Russell David Johnson, otherwise known as Russell Johnson, was a well-known actor in the 1950s. He portrayed Professor Roy Hinkley on the classic TV show Gilligan’s Island and was also recognized by fans for his role as Marshal Gib Scott in Black Saddle.
Spending decades in Hollywood, Russell became a familiar face on big and small screens. However, his journey to fame was not an easy one because of the struggles he had to face. In this post, we will dig deeper into his career, so stay with us as we unravel his journey.
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Early Life
Based on wiki pages, Russell Johnson was born on 10th November 1924, in Ashley, Pennsylvania, to parents Marion Wenonah Smink Johnson and Russell Kennedy Johnson. Being the eldest child in the family, he grew up with his six siblings, Paul Wesley Johnson, Marion Joan Johnson Reeves, Lois Marion Johnson, David Reed Johnson, Kenneth Walter Johnson, and Lorraine Johnson Crosby.
After his father passed away in 1932 due to influenza and pneumonia, he lost his youngest brother Paul because of the same illness. The loss of his father and brother at an early age left a lasting impact on Johnson.
His mother raised them on her own for nearly a decade before remarrying Thomas S. Lewis. To help support her family, she worked hard to ensure her children had access to education and a good life. For education, Russell attended Girard College in Philadelphia.
Beginning of Career
After completing high school, Russell joined the U.S. Air Force during World War II and served as a bombardier. After the war, he used the GI Bill to study acting at the Actors’ Lab in Hollywood which marked the beginning of his acting journey.
His early career included guest appearances on TV shows and small roles in films, where he played supporting roles in dramas and science fiction stories.
Shot to Fame
Russell Johnson’s big break came in the 1960s when he was cast in Gilligan’s Island. The show premiered in 1964 and quickly became a hit, establishing him as a successful actor in the industry.
Though the show only ran for three seasons, it became a long-lasting favorite among fans. Following that, Russell continued to work in television and appeared in shows like The Invaders, and Gunsmoke.
Relationship
Russell Johnson was married thrice. His first marriage was in 1943 to Edith Cahoon, but the couple divorced in 1948. He then married Kay Cousins Johnson and had two children with her. After Cousins passed away in 1980, Russell tied the knot with Constance Dane in 1982. Fast forward to 2014, Russell passed away due to kidney failure in his Bainbridge Island home, at the age of 89.
Major Source of Income and Net Worth
While exact figures are not confirmed, it is estimated that Russell Johnson had a net worth of around $4 million at the time of his death. This includes earnings from his acting roles, and other public appearances. His primary source of income came from his acting career, where he worked in several projects both in big and small screen. In addition, he generated a good amount from guest appearances.
