Russell Johnson, Gilligan's Island star, dies of kidney failure

Russell Johnson, the actor who played the Professor on Gilligan's Island, died Thursday morning of kidney failure. He was 89.

"He died at home, peaceful, in his sleep at 5:21 am today," the actor's wife, Constance, told ABC News. "[He was] a very brave guy who knew what he wanted, and he wanted to be at home."

Johnson served in World War II before pursuing his career as an actor. In addition to his Gilligan's Island role he is best known for starring in TV's The Adventures of Superman, Alfred Hitchcock Presents and The Twilight Zone in the 1950s and 1960s.

He is survived by his wife and a daughter, Kim.

[ABC]