Russell Johnson Photo

Russell Johnson

Acting

1.1 Popularity Nov 10, 1924 (89 years old) Ashley, Pennsylvania, USA

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Russell David Johnson (November 10, 1924 – January 16, 2014) was an American actor, best known for his role as Professor Roy Hinkley in Gilligan's Island. Military career

After graduating from high school, Johnson enlisted in the United States Army Air Forc...

Biography

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Russell David Johnson (November 10, 1924 – January 16, 2014) was an American actor, best known for his role as Professor Roy Hinkley in Gilligan's Island. Military career

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 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.

On March 4, 1945, while flying as a navigator in a B-25 with the 100th Bombardment Squadron, 42nd Bombardment Group, 13th Air Force, his 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 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.

After Japan's surrender, Johnson was honorably discharged as a first lieutenant on November 22, 1945. He joined the United States Air Force Reserve and used the G.I. Bill to pay for his acting studies at the Actors' Lab in Hollywood. While there, he met actress Kay Cousins (1923–1980), whom he married in 1949.

His early roles were primarily in Westerns such as Rancho Notorious (1952, starring Marlene Dietrich), Seminole (1953), Law and Order (1953, opposite Ronald Reagan), and Badman's Country (1958), and science fiction films such as It Came from Outer Space (1953), This Island Earth (1955), Attack of the Crab Monsters (1956), and The Space Children (1958). He also appeared in a Ma and Pa Kettle vehicle, Ma and Pa Kettle at Waikiki (1955), as well as in Roger Corman's rock-'n'-roll crime drama Rock All Night (1957). In 1955, he had a role in Many Rivers to Cross along with Alan Hale Jr., later as the Skipper from Gilligan's Island.

"The Professor" on Gilligan's Island

Johnson was best known for playing Professor Roy Hinkley (usually called the "Professor"), the very knowledgeable polymath who could build all sorts of inventions out of the most rudimentary materials available on the island. As Johnson himself pointed out, though, he could not fix the hole in the boat. In the first episode of the show, the radio announcer describes the Professor as a research scientist and well-known scoutmaster. Gilligan's Island aired from 1964-67, but has been shown in reruns continuously ever since. CLR

Filmography 139

2018
The Gilligan Manifesto Movie

as Himself

1988
1988
1988
Blue Movies Movie

as Mr. Martin

1986
ALF TV

as Professor Roy Hinkley

1985
MacGyver TV

as Oslow

1983
Off the Wall Movie

as Mr. Whitby

1982
1982
Gilligan's Planet TV

as Roy "The Professor" Hinkley (voice)

1982
1981
1980
The Great Skycopter Rescue Movie

as Professor Benson

1980
Beyond Westworld TV

as Patrick

1979
Knots Landing TV

as Tim Murphy

Photos 3

Russell Johnson Photo
Russell Johnson Photo
Russell Johnson Photo

Personal Details

Known For Acting
Gender Male
Birthday November 10, 1924 (89 years old)
Died January 16, 2014
Place of Birth Ashley, Pennsylvania, USA
Also Known As Russell D. Johnson, Russ Johnson
Years Active 1949 - 2021
Popularity 1.1
Career Stats
139 Total Credits
52 Movie Roles
87 TV Roles
3 Photos