Been here, done that: Dawn Wells

Connection to Columbia
As a freshman at Stephens College, she considered a chemistry major. But after taking a drama class, Dawn switched majors and graduated with a theater arts degree. Only few know Dawn’s exact graduation date as she strives to keep her timeless charm.

Since graduating in the late 1950s, she has kept close ties to Columbia. In October 1978, she visited to promote her Rescue from Gilligan’s Island TV special. She starred in the Stephens Playhouse production of The Night of the Iguana in September 1984. That year she also returned as a keynote speaker for Stephens’ 150th graduation. Hosting the Children’s Miracle Network telethon brought her back two years later. Most recently, Dawn came to Columbia to perform in the Vagina Monologues from Feb. 18 to 23, 2003, at the Missouri Theatre.

When she wasn’t acting, Dawn established the Dawn Wells’ Film Actors Boot Camp and launched the Wishing Wells Collection, a line of Velcro clothing for the disabled. Between 1998 and 2001 Dawn served as the executive vice president of Stephens Alumnae Association Board and wrote Mary Ann’s Gilligan’s Island Cookbook, proceeds of which go to Stephens’ alumnae scholarship fund.

Quotes
"For three seasons I was stranded on Gilligan’s Island with the most famous castaways in television history. Mary Ann has remained a very important part of, not only my life, but the lives of fans all over the world."

On favorite episodes: "My first choice would be ‘And Then There Were None,’ where I played a Cockney girl in the dream sequence. It was always fun to play another character, and doing the accent was a bonus."

"Mary Ann was a very good role model. There isn’t a Mary Ann on television today. There’s not a young, nice girl that isn’t experienced, over 12. I mean, it’s a different world and I think that’s why Mary Ann is embraced so much."

On returning home after the show’s last season in 1967: "The first thing I’ll do when I get back home is bake an apple pie, milk the cow and feed the chickens."

"I’m not a sitter. Even in my office, I stand at my desk."

" There’s a lot of me in Mary Ann and vice versa."