wanted and wanted to be at home. originally from northeastern pennsylvania, johnson served in world war ii before pursuing an acting career. he acted in several tv programs in the 507s and 60s including the adventures adventf superman, alfred hitchcock and twilight zone. his most famous roll, the professor on gilligan s island. can with gilligan. the skipper, too. the millionaire and his wife. the movie star. the professor and marian. here on gilligan s island russell johnson, appeared in several films and tv shows including anedded so of newhart in which he was shown watching an episode of gilligan s island. he leaves behind his wife and a daughter, kim.