When Raquel Welch passed away at the age of 82 in 2023, she left a remarkable legacy as an actress. Her journey to becoming a Hollywood icon was not straightforward, but following roles in films like “Fantastic Voyage” and “One Million Years B.C.,” she became recognized worldwide. However, her career might have taken a different path had she secured the role of Mary Ann Summers on “Gilligan’s Island.”

Though Welch appeared in numerous television shows, she was mainly celebrated for her film work. Early in her career, she likely would have accepted any opportunity that came her way, which could have included being one of the “Gilligan’s Island” castaways. The show’s creator, Sherwood Schwartz, confirmed in an interview with Retrocrush that “Dawn Wells was the one who got the job over Raquel,” explaining, “She’s a wonderful lady. Raquel was a fine actress, but she was just too sophisticated for the role.”

Schwartz had a point. Photos from Welch’s audition, dressed as Mary Ann, have circulated online and show her looking like a supermodel in a farm girl outfit. While Wells was certainly beautiful, her more down-home appearance suited Mary Ann’s character better. Welch might have been more apt for the role of movie star Ginger Grant (Tina Louise). Ultimately, given her successful career, Welch likely didn’t regret being passed over for the part.

“Gilligan’s Island” debuted in 1964 when Welch was still establishing herself. Being cast would have provided her with a spotlight, even though the show initially wasn’t a critical hit (its reputation grew with frequent syndication). Instead, Welch had one-off roles in shows like “McHale’s Navy” and “Bewitched.” Her breakthrough came in 1966 when she captivated audiences in “Fantastic Voyage” and “One Million Years B.C.,” the latter of which is especially memorable for her iconic fur bikini.

Had Welch been cast as Mary Ann, “Gilligan’s Island” wrapping up in 1967 could have meant she missed out on roles that defined her early career. Despite many other successful films like the 1973 “The Three Musketeers,” for which she won a Golden Globe, there’s a chance she could have been typecast with a recurring TV role. Many “Gilligan’s Island” cast members felt typecast after the show, so it’s possible Welch’s versatility might have been limited if she’d played Mary Ann.

In the end, Dawn Wells didn’t mind primarily being known for Mary Ann. As she shared with Forbes a few years before her passing, “The series was very good for me, for all of us who were there, because we’re known worldwide. And Mary Ann is loved all over the world. It’s amazing.”