'Gilligan's Island' might have looked completely different

GILLIGAN'S ISLAND entertained loyal fans from 1964-1967. The cast consisted of Gilligan, Bob Denver), the Skipper, (Alan Hale Jr.) Ginger Grant, (Tina Louise) The Professor, (Russell Johnson) and Thurston and Love Howell, (Jim Backus and Natalie Schaefer). The show has continued for decades in syndication and there have been 3 movies. No one could ever consider anyone else portraying the castaways but if what was first laid out had taken place everything would have been much different. Please continue reading to find out how things might have been.

Jerry Van Dyke could have been Gilligan

The younger brother of Dick Van Dyke turned down an offer to portray Gilligan. Jerry had desires to star in his own show just like his older sibling. He believed he could be just as successful as Dick and in 1965 he was given an opportunity to try. He was cast in MY MOTHER THE CAR but the show was only on the air for a short time. Bob Denver, who portrayed Gilligan continues to be remembered fondly today.

John Gabriel as the Professor

In the pilot episode for GILLIGAN'S ISLAND John Gabriel portrayed the Professor. He did not test well with viewers so Russell Johnson was cast in the role and became an instant hit with the fans. Gabriel went on to roles in the soaps DAYS OF OUR LIVES, GENERAL HOSPITAL, and RYAN'S HOPE. He was also in the movie EL DORADO. Gabriel was a singer and sang his tunes on THE MERVE GRIFFIN SHOW, REGIS AND KATHY LEE, THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW, and THE MIKE DOUGLAS SHOW.

Dabney Coleman as the Professor

Prior to either John Gabriel or Russell Johnson being thought of as the professor Dabney Coleman was considered for the role. Coleman went on to success in the movies TOOTSIE and 9 to 5. He was also in the television series KOJAK, THE MARY TYLER MOORE SHOW, and THAT GIRL.

Two secretaries instead of Ginger and Mary Ann

In the beginning stages, there was going to be a character named Ginger but she was not a movie star. There was however no farm girl Marry Ann. Instead, GILLIGAN'S ISLAND was going to have two secretaries on board for the 3-hour cruise.

Fans of GILLIGAN'S ISLAND could probably never envision anyone except Dawn Wells as the sweet, lovable Mary Ann, When the exects decided on the character there was another popular who auditioned for and was turned down for the role. It was sex symbol Raquel Welch who desired to portray the girl from the farm but she did not obtain the part.

Nancy McCarthy was going to play Bunny

Actress Nancy Mccarthy portrayed Bunny in the pilot episode of GILLIGAN'S ISLAND but she was replaced by Dawn Wells as Mary Ann when the series was revamped. McCarthy had stared with Bob Denver in THE MANY LOVES OF DOBY GILLIS as Sue Ann Selnitzer. She also had roles in ADVENTURES IN PARADISE, MY THREE SONS, and SURFSIDE 6.

Carroll O'Conner as the Skipper

Carroll O'Conner auditioned for the role of the Skipper and was rejected. Fans will probably agree that things worked out just as they should have. O'Conner went on to portray the iconic Archie Bunker in the series ALL IN THE FAMILY and who could ever have played the Skipper the way Alan Hale Jr, did.

Jane Mansfield as Ginger

Jane Mansfield was offered the role of Ginger Grant but turned it down because she did not desire to be typecast. The part went to Tina Louise who later refused to be a part of anything related to the show after its 3-year run. Several other actresses portrayed Ginger in the 3 movies that came later. Fans don't have to wonder about Ginger because a number of actresses later had the role in the films and voicing the cartoons that came later.

There is no record regarding any other actors who were going to portray the Howell's but in the eyes of the fans no one else could measure up to Natalie Schaefer and Jim Backus. The same is true for the other cast members. There was a chemistry between them and except for Tina Louise, the other actors embraced their roles and received the adoration of the fans. They had no problem working together decades later and never worried about being typecast. Bob Denver, Alan Hale Jr., Jim Backus, Natalie Schaefer, Russell Johnson, and Dawn Wells were the best choices to portray the castaways on GILLIGAN'S ISLAND.