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The notion of actors being divas can be exaggerated. While it’s true that actors can have their moments of bad moods or feeling underappreciated, they are generally professionals dedicated to their craft. Their goal is to do what they’re paid for: memorize lines, understand their character, meet their marks, and give their best performance, without causing discomfort or unhappiness to others.
However, the diva stereotype didn’t just materialize out of thin air. It has some grounding in reality. There have been instances of actors behaving unprofessionally. Marlon Brando, for instance, refused to memorize his lines at one point, opting to have them scattered around the set. Nicol Williamson, during a Broadway production, smacked his co-star out of character. And then there’s the recent incident of Joaquin Phoenix suddenly leaving a film project, leaving the entire team in the lurch.
But was the idyllic setting of “Gilligan’s Island” immune to such occurrences? Not exactly. Enter Tina Louise.
The enigma of Tina Louise and the gray dressing room
CBS
In his memoir “Here on Gilligan’s Isle,” Russell Johnson recounts some challenging times on the set of the iconic sitcom that needed the intervention of Sherwood Schwartz, the show’s creator. One such incident involved Louise, who seemed to get a bit too engrossed in her portrayal of the spoiled movie star Ginger. Schwartz shares an anecdote about Louise’s peculiar request:
“Once, Tina refused to do a scene. The reason was unknown to me. I had to step in to keep things moving. I went to her dressing room, where she had isolated herself, and asked her what was wrong. She responded, ‘This scene is absurd, and I don’t want to do it.’ I explained that the scene was crucial and she had to do it. Without hesitation, she asked me, ‘Can my dressing room be painted grey?'”
So what happened next? Apparently, Louise felt her concerns about the scene were addressed. She got in front of the cameras and delivered her part professionally, knowing her lines, not causing any fuss, and fulfilling her contract. Quite a feat indeed.
FAQs:
1. What was the issue with Tina Louise on the set of Gilligan’s Island?
Ans: Tina Louise refused to do a scene she found ‘absurd’. She also requested that her dressing room be painted grey.
2. How did the situation with Tina Louise get resolved?
Ans: The show’s creator, Sherwood Schwartz, intervened. After expressing her concerns and making her unusual request, Louise went on to perform her part professionally.
3. Are all actors divas?
Ans: The notion of actors being divas can be exaggerated. While there can be instances of unprofessional behavior, most actors are dedicated to their craft and aim to give their best performance without causing discomfort to others.
Credit: www.slashfilm.com
