"The Professor" is no more.

[markw]

"Russell Johnson, best known for playing the brainy Professor on Gilligan's Island, has died, E! News confirms. He was 89 and the last surviving male star from the classic 1960s sitcom—which famously listed all of its characters in the more well-known version of its iconic opening theme song."

See linky here.

 

[MidnightSensi2]

I'm sorry for the families loss.

89 though, wow. Natural causes, at home, with his family by his side.

He contributed to entertainment and to society (AIDS).

Rest in Peace.

 

[Swerd]

Did his character have a name, or was he always The Professor?

And now his secret of making radios from cocoanut shells will forever be lost.

 

[sawzalot]

I guess he finally got off the Island, RIP professor, be kind to Gilligan as I am sure the Skipper has given him an earful.

 

[Pyrrho]

It is surprising that he did not figure out a way to cheat death by using some coconuts.

 

[j_garcia]

RIP Professor.

Character's name was Roy Hinkley, but I am not sure it was ever actually used in the series. That would be an interesting tidbit.

 

[Midwesthonky]

I never knew his character as anything but "The Professor."

Watched that show every day after school.

 

[markw]

Mr Garcia got "The Proferssors" name but it turns out that befoe he went into show business, Russel Johnson had quite a service record during WW2.

"While flying as a navigator in a B-24 with the 100th Bombardment Squadron, 42nd Bombardment Group, 13th Air Force, his plane and two other B-24s were shot down in the Philippines in March 1945 during a low-level bombing and strafing run against Japanese targets. The planes were hit by intense flak and had to ditch in the waters off the port of Zamboanga. During the ditching, he broke both his ankles and the radioman next to him was killed, he received a Purple Heart for his injuries. He was also awarded the Air Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with three service stars, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one service star, and the World War II Victory Medal."

Full linky here.

 

[j_garcia]

11 of the Professor's Best Inventions on Gilligan's Island | Mental Floss