EDITORâS NOTE: Dawn Wells, the âGilliganâs Islandâ star who died this week as the result of COVID-19, appeared in âChapter Twoâ at the Sioux City Municipal Auditorium in 1979. She appeared at the Okoboji Summer Theatre, too (she attended Stephens College), and returned years later for a summer stint. Hereâs a look back at the interview she did before her 1979 Sioux City appearance. More than a decade has passed since Dawn Wells was rescued from the throes of âGilliganâs Island,â but the memory of the castaways still lingers. âWherever I go, people mention my character, Mary Ann,â she says while lounging in a Des Moines hotel room. The show has gained such an incredible cult following I canât seem to shake it. Iâve been away from the series long enough now, though, to enjoy all the fuss.â