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Russell Johnson on his feelings towards Tina Louise
He described her as "puzzling," among other, less-favorable things.
If there's one thing trickier than being trapped with castaways on a deserted island, it's being trapped with actors on a three-year production. Egos and tempers come with all the glitz and glamour in Hollywood. It's the cost of doing business.
Things may seem pretty harmonious by the end of each episode on Gilligan's Island, but the truth was a bit more chaotic. While each storyline is wrapped up neatly, restoring order and peace on the island, the boat constantly rocked behind the scenes.
In his 1993 memoir, Here on Gilligan's Island, Russell Johnson, the island's professor, detailed at length his relationship to each of his costars. While he was very giving in his descriptions of most of his castmates, the waters were murkier in his section about Tina Louise.
Louise, who played Ginger Grant on Gilligan's Island, seemed to be at the core of most of the backstage drama surrounding the show. By contrast, Russell Johnson had only glowing compliments for the rest of the cast.
"Tina Louise was puzzling," wrote Johnson."She made it known when we were filming the series — and says it more often today — that she didn't like playing fiery Ginger Grant, but, on the other hand, she was stunningly perfect in the role."
The shade didn't stop there.
"On any given day, we didn't know whether Tina was going to be Ginger Grant or Eva Grubb," Russell continued. Fans of Gilligan's Island might recall the episode where Tina Louise played dual roles, appearing as Eva Grubb, a homely malcontent who visits the island seeking isolation.
"When our show began drawing good audiences, we were all approached about making cast appearances. The money would have been phenomenal for all of us. In just two weekends of appearances, we could have made thousands. The offer was for all seven of us or no offer at all. But for some reason, Tina was definitely not interested."
It's not too frequent that one can put a price tag on just how much they dislike a coworker, but Tina Louise made it possible for the rest of the cast of Gilligan's Island, costing them dearly and drawing their derision.
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