Tina Louise from ‘Gilligan’s Island,’ 89, Calls Out Warner Bros for Profiting from Her ‘Likeness’ without Paying Her

• Tina Louise, aka Ginger Grant, from the popular sitcom “Gilligan’s Island,” is 89 years old and is the last surviving cast member from the show.
• When the series ended, the star devoted herself to taking care of her family and raising her daughter.
• Louise is now fighting for justice as she revealed that Warner Bros. released a Ginger doll without her knowledge, which she hasn’t been paid for.

Tina Louise is an American actress who is best known for her iconic portrayal of the fiery redheaded beauty Ginger Grant, otherwise known as the movie star in the 60s sitcom “Gilligan’s Island.” Following the show’s finale, Louise went on to star in various other notable film and television Hollywood productions, with her most recent work being 2019’s “Tapestry.”

In the same year, “Gilligan’s Island” celebrated its 55th anniversary since it aired in 1964. The show’s anniversary came at the same time as the 50th anniversary of another popular sitcom, “The Brady Bunch,” of which Sherwood Schwartz created both shows.

As the only surviving member of the “Gilligan’s Island” cast, Louis ensured she was part of the commemoration. While celebrating the milestone, the “Day of the Outlaw” talent reminisced over all the moments that made her character so iconic. Looking back on her time on the show, Louise expressed:

“On this 55th anniversary of ‘Gilligan’s Island,’ I want to say how wonderful it is that our show is still on the air after all these years. I honestly feel like I have so many friends out there who just love what we did and what we shared, and the joy we brought. I’m so happy to have been part of something that was so special to American television.”

Louise was born in New York City on February 11, 1934. The actress, author, and singer has been acting since the age of two, having first appeared in a commercial for her dad’s candy shop.

When she turned 17 years old, she attended Manhattan’s Neighborhood Playhouse, where she studied acting, singing, and dancing. By 1952, she scored her stage debut in “Two’s Company,” which then led to subsequent Broadway productions.

The Hollywood star also garnered a steady source of acting gigs in the television industry. She scored guest appearances on “Checkmate,” “Route 66,” and “Burke’s Law.”

However, her role in “Gilligan’s Island” was one of her most iconic portrayals to date. Now, at 89 years old, Louise is back in the spotlight. However, not to reprise another industry role but to seek justice for not being compensated for the Ginger doll that Warner Bros. has made in her likeness.

Warner Bros. recently created a line of dolls based on Louise’s Ginger character from “Gilligan’s Island.” They allegedly left her out of reaping any financial profit from the product. The toy, which is the spitting image of Louise, was released on February 27 and costs $12.

Everything from what she wore, referencing popular catchphrases from the sitcom in their ads to Louise’s distinctive beauty mark on her cheek, was used to produce the doll. According to reports, Louise only found out about the ordeal when her daughter informed her, and a plethora of action figures started turning up at her doorstep from fans who wished to have them autographed.

Louise disclosed her daughter, Caprice Crane, as being the reason she left Hollywood.

Though the star was happy to oblige her fans by signing the dolls, she had an unsettling feeling about what was happening and who was getting to profit off of her. While speaking with The New York Post, Louise stated:

“I’m grateful for what I have. I have enough. But this is not right.”

Deciding to take the issue to Facebook, Louise posted a lengthy statement about her disapproval and grievances. While addressing her fans on social media, she exclaimed:

“Unfortunately, I was never brought into the conversation when these toys were being created. [I’ve] never received a single residual check for ‘Gilligan’s Island’ in all these years of it continuously running.”

She then details the doll’s numerous features that bear an undeniable and striking resemblance to Ginger. She also says that the company’s justification for not compensating her is because they based it on the character and not Louise, the real-life woman. Louise continued:

“So I am, once again, not being paid for the use of my likeness and not even getting a licensing fee.”

She ends her statement by asking her fans what they think about the matter and revealing a similar ordeal that happened to her in the past, except in this instance, she was fairly compensated. According to Louise, when previous CEO Ted Turner ran Warner Bros., the company had used the Ginger character in a Diners Club commercial. Louise was fully compensated, showing that the company does not own her likeness.

Soon after “Gilligan’s Island” ended, Louise paused acting in 1970 for nearly three years. Naturally, her fans wondered what had happened to her, and it was not until she appeared in an interview with Detroit Free Press in 1973 that the reason for her departure from the silver screen was revealed.

Louise disclosed her daughter, Caprice Crane, as being the reason she left Hollywood. When she fell pregnant with her child, she said she found herself at a crossroads between pursuing acting or becoming a full-time mother and providing the best and securest environment for her baby, of which she chose the latter.

Her daughter comes from her previous marriage to TV host and actor Les Crane, which ended in 1974. After Caprice started attending nursery school, Louise expressed interest in getting back into acting again. She reported feeling more in tune with herself since having her baby and needing to return to making a living.

Although she made her return to acting, Louise never wavered in her role as a doting mother. She also became a beloved grandmother once Caprice gave birth to her own children.

Louise is adored by her daughter and grandkids, who she loves spending quality time with and who celebrate her every chance they get. In one special Instagram birthday tribute to Louise, Caprice’s heartwarming caption showed the deep level of adoration she has for her mom:

“You are the most precious mama and Yaya, and we all love you more than you can possibly imagine.”

Though Louise may be caught in the middle of an unfair ordeal with Warner Bros., her loving family, who she adores, remains by her side. Fans still deem the redheaded beauty an icon in her own right, regardless of whether or not she gets compensated for the residual outputs of her work.