Tina Louise once received a love letter from a nine-year-old Gilligan's Island fan

Louise called it "male mail."

Warner Brothers

In today's age of the internet and instant messaging, many people these days could successfully live their whole lives before ever having to address a letter. However, a few decades ago, a handwritten letter was the only way to get in contact with friends, family, and famous television stars.

Tina Louise's ability to act like a star on television made her a real star in real life. Best known as Ginger Grant on Gilligan's Island, Louise had no shortage of fan letters during her time on the show.

In an interview with The Daily American, Louise discussed what sort of person was most likely to be a fan of Ginger Grant.

"The mail I get is fantastic," she said. "And most of it is male mail. Do you know what surprised me, too? I had expected most of it from older men, but the greater part of it is from young men - boys who range from nine to sixteen years of age. They're adorable, sweet love letters, and proposals. They keep asking questions like, 'Do I have a chance?' Can you imagine that? From boys nine years old!'"

Of course, these love letters weren't being sent to Tina Louise, the actress. Rather, they were addressed to Ginger Grant, the castaway of Gilligan's Island. "A good number of the letters are addressed to Ginger, not in my real name," she said.

Louise was especially touched by a letter from a nine-year-old boy who professed his love for her, as she explained during an interview with the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

"I got one letter from a little blond Adonis," she said. "He started right out, 'I love you. I used to love Patty Duke but since you've been on the air I've been in love with you. When you say 'Gilligan' so sweetly, I fall off my chair. How old are you and are you married?"

While that little Romeo never did end up marrying Louise, we certainly can't blame him for trying.

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1 Comments

Dario 2 months ago
Ginger, along Gilligan and the Skipper, has always been my favorite on the show; she was always so gorgeous on the tube. 💖💕🥰
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