Tina Louise, one of the last surviving members of Gilligans Island, is speaking out about the shows 55th anniversary.

The actress famously played Ginger Grant, also known as The Movie Star. The only other living cast member is Dawn Wells, who played Mary Ann Summers.

In a recent interview with Closer Weekly, the 85-year-old actress said shes proud of the shows lasting legacy.

'GILLIGAN'S ISLAND' STAR DAWN WELLS SAYS SHE IS 'GRATEFUL' FOR 'FRIENDS AND FANS WHO CARE' WHILE SUFFERING FINANCIALLY

Russell Johnson (as the Professor, in white shirt), Alan Hale Jr. (1918 - 1990) (as the Skipper, in blue shirt), Bob Denver (1935 - 2005) (as Gilligan, in red shirt), Dawn Wells (as Mary Ann, hand on chin), Tina Louise (as Ginger, standing), Jim Backus (1913 - 1989) (as Thurston Howell III, holding radio), and Natalie Schafer (1900 - 1991) (as Mrs. Howell). (CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images)

On this 55th anniversary of Gilligans Island I want to say how wonderful it is that our show is still on the air after all these years, Louise told Closer Weekly. 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. Im so happy to have been part of something that was so special to American television.

The beloved Gilligans Island explored how seven men and women are stranded on an uncharted island following a storm. It also starred Bob Denver, Alan Hale Jr., Jim Backus, Natalie Schafer and Russell Johnson. The sitcom aired from 1964 until 1967.

When we first aired, our country was in turmoil, Louise reflected. We were just past the Cuban Missile Crisis and the tragic assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The Vietnam War was escalating and I think people really needed an escape. Then we lost our beloved Martin Luther King and in a time of uncertainty, Gilligans Island represented this great escape.

CHRISTIE BRINKLEY RECREATES HER 'GIRL IN THE RED FERRARI' MOMENT FROM 'NATIONAL LAMPOONS VACATION'

Tina Louise (left), Dawn Wells and Natalie Schaefer on "Gilligan's Island." (Getty)

This sweet, silly show provided its fans with calm and joy in a frightening time and has continued to do so, Louise continued. Well done television transports people into a fantasy and no matter what turmoil exists in the world, Gilligans Island has provided that escape in an enduring way. Considering the state of everything these days, we should all be happy its still in reruns!

The magazine shared Louise originally pursued a modeling career before finding fame in Hollywood. At age 2, she appeared in an ad for her fathers candy store. By age 17, she was studying acting, singing and dancing at the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York City.

Louise would go on to make her acting debut in 1952s Twos Company on stage, which led to several other Broadway productions. She appeared in film with 1958s Gods Little Acre. She is still active in front of the big screen and most recently appeared in 2019s Tapestry opposite Stephen Baldwin and Burt Young.

Back in 2013, Louise told Esquire that being a redhead wasnt always easy.

A lot of men are afraid of redheads, she told the outlet at the time. Theres not that many and were different.

LUCILLE BALL ENDURED RUTHLESS CRITICISM ON LIFE WITH LUCY, SAYS CO-STAR: THEY WERE SO BLOODY

Most men are most comfortable with brunettes, she continued. Brunettes arent gonna run away from them; theyre not gonna leave. Men worry that a redhead will. Which is ridiculous! Cause if Im with you, Im with you for a darn good reason, and Im staying there.

Tina Louise circa 1960. (Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images)

Louise also admitted that appearing on Gilligans Island was completely different from what she learned as an actress over the years.

[Teacher] Lee Strasberg was important, she shared. Hed pick up your arm and see if and how it would drop to determine the level of relaxation in your body and spirit. Hed say, Make a sound. Some people would start to laugh and that would sometimes turn to tears. You didnt have to be sad it all came from deep relaxation. I learned a lot from Lee about deep relaxation to get at something you were working toward. And then I found myself on Gilligans Island, where somebodys telling you, Go to the right. Go to the left. That was an adjustment. Gilligans Island is what it is, and I am who I am.

'ROOM 222' STAR KAREN VALENTINE RECALLS 'AWFUL' ENCOUNTER AFTER 'THE DATING GAME'

Louise also told the outlet that aside from work, shes been happily volunteering since 1996 and is a proud member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Tina Louise attends The New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children's 2018 Spring Luncheon at The Pierre Hotel on April 17, 2018, in New York City. (Photo by Jared Siskin/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)

I love being part of the Academy, she said. I try to see everything on the big screen. I see about two films a week. I dont eat popcorn. I loathe it when people are eating popcorn in a movie house. Im used to concentrating on a film in very quiet places.

CLICK HERE FOR THE ALL-NEW FOXBUSINESS.COM

Age is not a number, Louise added. Some people are way older than others who are the same numerical age because of the way they carry themselves, because of the way they dont stand up straight, or the way their bellies stick out. I dont think you should label people with numbers.

See the original post here:

Gilligans Island star Tina Louise shares how the show 'represented this great escape' - Fox News