• Gilligan's Island is a true TV classic
  • It ended over 50 years ago!
  • Here are five pretty surprising facts

Gilligan's Island, with a cast of Bob Denver, Dawn Wells, Alan Hale Jr., and Tina Louise, among others, was one of the most successful series of the '60s—becoming a classic of classics.

Although it's been over 50 years since the castaway sitcom ended, it still holds a special place in the hearts of many TV fans young and old. Gilligan's Island also has some secrets of its own, which we'll explore here.

Gilligan's Island: 5 Surprising Facts

  • Bob Denver played the title character, "Gilligan," but actor Jerry Van Dyke was actually first considered for the role.
  • The images of the island shown at the beginning and end of the show are real: it's located in the Kaneohe Bay, near Hawaii.
  • The Gilligan's Island theme was voted the Best TV Theme Song ever in an extensive Yahoo! vote in 2013
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Gilligan's Island facts: cast members Dawn Wells and Bob Denver
  • While on the air, Gilligan's Island once intended to introduce a new character: a little pet dinosaur! But due to high costs, the idea was scrapped.
  • Initially, the characters drank out of real coconut "glasses." Later, they were switched to props made of ceramic.

Also interesting:

'The Nanny' Quiz

Test your knowledge!

What is the name of the cosmetics brand "Fran" was selling door to door?

How many of these facts did you know? You can also click here to see which of the Gilligan's Island stars are still around today.