Gilligan’s Island was home to some ego conflicts
One can be forgiven for wondering how a program with such an unbelievable premise ever made it on the air. Seven castaways marooned on an island less than three hours by boat from Hawaii? Four of them carried extensive wardrobes, while Gilligan, the Skipper, and the Professor were less sartorially prepared for extensive exile. Mr. Howell had enough cash on him to draw the attention of the IRS. It was certainly never confused with high drama, even its comedy routines were low-brow and repetitive. But it was a hit with fans (remains a favorite to this day) and the source of one of the Sixties’ great debates, at least among males of a certain age; Ginger or Mary Ann? The show was relatively short-lived, lasting just three seasons, but it produced considerable tension on its set among some of its stars. Some of those tensions outlived the show, which is still popular in reruns.
The character of Ginger Grant, played on the show by Tina Louise, was originally supposed to be a secretary by profession, rather than a movie star. Rumors have long suggested that she was not the first actress to be considered for the role, claiming Raquel Welch was the producer’s first choice. They are wrong. Raquel was considered for the show, but in the role of the farmgirl, all-American girl-next-door Mary Ann Summers. Louise accepted the role of the movie star after her agent informed her she would be a major focus of the plots for episodes. Louise was to play the role a la Jayne Mansfield, a sultry seductress, placing her at odds with the rest of the castaways. When that role did not transpire, tensions between Louise, the producers, and directors, emerged, which soon spilled over onto the set between the performers.