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Russell David Johnson (born November 10, 1924) is an American television and film actor best known as "The Professor" on the CBS television sitcom Gilligan's Island. He is the last surviving male cast member from that show; Dawn Wells and Tina Louise are the only surviving female cast members. Born in Ashley, Pennsylvania, Johnson is a graduate of Girard College, a private boarding school for children in need in Philadelphia. After high school, in the midst of World War II, Johnson joined the United States Army Air Forces as an aviation cadet; upon commissioning as a second lieutenant,... MORE

Russell David Johnson (born November 10, 1924) is an American television and film actor best known as "The Professor" on the CBS television sitcom Gilligan's Island. He is the last surviving male cast member from that show; Dawn Wells and Tina Louise are the only surviving female cast members. Born in Ashley, Pennsylvania, Johnson is a graduate of Girard College, a private boarding school for children in need in Philadelphia. After high school, in the midst of World War II, Johnson joined the United States Army Air Forces as an aviation cadet; upon commissioning as a second lieutenant, Johnson was assigned the service number 0 765 497. He flew 44 combat missions as a bombardier in B-24 Liberator bombers. While flying as a navigator in a B-24 Liberator with the 100th Bomb Squadron, 42nd Bombardment Group, 13th Air Force, his plane and two other B-24 bombers were shot down in the Philippines in March 1945 during a low level bombing and strafing run against Japanese targets. The planes were hit by intense flak and had to ditch in the waters off the port of Zamboanga. During the ditching, he broke both his ankles and the radioman next to him was killed. Russell Johnson earned a Purple LESS