As part of the successful and ongoing LOBBY SERIES at The Hollywood Museum in the Historic Max Factor Building, paying tribute to iconic and legendary individuals in entertainment, The Hollywood Museum’s President/Founder, Donelle Dadigan, is pleased to announce that they will be celebrating the 55th Anniversary of America’s favorite shipwreck – GILLIGAN’S ISLAND (the longest-running sitcom still showing worldwide in over 30 languages), with one of the show’s most enduring castaways, Dawn Wells, who portrayed the lovable farm girl next door, Mary Ann Sommers. The Character that was originally listed as “And the rest” on the credits became the fan favorite, garnering more fan mail that even the title character. With almost 400,000 fans on her FaceBook page and fan clubs across the U.S., her following has remained faithful.
On Wednesday September 24th, President and Founder of the Hollywood Museum, Donelle Dadigan will be joined by her special guest speakers, Ruta Lee (77 Sunset/Seven Brides for Seven Brothers), Alison Arngrim (Little House on the Prairie), Erin Murphy (Bewitched), Steve Wishnoff (OZ/Director), Hope Juber-Schwartz, Lloyd Schwartz (daughter and son of creator Sherman Schwartz) and castaway, Dawn Wells (Gilligan’s Island), for a lobby series tribute to Gilligan’s Island. List of additional 40+ personalities scheduled to attend below.
The Museum will unveil one of pop culture’s most iconic costumes with Gilligan’s white sailor hat and red shirt, worn by Mr Bob Denver as Gilligan, as well as the gingham dress and the navel covering shorts with matching mid-drift showing top worn by Ms Wells as Mary Ann in the show, and her original scripts of the series. Other items on display include items from the Rob Klein, Roger Neal and B. Harlan Boll collections.
In addition, Ms. Wells will be signing the newly released, updated version of her book, “A Guide To Life: What Would Mary Ann Do?” (Bear Manor Publishing) following the Lobby Series unveiling.
The exhibit will open to the public on Sept 26th, the same day as the actual 55th anniversary of the unexpected hit series “Gilligan’s Island.”
ABOUT DAWN WELLS:
A native of Reno, Ms. Wells represented Nevada in the Miss America pageant in 1959. She found success in Hollywood immediately afterward, appearing in such shows as 77 Sunset Strip, Maverick, Bonanza, and Hawaiian Eye. She was later cast in the role of a lifetime as Mary Ann in Gilligan’s Island, beating out 350 other actresses. She’s an actress, producer, author, spokesperson, journalist, motivational speaker, teacher, and humanitarian. She has starred in over 150 TV shows, and 7 motion pictures, and has starred in 60+ theatrical productions across the country and on The Great White Way.
ABOUT THE HOLLYWOOD MUSEUM:
The Hollywood Museum in the historic Max Factor Building is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation showcasing more than 10,000 Authentic Show Business Treasures, spotlighting 100 years of Hollywood history – from the Silents to Talkies, to Hollywood’s Golden Era, Film Noir, Television and its Pioneer Years, through the rebellious 60s, special effects 70s, evolving 80s, involved 90s, technological 2000s, and beyond to current day heartthrobs! The Hollywood Museum’s exhibits showcase the best in film, network and cable television, and new digital platforms featuring iconic and fan favorites!
The Hollywood Museum in the historic Max Factor Building is the Official Museum of Hollywood and offers visitors the most extensive collection of Hollywood memorabilia in the world – featuring the glamour of Hollywood legends and stars – past, present and in the making. The Hollywood Museum offers one-of-a-kind costumes, props, photographs, scripts, stars’ car collections, personal artifacts, posters, and memorabilia from favorite stars, films and TV shows.
Located in the heart of Hollywood, at the corner of Hollywood Blvd and Highland Ave, just steps from the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Hollywood Museum has been named the #1 top tourist attraction in Hollywood by LA Weekly, and one of the “Top 10” Museums in LA by the LA Tourism and Convention Board and Trip Advisor.
REGULAR HOURS: Wednesday – Sunday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
TICKETS: $15 Adults: $12 Seniors (62+): $12 for students with ID and $5 Children under 5.
ADDRESS: 1660 N. Highland Ave. (at Hollywood Blvd.), Los Angeles, CA 90028
MUSEUM INFO: www.TheHollywoodMuseum.com or Tel: (323) 464-7776
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