Natalie Schafer was a famous actress who played the role of Lovey Howell, the millionaire’s wife, on the popular sitcom Gilligan’s Island. She was also known for her work on Broadway and in films, where she often portrayed sophisticated and elegant characters. But how did Natalie Schafer die? What was her cause of death? Here is what we know about her life and death.
Early Life and Career
Natalie Schafer was born on November 5, 1900, in Red Bank, New Jersey, to Charles and Jennie Schafer, who were both of German-Jewish descent. She began her career as an actress on Broadway in the 1920s, appearing in 17 plays between 1927 and 1959. Some of her notable Broadway roles were in Lady in the Dark (1941-42), The Doughgirls (1942-44), and Romanoff and Juliet (1957-58). She also performed in stock and regional productions, such as The Killing of Sister George with Claire Trevor.
Schafer moved to Los Angeles in 1941 to work in films. She appeared in many movies, usually playing supporting roles as wealthy or aristocratic women. She worked with some of the biggest stars of Hollywood, such as Bette Davis, Joan Crawford, and Hedy Lamarr. Some of her film credits include Dishonored Lady (1947), Payment on Demand (1951), and Female on the Beach (1955).
Schafer also guest-starred in many television shows, such as I Love Lucy, The Beverly Hillbillies, The Brady Bunch, The Love Boat, and Three’s Company. However, she is best remembered for her role as Lovey Howell on Gilligan’s Island, which aired from 1964 to 1967. She played the wife of Thurston Howell III (Jim Backus), a millionaire who was stranded on an island with six other castaways after a shipwreck. Schafer reprised her role in several TV movies and an animated series based on the show.
Personal Life and Death
Schafer was married to actor Louis Calhern from 1933 to 1942, but they divorced without having any children. She later had a long-term relationship with Maurice Hill, a British actor who died in 1986. She was also engaged to Charles Butterworth, another actor who died in a car accident in 1946.
Schafer was very secretive about her age and never revealed it publicly. She even claimed that she was born in 1912 instead of 1900. She was also very wealthy, having invested wisely in real estate. She owned several properties in Beverly Hills and New York City.
Schafer died of liver cancer at her home in Beverly Hills on April 10, 1991, at the age of 90. She had been diagnosed with the disease only a few months before her death. She left most of her fortune to her friend and Gilligan’s Island co-star Dawn Wells, who played Mary Ann on the show. She also donated some of her money to various charities and causes, such as animal welfare and women’s rights.
Natalie Schafer was a talented and versatile actress who entertained millions of people with her charm and wit. She will always be remembered as one of the most beloved characters on Gilligan’s Island.
