A PROFESSOR, A BAND MANAGER AND A POSTER ARTIST

They’re all dead.

Specifically, Russell Johnson, Dave Madden and Gary Grimshaw.

You’ve probably already seen a lot about Johnson, who of course is best known as the Professor from Gilligan’s Island. You may have also seen something about Madden, whose signature role was as Reuben Kincaid, the manager of the Partridge Family.

As for Grimshaw, you may not know him by name. But you probably recognize his iconic and influential poster work.



Arguably all three played an essential role in my pop-culture education – particularly Johnson, since I watched a lot more Gilligan’s Island than Partridge Family. (Also, I learned that if you were smart enough, you could make ANYTHING out of coconuts, palm fronds and seawater.)

That said, I liked Kincaid as a character. Also, you can’t ask for a greater name for a band manager.

I didn’t become aware of Grimshaw until later, but I love old poster art, and I like Grimshaw’s style, even if it is sometimes illegible.

Off the wall,

This is dF