Russell Johnson
Russell David Johnson (November 10, 1924 – January 16, 2014) was an American actor. He played Professor Roy Hinkley in Gilligan's Island and Marshal Gib Scott in Black Saddle.
For other people named Russell Johnson, see Russell Johnson (disambiguation).
Russell Johnson
January 16, 2014 (aged 89)
Actor
1950–1997
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Edith Cahoon(m. 1943; div. 1948)
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Constance Dane(m. 1982)
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Early life[edit]
Johnson was born in Ashley, Pennsylvania, on November 10, 1924,[1][2] to Russell Kennedy Johnson (1901–1932) and Marion Wenonah Smink Johnson (1902–1976).
Johnson was the eldest of seven siblings: Kenneth Walter Johnson (1925–2012), David Reed Johnson (1926–1976), Lois Marion Johnson (1927–1928), Lorraine Johnson Crosby (1928-2015), Marion Joan Johnson Reeves (1930–2010), and Paul Wesley Johnson (1932–1933).[2] His father Russell died of lobar pneumonia and influenza on December 13, 1932, and his brother Paul also died of lobar pneumonia on January 5 the following year. His mother Minnie remarried after 10 years
to Thomas S. Lewis.
As a teenager, Johnson attended Girard College, a private boarding school for fatherless boys, located in Philadelphia.[1]
Military career[edit]
After graduating from high school, Johnson enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces as an aviation cadet. On completing his training, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant. He flew 44 combat missions in the Pacific Theater during World War II as a bombardier in B-25 twin-engined medium bombers.[3]
On March 4, 1945, while flying as a navigator in a B-25 with the 100th Bombardment Squadron, 42nd Bombardment Group, 13th Air Force, Johnson's B-25 and two others were shot down during a low-level bombing and strafing run against Japanese military targets in the Philippine Islands. The B-25s encountered heavy anti-aircraft fire, and all three had to ditch in the sea off Zamboanga. Johnson broke both his ankles in the landing, and his bomber's co-pilot was killed. Johnson received a Purple Heart for his injuries. He was also awarded the Air Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with three campaign stars, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one campaign star, and the World War II Victory Medal.
Johnson was honorably discharged as a first lieutenant on November 22, 1945, then joined the United States Air Force Reserve.[4]
Personal life[edit]
Johnson was married three times. His first marriage, to Edith Cahoon in 1943, ended in divorce in 1948.[2]
In 1949 he married his second wife, Kay Cousins, whom he had met while at the Actors' Lab in Hollywood. Together they had a daughter, Kim, and a son, David. Cousins died on January 20, 1980, in Century City, California.
In 1982, Johnson married Constance "Connie" Dane, and became stepfather to her son, Courtney Dane.[10] It was here that Johnson collaborated with writer Steve Cox on the memoir, Here on Gilligan's Isle, published in 1993.[2][11]
Russell's son David Johnson died of AIDS-related complications on October 27, 1994.[12] After his son's diagnosis with AIDS, Johnson frequently helped raise money for AIDS charities.[13]
Death[edit]
Johnson died from kidney failure at his home in Bainbridge Island, Washington, on January 16, 2014, aged 89.[14] His remains were cremated. Johnson's memorial service was held a month later.[15]