The global death toll from the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rise as many countries around the world struggle to contain the virus.
Dawn Wells, who was known as and loved for her role as Mary Ann Summers on the hit show Gilligan’s Island, is the latest celebrity to pass away from complications due to COVID. She was 82-years-old.
Wells starred on the hit television series for its entire three season run between 1964 and 1967, with the show still in syndication today. She was also the author of the 2014 memoir “What Would Mary Ann Do?: A Guide to Life.” The actress also appeared on shows such as The Love Boat, Growing Pains, Baywatch, Columbo and Roseanne.
Wells is one of many familiar faces who have died due to the novel coronavirus. Here, we honour just a few.
Nick Cordero
While Broadway star Nick Cordero might not have been a well-known figure in Australia, the 41-year-old quickly became an inadvertent face of the pandemic after passing away from the illness on July 5.
The father-of-one was young, fit and healthy with no pre-existing conditions indicating that he should have been a prime candidate for a full recovery from the virus. Tragically, Cordero became a stark reminder of just how serious COVID is and the fact that anyone can succumb to it.
Charley Pride
The country music legend passed away on December 12 from complications due to COVID-19. The 86-year-old was Black member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and won three Grammy awards over the course of his career.
Kenzo Takada
The Japanese designer, and force behind the globally renowned Kenzo brand died in Paris on October 4, as a result of coronavirus complications. He was 81.
Tommy DeVito
The singer, and founding member of legendary group The Four Seasons, died on September 22 at the age of 92. DeVito was crucial in helping Frankie Valli start the pop group, whose story inspired the Broadway musical Jersey Boys, with the band going on to have a number of chart topping hits such as Big Girls Don’t Cry and December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night).
Roy Horn
The world famous illusionist died on May 15 of complications from coronavirus at the age of 75. Horn was best known as one half of ‘Sigfried and Roy’ who had a long running act involving tigers. Horn was partially paralysed in 2003 after one of the big cats mauled him during a performance.
Sergio Rossi
Sergio Rossi was one of the most celebrated Italian shoe designers whose footwear was adored by his many celebrity clients. He passed away on April 3 at the age of 84 as a result of coronavirus complications.
The health crisis is ever-evolving. If you suspect you or a family member has coronavirus you should call (not visit) your GP or ring the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
Read more stories from The Latch and follow us on Facebook.
