‘The Professor’ from ‘Gilligan’s Island’ Passes at 89

Russell Johnson, who played the Professor in the 60’s sitcom “Gilligan’s Island" has died at the age of 89.

Johnson died at 5:21 Thursday morning  at his home in Washington from kidney failure, He was surrounded by his wife Constance and daughter Kim, his agent Michael Eisentstadt says.  His death came quickly as he had been in good health, says Eisentstadt.

"I spoke to him right before the holidays and he did an autograph job," says Eisentstadt." He had just done that and he was fine."

Originally from northeastern Pennsylvania, Johnson served in World War II before pursuing an acting career. He acted in several TV programs in the 1950s and '60s, including "The Adventures of Superman," "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" and "The Twilight Zone." However, his most famous role came along in 1964: The Professor on "Gilligan's Island."

Dawn Wells, who played Mary Ann on the show, posted a picture of herself, Johnson and Bob Denver, who played Gilligan, to Facebook to express her grief.  "My 2 favorite people are now gone. The Professor [passed] away this morning. My heart is broken."