Russell Johnson
| Russell Johnson | |
|---|---|
Russell Johnson at age 35 in Black Saddle (1960)
|
|
| Born |
Russell David Johnson November 10, 1924 Ashley, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | January 16, 2014 (aged 89) Bainbridge Island, Washington, U.S. |
| Cause of death | Kidney failure |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1950–1997 |
| Known for | Gilligan's Island as Professor Roy Hinkley |
| Spouse(s) | Edith Cahoon (1943–1948; divorced) Kay Cousins (1949–1980; her death) Constance Dane (1982–2014; his death) |
| Children | 2 |
Russell David Johnson (November 10, 1924 – January 16, 2014) was an American television and film actor, best known for his role as "the Professor" on the CBS television sitcom Gilligan's Island.
Johnson was born on November 10, 1924, in Ashley, in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. His parents were Russell Kennedy Johnson (1901-1932) and Minnie Wenonah Smink-Johnson (1902-1976). Johnson was the second-oldest of six children. His siblings were brothers Kenneth (1925-2012), David (1926-1976), and Paul Wesley (1932-1933) [Paul died from pneumonia only weeks after Johnson's father], and sisters Lorraine Johnson-Crosby (b. about 1929) [who was still living at the time of Johnson's death], and Marian L. Johnson-Reeves (1923-2010). Johnson's father died of pneumonia in December 1932. His mother was later remarried to Thomas S. Lewis. As a teenager, Johnson attended Girard College, a private boarding school for fatherless boys, located in Philadelphia.
After graduating from high school, Johnson enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces as an aviation cadet. On completing his training, he was commissioned a second lieutenant. He flew 44 combat missions in the Pacific Theater during World War II as a bombardier in B-25 twin-engined medium bombers.
On March 4, 1945, while flying as a navigator in a B-25 with the 100th Bombardment Squadron, 42nd Bombardment Group, 13th Air Force, his B-25 and two others were shot down during a low-level bombing and strafing run against Japanese military targets in the Philippine Islands. The B-25s encountered heavy anti-aircraft fire and all three had to ditch in the sea off Zamboanga. Johnson broke both ankles in the landing, and his bomber's co-pilot was killed. Johnson received a Purple Heart for his injuries. He was also awarded the Air Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with three campaign stars, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one campaign star, and the World War II Victory Medal.
...
Wikipedia