Before her passing, this iconic actress was celebrated for her decades-long career and numerous accolades. Early in her career, she appeared in minor roles in shows like “77 Sunset Strip” and “The Roaring 20s.” However, her breakthrough came in 1964 when she was cast as Mary Ann Summers on “Gilligan’s Island.”

After the show ended in 1967, she continued acting and received various offers. She famously turned down a $500,000 offer to pose topless, despite the financial benefits. She felt uncomfortable with the idea and ultimately declined.

Wells dated Tom for 15 years, even relocating to Nashville for him. They never married or cohabited, as she valued her personal principles and didn’t want to share a home with a man who wasn’t her husband, even though his daughters were adults.

She learned the importance of restraint at Stephens College. Her father didn’t understand her choice to attend an all-women’s college. Throughout her life, acting provided her with solace. Unfortunately, her later years were marked by challenges. In 2018, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to help her with financial difficulties.

Despite these hardships, she expressed gratitude for her fans and friends. With their help, she managed to clear her debts and pay her medical bills. However, she passed away in December 2020 at the age of 82 due to complications related to the coronavirus. She remains a beloved figure, cherished by fans worldwide.