Gilligan's Island Trivia Quiz

Answer: S.S. Minnow

The two-man crew in charge of the S.S. Minnow was The Skipper and Gilligan. The S.S. Minnow ran ashore, on an uncharted island, after being caught-up in a tropical storm. The island was located in the Pacific Ocean at 140° longitude, and 10° latitude. Legend has it that the "S. S. Minnow" was named after Newton Minow, Chairman of the FCC in 1961, who "Gilligan's Island" producer, Sherwood Schwartz, thought ruined television.

Answer: Little Buddy

Bob Denver, who was born on January 9, 1935 in Rochelle, New York and later died on September 2, 2005, in North Carolina, originally starred in "The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis," from 1959 to 1963. Legend has it that Gilligan's first name was Willy, even though it was never mentioned in any episodes.

Answer: False

During the final episode, known as, "Gilligan, the Goddess," three natives came to the island looking for a white goddess, who they'd use as a sacrifice to a volcano. The natives choose Gilligan, after seeing him in a wig and heels. Unfortunately, the seven members of Gilligan's Island weren't rescued. The final show aired on April 17, 1967.

Answer: True

On September 26, 1964, "Gilligan's Island" was born. Hhowever, besides having a different theme song, the pilot was not aired, nor did it have Mary Ann. Instead, it had two secretaries, Ginger, and Bunny.

Answer: Lovey

Mrs. Howell was played by Natalie Schafer. Her name on "Gilligan's Island" was Eunice "Lovey" Wentworth Howell. Legend has it that Ms Schafer, who was 62 years old during the pilot, kept her age very secretive.

Answer: "Gunsmoke"

William S. Paley, the network president, was a fan of "Gunsmoke." "Gunsmoke" had been threatened to be cancelled because of low ratings. In 1967, CBS rescheduled "Gunsmoke" to Monday evenings (time slot for "Gilligan's Island"), instead of its regularly scheduled late night Saturday time slot. "Gilligan's Island" wasn't renewed for a fourth season. "Gilligan's Island" ran from September 26, 1964 until September 4, 1967.

Answer: True

Schwartz was born on November 14, 1916 and began his career as a writer for Armed Forces Radio Network. In 1961, he won the Emmy Award for his writing on "The Red Skelton Show." Later, he became the writer, creator and producer for the TV series "Gilligan's Island" and "The Brady Bunch."

Answer: high-school science teacher

Russell Johnson played Roy Hinkley, a.k.a. "The Professor." During the original episode, the radio announcer described Roy Hinkley as a research scientist and a well known scoutmaster, too. However, Hinkley is a 35 year old high-school science teacher.

He held degrees in geography, biology, chemistry, and botany. And, he had a Ph.D from Texas Christian University. He wrote a book called, "Rust, the Real Red Menace," and was working on a book called "Fun with Ferns," which was the reason for taking the 3 hour tour.

Answer: Japanese

The episode was originally aired on January 9, 1965. The Japanese sailor was played by Vito Scotti. During the episode all of the castaways, except Gilligan and the Skipper, were captured and held in two cages. The sailor didn't realize World War II had ended. The Skipper and Gilligan eventually rescued the five castaways when the Japanese sailor fell asleep.

Answer: No first name was ever used

In May 1989, during a radio interview, Bob Denver stated Gil Eggan was originally his character's name; however, the name ran together and came out "Gilligan." In "Rescue From Gilligan's Island," all the castaways' full names were called off, except for Gilligan's first name.

The name Willy Gilligan was mentioned once, in a press release, by its founder, Sherwood Schwartz, but never on any episodes. Apparently, Gilligan 's first name, Willy, was referred to in the pilot episode, which never went to air.