Russell Johnson Net Worth
Russell Johnson passed away at age 89 in January 2014. Throughout his long and distinguished career in movies and television shows, Russell Johnson became well-known.
Johnson was born in Ashley Pennsylvania on November 10th 1924 and sent to Girard College due to financial difficulty in his family. An average student, Johnson ultimately joined the Army during World War II.
Early Life and Education
Russell Johnson rose to fame as The Professor on the groundbreaking TV show Gilligan’s Island from 1964 to 1967. This groundbreaking series followed seven castaways who attempted to escape their shipwrecked island captivity by finding ways to get off it.
Johnson was born and raised in Ashley, Pennsylvania with six siblings. After attending Girard College he joined the Army Air Forces where he earned numerous medals including a Purple Heart medal.
After the war, he used his GI Bill to attend the Actors’ Lab in Hollywood and studied acting. After landing some minor roles on TV before landing his most renowned job.
In 1978, he appeared in three made for TV Gilligan’s Island movies which received positive ratings, in addition to acting roles on Gunsmoke and Dynasty shows.
Professional Career
Russell Johnson became widely recognized as The Professor in the hit television show Gilligan’s Island. Additionally, he made appearances on Gunsmoke and Dynasty.
He served in the US Army Air Force as a bombardier and flew 44 combat missions during World War II, earning several medals including Purple Heart and Air Medal awards.
Returning from military service, he pursued acting full time. He made several Western movies before co-starring with June Allyson in 1952’s For Men Only film. Additionally, he appeared on numerous television programs such as The DuPont Show.
On January 16, 2014 in Bainbridge Island, Washington he died due to kidney failure at 89 years old and was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery. His legacy lives on through his wife and daughter.
Achievement and Honors
Russell Johnson made headlines for his groundbreaking role on Gilligan’s Island. Additionally, he appeared in For Men Only as well as Column South, Tumbleweed and Ride Clear of Diablo films.
He served in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II and received the Purple Heart for his valor. Later he used his GI Bill benefits to attend Actor’s Lab in Hollywood and begin his acting career.
His life included two marriages and the birth of a daughter and son. On January 16, 2014 in Washington he died of kidney failure at 92 years old with Constance Connie Dane by his side at his deathbed; also left behind are their other children.
Personal Life
Russell Johnson transformed from an aimless Pennsylvania youth into an ambitious actor after the death of his father at age eight and enrollment in boarding school, as a result of which his entire outlook changed. After attending Girard College – an institution offering opportunities to poor white male orphans – and graduating, Johnson joined the Army Air Forces, flying combat missions during World War II before using the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944 (commonly known as GI Bill) to study acting in Hollywood after returning home.
He appeared in several TV shows, such as four seasons on Gilligan’s Island. Additionally, he made appearances in several Westerns and Sci-Fi classics like It Came from Outer Space, This Island Earth and Badman’s Country. After retiring on Bainbridge Island he continued narrating movies and other TV programs.
Net Worth
Russell Johnson had an expansive acting career post-Gilligan’s Island. He appeared in various Westerns including a 1952 picture with Marlene Dietrich and in 1954’s Rancho Notorious; Gunsmoke, That Girl, Owen Marshall: Counselor at Law, as well as multiple TV series such as It Came from Outer Space, This Island Earth and Attack of the Crab Monsters are just some examples.
After graduating high school, Johnson took advantage of the GI Bill to attend Actors Lab in Hollywood. Later he joined Army Air Corps aviation cadet program and flew 44 combat missions as bomber pilot in Pacific theater during World War II. On January 16, 2014 at age 89 he died at his residence on Bainbridge Island, Washington.
