Who Is Natalie Schafer? Age, Biography and Wiki
Natalie Schafer was born on November 5, 1900, and passed away on April 10, 1991. As of 2025, she would be celebrating her 125th birthday. Schafer is remembered as a talented American actress, best known for her role as Lovey Howell on the classic television show "Gilligan's Island." With a career that spanned over six decades, Schafer became a beloved figure in Hollywood, showcasing her versatility in both comedic and dramatic roles.
| Occupation | Stage Actress |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 5, 1900 |
| Age | 90 Years |
| Birth Place | Red Bank, New Jersey |
| Horoscope | Scorpio |
| Country | Jersey |
| Date of death | 10 April, 1991 |
| Died Place | Beverly Hills, California |
Popularity
Natalie Schafer's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Schafer had a petite stature that was part of her charm on screen. Throughout her career, she stood at approximately 5 feet 1 inch (155 cm) tall and maintained a weight of around 110 lbs (50 kg). Her measurements were typically noted as 34-24-35 inches, which defined her classic Hollywood look.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout her life, Natalie Schafer was known to be quite private about her relationships. She never married but was rumored to have had many romantic connections within the entertainment industry. Her most significant relationship was with actor and playwright Louis Guss, which lasted many years. Schafer’s family details are less documented, as she tended to keep her personal life away from the public eye.
In 1969, Schafer appeared in The Survivors—a high-profile prime time soap opera aired by the ABC television network. Despite the presence of movie stars like Lana Turner, Kevin McCarthy and George Hamilton, the show was a ratings failure and lasted only one season.
For the 1971–1972 television season, Schafer joined the cast of the CBS daytime serial, Search for Tomorrow, portraying Helen Collins, mother of Wade and Clay Collins. Immediately following that role, she played Augusta Roulland on another daytime soap, Love of Life.
Her final performance was in the 1990 made-for-television horror film I'm Dangerous Tonight.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of her passing in 1991, Natalie Schafer had amassed a substantial net worth, estimated at around $2 million. In 2025, her legacy continues to have a significant impact, and it is widely believed that her estate has grown as her contributions to television and film are periodically recognized through reruns and memorabilia.
Career, Business and Investments
Schafer's career began in the 1920s on Broadway, but she found her true calling in television. Her iconic role in "Gilligan's Island" (1964-1967) cemented her status as a television legend. Beyond acting, Schafer was keenly interested in art, which she pursued passionately throughout her life. She also made wise investments in real estate, which contributed significantly to her net worth.
Schafer began her career as an actress on Broadway before moving to Los Angeles in 1941 to work in films. She appeared on Broadway in 17 plays between 1927 and 1959, often playing supporting roles.
Most of those appearances were in short-run plays, with the exceptions of Lady in the Dark (1941–42), The Doughgirls (1942–44), and Romanoff and Juliet (1957–58). She was seen in a revival of Six Characters in Search of an Author, directed by Sir Tyrone Guthrie (1955–56).
She also appeared in stock and regional productions, including the off-Broadway production The Killing of Sister George with Claire Trevor in the title role.
She also guest-starred in TV productions beginning in the 1950s, such as an episode (“The Shy Ballerina”) of Sherlock Holmes, and in "The Charm School" episode of I Love Lucy, both in 1954.
Social Network
Although Schafer is not active on social media due to her passing, she has a strong presence through nature and classic film communities online. Fans continue to celebrate her work on platforms like Instagram and Twitter, where various fan pages share anecdotes, behind-the-scenes photos, and commemorative posts about her life and career.
Education
Natalie Schafer was educated at the University of Washington before embarking on her career in acting. Her academic background helped lay the foundation for her performance skills, leading to a successful and prolific career in the entertainment industry.
