Tina Louise, who played Ginger on Gilligan’s Island, was spotted out in New York City recently. At 91, she still carries that charm she’s always had. This time, she was dressed in jeans, a black jacket, dark sunglasses, and her signature red hair gently catching the light.
It was rare to see her like that, but it brought back memories. Tina’s been mostly private in recent years, even keeping a distance from the show that made her a household name. But moments like this remind people she’s still here, aging gracefully, and full of her own stories beyond that one role.
“I didn’t think the show would be a success,” Tina Louise said of ‘Gilligan’s Island’
.@people Magazine Surprised That Gilligan’s Island Star Tina Louise Takes Daily Walk in New York City at Age 91! She’s the last surviving member of the main cast.https://t.co/PLdbElvvJA pic.twitter.com/I3S5y8ONsf
— Pete Salisbury @Tuckerpete (@Tuckerpete) June 11, 2025
When Tina was cast as Ginger in 1964, she was already doing Broadway. CBS reached out while she was in a musical with Carol Burnett, asking her to play a character in the style of Lucille Ball or Marilyn Monroe. She said yes, but things changed once filming started. The director had a different tone in mind—more sarcasm, less warmth, and Tina didn’t connect with that version of the role. She even asked to quit.
Eventually, a new director stepped in, and the writing shifted to suit her better. The show became a hit. Tina enjoyed it more, but her connection to Gilligan’s Island was always mixed. She never returned for the spin-offs and has often avoided discussing it. Even in recent interviews, she said she’s grateful for her career, but would rather be known for other things.
There’s always been more to Tina Louise than acting
After Gilligan’s Island, Tina kept working on and with films and TV shows. She starred in The Stepford Wives in 1975 and made appearances in shows like Dallas, Kojak, and The Love Boat. Her last film role was in Tapestry in 2019.
Outside of acting, she’s done meaningful work, like reading to school kids in New York City and joining a program to help students learn. She also wrote a memoir called Sunday in 1997, which came out again as an audiobook in 2023. She may be best known for Ginger, but Tina’s life has never been just one part. At 91, she’s still doing well.