“The girl-next-door castaway was known for her coconut pie, ponytails, and gingham glasses.

Louise said that she couldn’t believe the news and was absolutely shocked.

“I’m very sad.”

Dawn Wells signing autographs

“I loved doing my part, especially after they really started writing for my character.”

“Dawn was a very wonderful person,” said Louise.

“I want people to remember her as someone who always had a smile on her face.

Tina Louise with Bob Denver at award show

Nothing is more important than family and she was family.

She will always be remembered.”

And indeed, their bond was even stronger off camera.

“I had just gotten married and it was Thanksgiving,” she gushed.

“I didn’t know how to cook particularly.

She invited me to her house with her mom.”

Louise explained this was when she learned how to make an iconic potato souffle recipe.

“It became something I did every year at Thanksgiving,” she said.

“I never forgot that.”