The original PROFESSOR from the GILLIGAN'S ISLAND pilot speaks!

[@DomenicDee]

I heard a lot of rumors and stories over the years about whom the producer originally wanted for the roles. I heard Jerry Van Dyke and Soupy Sales were up for Gilligan, Carroll O'Connor for the Skipper, Jayne Mansfield for Ginger, Raquel Welch for MaryAnn and Dabney Coleman was up for the part of professor.

[@bySterling]

Rest In Peace sir. Yes he did have a good long term and versatile career indeed and he even had a daughter who became an actress. I do wish you would post the date of these interviews, many of your subscribers have wanted this fyi

[@PopGoesTheCultureTV]

Done!

[@jubalcalif9100]

Jinkies! This is the first I've heard that a different actor played the Professor in the pilot! Amazing! THANKS for sharing!

[@sailordude2094]

That's amazing that this is the first I heard about this. Watched GI as kid in the 70s everyday after school. And I've watched enough GI trivia on KZbin but never heard of this. Thanks!

[@jaredjlinden]

John Gabriel went on to a long running role on “Ryan’s Hope.” He also seemed to be an intelligent man.

[@jubalcalif9100]

He's no Huntz Hall, but John is indeed one handsome gent.

[@edreid7872]

So true about being type casted..

[@Forestbella11yrw]

Yeah Jim Backus had some movie costarring roles before then, voiced Mr Magoo among other things, and Gilligans Island is pretty much how he's remembered. Crazy how you get pigeon holed into one roll that back then didn't even last very long and didn't pay much. At least with the cast of Friends they're all millionaires several times over by the time it ended.

[@mem1701movies]

What year was this interview because he looks good for his age?

[@MrJoeybabe25]

He just died last month at the age of of 90. So this must be pretty old.

[@mem1701movies]

@@MrJoeybabe25 that’s why I wanted to know the year

[@simjo59]

@@MrJoeybabe25 The description says 2009.

[@simjo59]

@@mem1701movies The description says 2009.

[@jad8123]

I never thought of wearing the same clothes every week (less Ginger & The Howells) cementing them in the roles even further.

[@jehobden]

I think the actors were paid residuals, but only for the 1st 6 reruns. Russell Johnson did occasionally get good roles after GI on shows like MANNIX & IRONSIDE, and the actors did make better $ I'm sure from the reunion movies.

[@sailordude2094]

Russell would make money at the conventions too.

[@michaelmorey5492]

I believe he was in Eldorado with john Wayne and James caan. He played one of Christopher george employees

[@Frederick-v1v]

You did All My Children.

[@mistergrandpasbakery9941]

Tell that man if it's any consolation, I liked him better as MTMs boyfriend!

[@docadams7099]

Boy, Mary Richards and Rhoda Morganstern had some hilariously awful dates! I remember the one who said, "Hi, I think I'm gonna sneeze! Ah-Chew!" and promptly blew his nose.

[@BernardProfitendieu]

John died in 2021 at age 90 ... so he would have been about 78 when this clip was made.

[@bucfanforlife]

Hold on, did you see those white pants? The professor I know, John gabriel I do not

[@LindaMerchant-pm8vn]

No he isnt john Gabriel or Russell Johnson

[@dave929]

Being identified for one role isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

[@mem1701movies]

Yeah. When I was a kid I used to think it would be so cool just to be on TV like that. Now I can see how angry they’d be at not getting a good deal.

[@Beautifulmusiclistnr]

I've always liked Russell Johnson, but John Gabriel would have made a great Professor.

[@jimbike8064]

Didn't really get a good look of young professor. Boo.

[@kimberlywiederhold627]

I was never a big fan of the show and grew tired of the show guickly.

[@ColonialTwinFollies]

You must be the only one, because 60 years later, it’s still on the air! 🌴

[@dennisfitch2036]

Wow. Not many that feel that way