell would top Natalie's age (90)... he almost did.

I have me both of them at autograph shows. I will post a photo of Russell I took if I can find it.

Zoneboy · 01-16-2014, 07:25 PM

Kinda ironic that his passing comes on the same day TV Land is scheduled to air "Two On a Raft." Hopefully they'll have some kind of tribute for him.

Retro4Life · 01-16-2014, 07:33 PM

Very, very sorry to hear of this. He seemed like a class act all the way; never denigrated or dismissed the show or other actors.

RIP Russell Johnson.

shotzette · 01-16-2014, 07:47 PM

So sad to hear this. The Professor was one of my earliest crushes. :-(

RIP, Professor.

01-16-2014, 04:33 PM	#1
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,433	Russell Johnson 1924-2014 The actor remained "proud" of his role and its influence on pop culture in later years. Link Russell Johnson, best known as Professor Roy Hinkley on Gilligan's Island, died Thursday of kidney failure. He was 89. "He died at home, peaceful, in his sleep at 5:21 am today," his wife, Constance, told ABC News. "[He was] a very brave guy who knew what he wanted, and he wanted to be at home." Johnson portrayed "The Professor" in the classic comedy from 1964-67, appearing in 98 of the show's 99 episodes. Johnson was a busy but little-known character actor with credits including This Island Earth and It Came From Outer Space when he was cast in the slapstick comedy about seven people marooned on an uncharted Pacific island. During its three-season run on CBS, critics lambasted the show. But after its cancellation, it found generations of new fans in reruns and reunion movies. In later years, Johnson remained "proud" of the role and its influence on viewers. "I think, what I love most at this point in time in the long life of Gilligan's Island is the positive, intelligent nature of longtime Gilligan aficionados," he wrote on his website. "It amazes me. I have received mail throughout the years from young viewers from all over the world, year after year, who were so influenced by the Professor's smarts that they became science buffs and are now real professors, doctors and scientists. It makes me proud." Johnson was the last surviving male star from the show. He continued to work steadily through the 1990s, including in several Gilligan's Island TV movies along with appearances on such TV shows as Lassie, Newhart, Gunsmoke, Dynasty and Roseanne.
	__________________ 'Twas The Night Before Christmas And All Through The Full House Not A Creature Was Stirring, Not Even Mighty Mouse. All My Children We're Nestled All Snug In Their Beds While Visions Of Sugarbakers Danced In Their Heads. Last edited by Zoneboy; 01-16-2014 at 05:23 PM.

01-16-2014, 05:32 PM	#7
Smilings Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Jun 09, 2012 Location: California Posts: 417	Sad the Professor is no longer with us In real life, Russell Johnson was a wonderful guy too. Although the Professor would likely say "surely, you don't believe these native superstitions," I'd like to think he's now in a better place, a paradise like a tropical island. I will always remember him as in Waiting for Watubi. Attached Images

01-16-2014, 05:59 PM	#8
Yooch Member Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 07, 2006 Location: California Posts: 3,180	RIP Russell Johnson Absolutely one of my favorite TV characters of all time, not for the science aspect necessarily, though I know that influenced many, but as the 'Professor' he portrayed a person whose humanity and decency was evident. He will be missed. The first sequel movie when they are rescued (though not a movie blockbuster or Oscar contender by any means) has some continuity from the TV show. One of the things that was brought out was how the castaways forged strong friendships that were solid, and withstood the assaults of those who were trying to take advantage of them when they were readjusting to life back in the 'real' world. It is of course fiction, but worth watching. Some good scenes in that movie with the Professor, the Howells, etc.
	__________________ "The true meaning of America, you ask? It's in a Texas rodeo, in a policeman's badge, in the sound of laughing children, in a political rally, in a newspaper...In all these things and many more, you'll find freedom. And freedom is what America means to the world. And to me." --Audie Leon Murphy June 20, 1924-- May 28, 1971

01-16-2014, 06:20 PM	#10
robyrob certified wackball#3 Moderator Forum Icon Join Date: Aug 03, 2003 Location: hiding under the third booth at Arnold's Posts: 58,200	aww man
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01-16-2014, 06:36 PM	#11
80sTrivia Member Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 23, 2002 Posts: 21,714	Sad to hear of Russell's passing. Now, Dawn and Tina are the only remaining cast members...
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01-16-2014, 04:38 PM	#2
Vahan Member Senior Member Join Date: Jan 14, 2008 Posts: 2,712	He had a son, David, who died from AIDS in 1994. No doubt they are reunited in Heaven.

01-16-2014, 04:42 PM	#3
Gilligansgirl Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Jan 01, 2014 Location: Florida Posts: 16	Oh no Now only Dawn and Tina are left RIP Professor.

01-16-2014, 04:51 PM	#4
McGillicuddy Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Sep 28, 2002 Posts: 5,179	R.I.P. Professor Hinkley.

01-16-2014, 05:27 PM	#5
eng51squad51 Member Forum Regular Join Date: Oct 17, 2002 Location: SC Posts: 978	also from METV http://metvnetwork.com/share/russell...and-dies-at-89

01-16-2014, 06:01 PM	#9
AB Member Eternal Member Forum Icon Join Date: Dec 26, 2006 Location: The South Posts: 59,428	A very fine actor, may he rest in peace.

01-16-2014, 06:59 PM	#12
Fleet Mansions, limousines & H-ween Forum Star Join Date: Jan 06, 2002 Location: Northridge/Porter Ranch, California Posts: 15,625	His character (and Dawn's) brought some amount of reality to Gilligan's Island. I was wondering it Russell would top Natalie's age (90)... he almost did. I have me both of them at autograph shows. I will post a photo of Russell I took if I can find it.
	__________________ 1976 Cadillac Fleetwood Seventy-Five Limousine.

01-16-2014, 07:25 PM	#13
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,433	Kinda ironic that his passing comes on the same day TV Land is scheduled to air "Two On a Raft." Hopefully they'll have some kind of tribute for him.

01-16-2014, 07:33 PM	#14
Retro4Life Accept No Substitutes Forum Veteran Join Date: Feb 04, 2009 Location: IL Posts: 6,708	Very, very sorry to hear of this. He seemed like a class act all the way; never denigrated or dismissed the show or other actors. RIP Russell Johnson.
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01-16-2014, 07:47 PM	#15
shotzette Member Senior Member Join Date: Jun 30, 2004 Posts: 1,782	So sad to hear this. The Professor was one of my earliest crushes. :-( RIP, Professor.