Ginger Grant's various portrayers on ‘Gilligan’s Island’

GILLIGAN'S ISLAND ran on CBS from 1964-1967 and continues to be popular today in syndication. Right now you can also purchase episodes on various streaming services. Fans know that Tina Louise portrayed movie star Ginger Grant in all 98 episodes and is the only surviving member of the original cast of the show. Louise, however, was not the first nor the last actress in the role of the sexy movie star who was actually modeled after Marilyn Monroe. The character of Ginger was sultry and her voice was similar to Monroe's when she sang Happy Birthday to President John F Kennedy. Ginger's hairstyle and even her walk were inspired by that late sex symbol at the request of the powers that be.

Prior to Tina Louise landing the part of Ginger, Kit Smythe played the role in the pilot episode of GILLIGAN’S ISLAND. Her Ginger's occupation, however, was not a movie star but a secretary. Jayne Mansfield was offered the role after Smythe left and Ginger became a popular celebrity but Mansfield turned it down. Tina Louise accepted the part but her agent had an odd request and asked that no one could follower her name in the opening credits.

With all due respect to Louise it sounds like someone whether the actress herself or her agents felt she should be the star of the show. Based on what took place in later years U would say that During the first season, this is what viewers heard and the show was done in black and white. During an interview, Russel Johnson who portrayed the Professor said that everyone was (except Louie of course) was angry that two cast members were referred to as "the rest". When GILLIGAN'S ISLAND became a hit and was picked up for a second season it was broadcast in color and all of the cast were named in the credits.

This is why the theme song lyrics initially ended with "The movie star and the rest." Later it was changed and the Professor and Maryann were added. For many years it was said that Tina Louise disliked her role as Ginger Grant and felt it typecast her and caused her to lose serious movie roles. Grant continued acting in television shows and movies after GILLIGAN'S ISLAND ended but she never received the stardom that she sought in films. Louise desired to make it big in Hollywood but this never happened for her.

In December 2020, (after the death of Dawn Wells who played Maryann) Louise denied that she resented portraying Ginger Grant, "Never true — I loved doing my part, especially after they really started writing for my character, originally billed as a ‘Marilyn Monroe’ type of character. A different director took over and really started to write for my character. I really loved my character."

Louise added that she was grateful to the fans of GILLIGAN'S ISLAND for their continued support over the years, She said this was especially true during the COVID-19 pandemic. Louise said “We brought a lot of joy to people and still do. This show is an escape from so many things going on. Fathers share it with their children now. I get letters all the time about that."This statement is contradicted by the fact that Louise desired top billing in the credits of the sitcom and also turned down playing Ginger in the projects that followed the series.

In RESCUE FROM GILLIGAN'S ISLAND and THE CASTAWAYS ON GILLIGAN'S ISLAND Judith Baldwin replaced Louise who cited creative differences with the producers for not reprising the character of Ginger. Constance Forslund played the movie star in the third and final reunion film THE HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS ON GILLIGAN'S ISLAND. In SURVIVING GILLIGAN'S ISLAND Kristen Dalton played Ginger. Tina Louise did not lend her voice to the animated spinoffs related to the popular show either.

Jane Webb was the voice of both Ginger and Maryann in THE NEW ADVENTURES OF GILLIGAN. In GILLIGAN'S PLANET Dawn Wells did the honors of voicing both Maryann and Ginger. So there you have it the story of the various females who portrayed Ginger Grant.