Russell Johnson American film and television actor Date of Birth: 10.11.1924 Country: USA

1. Russell Johnson - American Actor
2. Early Life and Military Service
3. Hollywood Career
4. Television Success and Later Career
5. Personal Life and Legacy

Russell Johnson - American Actor

Russell Johnson, an American film and television actor, is best known for his role as Professor Roy Hinkley Jr. in the CBS sitcom "Gilligan's Island". He was born on November 10, 1924, in Ashley, Pennsylvania, USA.

Early Life and Military Service

After graduating from high school during the height of World War II, Johnson became a cadet in the U.S. Army Air Forces. He achieved the rank of lieutenant and participated in 44 combat missions. In March 1945, his plane was shot down in the Philippines during a bombing mission on Japanese targets and crashed into the port of Zamboanga. While carrying out the mission, Johnson broke both of his ankles and later received the Purple Heart medal. On November 22, 1945, he was discharged from the army as a senior lieutenant, and thanks to the benefits for demobilized soldiers, Russell was able to pursue an acting career.

Hollywood Career

Johnson graduated from Girard College, a private boarding school in Philadelphia. He became close friends with Audie Murphy and appeared in three of Murphy's films, "Column South" and "Tumbleweed" (both in 1953), and "Hold Back the Night" (1954). His Hollywood career took off in 1952 with roles in the drama "For Men Only" and the film-noir "Loan Shark" with George Raft. He initially received roles mainly in westerns and science fiction films such as "It Came from Outer Space," "This Island Earth," "Attack of the Crab Monsters," and "Space Children." He also played Eddie Nelson in the 1955 comedy "Ma and Pa Kettle at Waikiki". Throughout the 1950s, Russell appeared in Rod Cameron's television series "City Detective" and three times in the series "Silent Service," based on the history of the United States Navy.

Television Success and Later Career

On September 16, 1963, Johnson starred in the new medical drama series "Breaking Point" on ABC, alongside Paul Richards and Eduard Franz. Continuing his work on television, Johnson appeared in two episodes of "The Twilight Zone." In the episode "Back There," he tried to prevent the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, and in the episode "Execution," he played a college professor. He also appeared as Major Benedict on the United States space station in an episode titled "Specimen: Unknown" on "The Outer Limits." However, he is best recognized for his role as the scientist Roy Hinkley, often referred to simply as "The Professor," in the series "Gilligan's Island." During his audition, Russell was asked to take off his shirt, but he refused and still landed the role. His character could invent anything from the simplest materials available on the island where the events took place, yet he couldn't fix a simple hole in the boat. The series aired from 1964 to 1967, and its reruns can still be seen today. After "Gilligan's Island," Johnson appeared in several films and TV series, finding particular success in the latter. He became involved in multi-episode projects such as "The Invaders," "Death Valley Days," "Lassie," "Ironside," "The F.B.I.," and "Gunsmoke." Two of his notable television roles include the miniseries "Vanished" in 1971, based on Fletcher Knebel's novel, and the internationally famous soap opera "Santa Barbara" (as Roger Wainwright #3).

Personal Life and Legacy

Russell Johnson's son, David, initiated a program to combat AIDS in Los Angeles, California. He worked in this program until his death in 1994, caused by complications from AIDS. Upon learning of his son's illness, Johnson voluntarily helped raise funds for AIDS research. Russell wrote an autobiographical book titled "Here on Gilligan's Isle." He currently resides on Bainbridge Island, Washington.