Take a deep breath before seeing Tina Louise at 90 – this is Ginger from ‘Gilligan’s Island’ today

Tina Louise became famous overnight playing Ginger on Gilligan’s Island. Born in New York, she gained fame as a model, singer, and actress. However, people often praised her looks more than her acting.

Today, Louise is the last surviving member of the Gilligan’s Island cast. The show changed her life, but acting wasn’t her only focus. At 90 years old, she looks much younger in person and remains full of energy.

Let’s explore her fascinating life, career, and how she looks today.

Tina Louise: Early Life and Career

Tina’s parents divorced when she was just four years old. In a 2019 interview with Authority Magazine, she said, “My life was different. I moved around a lot, staying with cousins, aunts, and even strangers.”

As a child, Tina never thought about working in entertainment. That changed just before she was about to start at Miami University. “I had a friend my age who got a role in a Broadway play. I was impressed,” she shared with Authority Magazine. Her mother took her backstage, and Tina fell in love with the experience. She told her mom the university’s drama department wasn’t enough for her and wanted to leave.

Her mother supported her decision, knowing Tina’s passion for acting. Tina then attended the Neighborhood Playhouse in Manhattan, which she called “a wonderful school.”

While studying there, Tina began modeling and working as a nightclub singer. She made her Broadway debut in 1952 in the musical Two’s Company. Her looks caught people’s attention, and she even appeared in Playboy Magazine.

In 1957, she released her first album It’s Time for Tina. She continued to act in theater and small films. But in 1958, her life took a big turn.

Breakthrough Role in God’s Little Acre

Tina became a Hollywood star after playing Griselda Walden in the movie God’s Little Acre. The film received great reviews, and Tina won a Golden Globe for Best New Star of the Year.

In an interview with Forbes, Tina recalled the Venice Film Festival where the movie was shown. “I was given beautiful red roses in the theater. I wondered why they gave them to me instead of the director or writer.”

Instead of chasing Hollywood roles, Tina followed her own path. She focused on Broadway and acted in a few Italian films. After returning from Europe in 1962, she joined Lee Strasberg’s Actor’s Studio.

Tina said Strasberg’s lessons had a deep impact on her. He would check how relaxed actors were and say, “Make noise,” which sometimes led to laughter or tears. “It was all about deep relaxation,” she explained. This helped her when she later joined Gilligan’s Island, although it required some adjustments.

Tina Louise in Gilligan’s Island

Gilligan’s Island made Tina a Hollywood icon. Before she got the role, she was performing in the Broadway show Fade Out-Fade In. Initially, she wasn’t sure about playing Ginger, but the script changed her mind.

In the pilot, Ginger was played by Kit Smythe. However, when they needed someone more glamorous, Tina Louise took the role. Ginger’s character was described as “part Marilyn Monroe, part Lucille Ball.” Tina found the script witty but soon realized it was lighthearted and fun.

She enjoyed the role, saying, “Flirting is fun!” she told the New York Post.

Tina starred in all 98 episodes of the CBS sitcom. Despite the show’s popularity, she never returned for any reunion specials or movies. Fans still write to her, thanking her for her portrayal of Ginger.

Tina shared a touching story about a woman who told her that watching Gilligan’s Island helped her husband during his battle with cancer. “Distraction is important when you need it,” Tina said.

Why Gilligan’s Island Ended

Even though the show was popular, it only lasted three seasons. According to Tina, it was the network’s decision. “The writers wanted us to stay on the island, but the network president wanted Gunsmoke back,” she explained. After the show ended, it continued in reruns for years.

Tina went back to more intense roles, continuing her successful acting and singing career. She appeared on TV shows like Kojak and in movies like The Stepford Wives (1975) and OC and Stiggs (1987).

Even in her later years, Tina never lost her passion for acting. She starred in the 2014 drama Tapestry and started writing books in 1997. Her children’s book, When I Grow Up, donated part of its sales to reading programs. Since 1996, she has volunteered in local public schools.

Tina is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Actors Studio. Sadly, many of her former co-stars have passed away, including Dawn Wells, who died from COVID-19 in 2020.

Tina Today

In a 2020 interview, Tina remembered Dawn Wells as a kind person, saying, “She always had a smile on her face. We were family.”

Tina was married to TV host Les Crane for four years. They had a daughter, Caprice Crane, who is now a writer and producer. Tina is also a proud grandmother to two grandchildren, calling them “my two beautiful babies.”

Tina Louise, now 90, still lives in the Turtle Bay area of Manhattan. Despite her age, she looks much younger in photos and is open to new experiences. “I’m available, I’m ready for anything,” she said. Although she rarely goes out, she still meets friends every few weeks.

In 2021, she told the New York Post that age is just a number. “Who needs to know your age? Live in the moment,” she said, quoting Buddha.

Tina Louise remains a legend, and fans continue to admire her.