Mary Ann Needs Help! Go Fund Me Page Started For Desperate Dawn Wells
Feb. 25 2019, Updated 11:43 a.m. ET
Someone better call the Millionaire…and his wife –Gilligan’s Island star Dawn Wells is in desperate need of some cash! But RadarOnline.com has exclusively learned the actress is “embarrassed and humbled” by the response for help, and may give money raised back!
Wells, who famously portrayed the innocent Mary Ann on the classic show about a group of survivors of a disastrous three-hour tour, is asking fans for almost $200,000 through a GoFundMe page created by a close friend.
“After 2008, like many of us, Dawn suffered through the banking crash and lost everything including her life savings in addition, to a life -threatening surgery which came close to killing her,” the website appeal states. “Dawn was a victim of an unexpected accident that required hospitalization for two months and a very long time to rest and heal.”
Wells, 79, needs $194,000 to alleviate penalties by the IRS and to cover her hospital bills.
“Dawn is living one of the greatest fears we Americans have, an uncertain future,” the appeal continues. “Should any of you out there wish to contribute a small some to help a woman who gave so many people Joy over the years, it would be so appreciated.”
The response has been immediate, and Wells has already received pledges from nearly 2,000 people, raising more than $50,000 as of Thursday.
But Wells publicist exclusively told RadarOnline.com the star was “caught completely unaware of her well-intended friend's creation” of the Go Fund Me page.
“Although Dawn won’t deny that she is indeed having a rough time of it, as many Americans are, between the medical bills and a tax audit that punished her for a simple and unintentional mistake with a hefty penalty, she has been keeping her wits about herself and like so many others is doing her best to overcome difficult times,” publicist Harlan Boll told RadarOnline.com.
“At this time, it has not yet been decided whether she will return the funds so generously donated by her fans and friends or if it will go into a trust/fund (for transparency purposes) that would help alleviate the previously mentioned issues.”
- Priscilla Presley 'Shocked' After Elvis' Self-proclaimed Secret Love Child Shows Up at Her Book Signing: Report
- 'Freak Accident' on Set of Eddie Murphy Film Sparks OSHA Investigation After Several Crew Members Are Hospitalized
- Patrick Swayze's Longtime Ranch Sells for $3 Million Nearly 15 Years After Legendary Film Star's Death
Wells herself wrote on Facebook that she was “amazed at the kindness and affection” she has received.
“A dear dear friend of mine with a big heart was trying to help me with some common issues we all understand and some must face,” she wrote. "He create(d) that page with the love an emotion like someone protecting their child."
Wells went on to explain that she does not know what happened to her saved fortune or legacy.
“I thought I was taking all the proper steps to ensure my golden years. Now, here I am, no family, no husband, no kids and no money,” she wrote. “I’m grateful that God has given me so many friends and fans who care, or it would all be too ....overwhelming.
“I am grateful to any of my fans who are willing to offer support. However, please know that my outlook is positive and I look forward to seeing you all in my travels.”
We pay for juicy info! Do you have a story for RadarOnline.com? Email us at tips@radaronline.com, or call us at (866) ON-RADAR (667-2327) any time, day or night.
Get the exclusive celebrity scoop on all the stars you love before any of your friends by subscribing to our new podcast Straight Shuter below!