Dawn Wells, who was best known for playing Mary Ann on the iconic television show “Gilligan’s Island,” tragically passed away last month at the age of 82 due to complications from COVID-19. Just before her death, Wells spoke out to reflect on playing Mary Ann on the legendary comedic show.

“All the things Mary Ann stood for were the good things,” Wells told Closer Weekly. “She had as much say-so as any-body else, but she did it nicely.”

Wells added that when she was cast on the show, she was only given a broad idea of who her character was.

“I had to fill in the blanks. She was molded by me from me,” she said.

Though reruns of “Gilligan’s Island” made the cast more famous, Wells said that it did not make them rich.

“Those residuals and stuff weren’t happening then,” admitted Wells, who estimated that she made just $50,000 from syndication.

Despite this, Wells had nothing but fond memories of starring on the show.

“As an actress, I would have liked to have been challenged much more,” she confessed. “But I’m very proud of it.”

This comes after Wells’ publicist confirmed to CBS Local that Wells died on December 30 of causes related to COVID-19.

“Truly, at the top of the list of hardest things to do is announce the passing of a friend or family member,” publicist Harlan Boll said. “I feel I lost both this morning with the passing of Dawn Wells – America’s favorite castaway, Dawn Wells, passed peacefully this morning, in no pain as a result of complications due to Covid at the age of 82.”

Just one month before her death, Wells gave an interview in which she talked about what she is grateful for in 2020, despite all of the challenges the world has faced this year.

“At a time when it feels like everything is bad news, the good still outweighs the bad,” Wells told Fox News. “So even in tough times, we can and should be grateful for everything around us. I wake up and I am grateful to have another day. I am grateful to feel a seasonal cool morning through my patio door.  I am grateful for those who take the time to say ‘hi’ if to simply show that you matter.”

Wells went on to say that after such a trying year, she was more grateful than ever to be an American.

“I am grateful and proud to be an American,” said Wells. “When I see Americans go into action to heal, serve and protect, or to lend a hand to a neighbor or community, it makes me proud to be living in America. I don’t want people to be disillusioned by the petty infighting that seems to dominate news cycles.”

“America is great,” she added. “You may fight or disagree with your mother, but you will always love her and do what you can for her.  And so we should for each other.  This is the country I love. This is my home. I am thankful.”