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Natalie Schafer

Natalie Schafer

Actor · Died April 10, 1991, aged 90 · Red Bank, New Jersey, USA

Natalie Schafer (November 5, 1900 – April 10, 1991) was an American actress, best known today for her role as Lovey Howell on the sitcom Gilligan's Island (1964–1967). 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. Schafer performed in many films, usually portraying sophisticates. On TV, her roles included "Lovey Howell" on Gilligan's Island from 1964–67. She reprised her role in three made-for-television spin-off films after the show ended: Rescue from Gilligan's Island (1978), The Castaways on Gilligan's Island (1979), and The Harlem Globetrotters on Gilligan's Island (1981). She also voiced Lovey Howell on the animated spinoffs, The New Adventures of Gilligan from 1974–77 and Gilligan's Planet from 1982–83. 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. She guest-starred as well on many other television series, including Goodyear Playhouse/Philco Playhouse ("The Sisters", with Grace Kelly, 1951), I Love Lucy (1954), Producers' Showcase ("The Petrified Forest", 1955), Guestward, Ho! (1960), The Beverly Hillbillies (1964), Mayberry RFD (1970), Mannix (1972), The Brady Bunch (1974), Phyllis (1976), Three's Company (1978), and The Love Boat (1979).

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Biography from TMDB.

Born
November 5, 1900
Died
April 10, 1991 (aged 90)
From
Red Bank, New Jersey, USA
Works as
Actor
Titles
44 on MovieCove · 73 credits in all
Links
IMDb (opens in a new tab)TMDB (opens in a new tab)Wikidata (opens in a new tab)

Known for

TMDB popularity, last 39 days to Oct 28Down 26% in 30 days

What are Natalie Schafer's films like?

Across their 25 MovieCove titles with a thematic analysis, their films lean Bonds and Self.

Genres

Comedy8 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 41st percentile
: browse their Comedy movies
Drama5 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 55th percentile, at or above their average across these genres
: browse their Drama movies
Crime4 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 64th percentile, at or above their average across these genres
: browse their Crime movies

Their MovieCove films by primary genre. The badge is the typical Midcredits score of the genre's films, the median percentile; an up arrow marks a genre at or above their average across these genres.

Themes

share of theme weight
Bonds
32%
Self
24%
Morality
15%
Society
12%
Survival
9%
Ideas
4%
Power
4%
Romantic love9 titles, browse their movies with this themeCommunity6 titles, browse their movies with this themeIdentity5 titles, browse their movies with this themeDeception5 titles, browse their movies with this themeFamily bonds4 titles, browse their movies with this themeMarriage3 titles, browse their movies with this themeSelf-worth4 titles, browse their movies with this themeAmbition2 titles, browse their movies with this theme

What they feel like to watch

their average across 22 films
ToneFeelDemandtheir average · filled zone: the category
Light: How heavy the subject matter and outlook get. Browse their light movies.
Tone · Weight
lightdark

Light 12 · Serious 8 · Dark 2

Stylized: How far its world departs from everyday reality. Browse their stylized movies.
Tone · Style
naturalisticheightened

Grounded 8 · Stylized 10 · Heightened 4

Charged: How hard the emotional peaks hit while you watch. Browse their charged movies.
Feel · Intensity
gentleintense

Gentle 9 · Charged 10 · Intense 3

Shifting: How much it swings between very different feelings. Browse their shifting movies.
Feel · Swings
steadyswings

A split, not a type: Steady 11 · Shifting 10 · Whiplash 1

Some laughs: How much of the runtime is played for laughs. Browse their some laughs movies.
Feel · Humor
noneconstant

A split, not a type: Straight-faced 9 · Some laughs 8 · Funny 5

Slow burn: How fast it moves from scene to scene. Browse their slow burn movies.
Demand · Pace
slowrelentless

Slow burn 16 · Even-paced 6 · Relentless 0

Casual: How much focus it asks of you — look away and lose the thread? Browse their casual movies.
Demand · Attention
casualfull focus

Casual 15 · Engaged 7 · Full focus 0

Resolved: How much is left for you to interpret. Browse their resolved movies.
Demand · Resolution
resolvedambiguous

Resolved 14 · Open-ended 7 · Ambiguous 1

Roles they play

7 analyzed roles

Usually the Shadow: 2 of 7 analyzed roles.

Shadow
2 of 7
Trickster
2 of 7
Shapeshifter
1 of 7
Threshold guardian
1 of 7
Ally
1 of 7
Show the 7 roles

Moods and endings

endings are an aggregate; no title is named

Dominant moods · mentions across their titles

Tense
12
Warm
11
Joyful
9
Romantic
6
Absurd
7
Other
20

How their films linger

Feel-good12 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteFun7 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteBittersweet8 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteHopeful7 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteThought-provoking5 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteHaunting5 titles, browse their movies with this aftertaste

How their films end · 4 with a twist

  • Happy10
  • Bittersweet9
  • Ambiguous3
  • Cyclical3

AI-generated from each title's plot synopsis and cast list, with extra plot summaries, reviews and Parents Guide notes for titles the model may not know, and the model's own knowledge of the ones it recognizes. Only analyzed titles count, so this covers part of the filmography; the feel axes count films only for now.

Where can I watch Natalie Schafer's films?

As of October 24, 2026, 20 of their 44 MovieCove titles stream on a subscription or free service, most on Tubi (10).

Also on these channels

Subscription and free streaming for Natalie Schafer's titles on MovieCove; rent and buy are not counted. Titles are listed by Midcredits score, highest first, at most 12 per service; a dashed chip is a producer credit or a minor one, such as a thanks. A service opens the browse page, which counts movies only, so its number can differ.

Filmography

73 credits, 44 with a MovieCove page; 2 appearances as themselves are hidden until asked for.

  • The Gilligan Manifesto(2018)

    as Mrs. Howell

    Midcredits score: 13th percentile of all films

  • I'm Dangerous Tonight(1990)

    as Grandmother

    Midcredits score: 16th percentile of all films

  • Beverly Hills Brats(1989)

    as Lillian

    Midcredits score: 2nd percentile of all films

  • Crazy like a Fox (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1984)

    Show 1 episode · as Leonna Felspar

  • Matt Houston (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1982)

    Show 1 episode · as Vonda Moran

  • Gilligan's Planet(1982)

    Show 13 episodes · as Eunice "Lovey" Wentworth Howell (voice)

    Midcredits score: 15th percentile of all shows

  • Simon & Simon (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1981)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • Here's Boomer (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1981)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • The Harlem Globetrotters on Gilligan's Island(1981)

    as Lovey Wentworth Howell

    Midcredits score: 15th percentile of all films

  • Trapper John, M.D. (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1979)

    Show 2 episodes · Actor

  • The Castaways on Gilligan's Island (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1979)

    as Lovey Howell

  • Rescue from Gilligan's Island(1978)

    as Lovey Wentworth Howell

    Midcredits score: 26th percentile of all films

  • Flying High (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1978)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • Vega$ (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1978)

    Show 2 episodes · as Charlotte Hunt

  • The Love Boat(1977)

    Show 2 episodes · Writer · as Mrs. Hartnett

    Midcredits score: 20th percentile of all shows

  • CHiPs(1977)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

    Midcredits score: 27th percentile of all shows

  • Three's Company(1976)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

    Midcredits score: 75th percentile of all shows

  • The Day of the Locust(1975)

    as Audrey Jennings

    Midcredits score: 75th percentile of all films

  • The New Adventures of Gilligan(1974)

    Show 32 episodes · as Eunice Wentworth 'Lovey' Howell (voice)

    Midcredits score: 21st percentile of all shows

  • 40 Carats(1973)

    as Mrs. Adams

    Midcredits score: 54th percentile of all films

  • McMillan & Wife(1971)

    Show 1 episode · as Mrs. Roberts

    Midcredits score: 62nd percentile of all shows

  • The Brady Bunch(1969)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

    Midcredits score: 37th percentile of all shows

  • Mayberry R.F.D.(1968)

    Show 1 episode · as Cornelia Willoughby

    Midcredits score: 12th percentile of all shows

  • Mannix(1967)

    Show 1 episode · as Bunny Mason

    Midcredits score: 71st percentile of all shows

  • The Canterville Ghost (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1966)

    as Mrs. Otis

  • ABC Stage 67 (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1966)

    Show 1 episode · as Mrs. Otis

  • Gilligan's Island(1964)

    Show 98 episodes · as Lovey Howell

    Midcredits score: 68th percentile of all shows

  • The Beverly Hillbillies(1962)

    Show 1 episode · as Madame Renee

    Midcredits score: 58th percentile of all shows

  • Susan Slade (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1961)

    as Marian Corbett

  • Back Street(1961)

    as Mrs. Evans

    Midcredits score: 65th percentile of all films

  • Route 66(1960)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

    Midcredits score: 73rd percentile of all shows

  • Guestward, Ho! (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1960)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • Thriller (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1960)

    Show 1 episode · as Beatrice Graves

  • 77 Sunset Strip (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1958)

    Show 1 episode · as Ellie Fraser

  • Bernardine (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1957)

    as Madge Beaumont

  • If You Knew Elizabeth (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1957)

    as Geneva

  • Oh, Men! Oh, Women!(1957)

    as Mrs. Day

    Midcredits score: 10th percentile of all films

  • Anastasia(1956)

    as Irina Lissemskaia / Nini

    Midcredits score: 79th percentile of all films

  • Forever, Darling(1956)

    as Millie Opdyke

    Midcredits score: 46th percentile of all films

  • Female on the Beach(1955)

    as Queenie Sorenson

    Midcredits score: 54th percentile of all films

  • The Petrified Forest (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1955)

    as Mrs. Chisholm

  • Sherlock Holmes (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1954)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • Climax! (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1954)

    Show 1 episode · as Lucrece Durhurst

  • Casanova's Big Night(1954)

    as Signora Foressi

    Midcredits score: 66th percentile of all films

  • Topper (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1953)

    Show 1 episode · as Mrs. Vance

  • The Loretta Young Show(1953)

    Show 1 episode · as Mary · as Mrs. Hayes

    Midcredits score: 68th percentile of all shows

  • The Girl Next Door(1953)

    as Evelyn the maid

    Midcredits score: 36th percentile of all films

  • Mr. & Mrs. North(1952)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

    Midcredits score: 47th percentile of all shows

  • The Ford Television Theatre (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1952)

    Show 1 episode · as Beatrice Trent

  • Just Across the Street (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1952)

    as Gertrude Medford

  • Callaway Went Thataway (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1951)

    as Martha Lorrison

  • I Love Lucy(1951)

    Show 1 episode · as Phoebe Emerson

    Midcredits score: 93rd percentile of all shows

  • The Law and the Lady(1951)

    as Pamela Pemberson

    Midcredits score: 61st percentile of all films

  • Take Care of My Little Girl(1951)

    as Cookie Clark

    Midcredits score: 47th percentile of all films

  • Payment on Demand(1951)

    as Mrs. Edna Blanton

    Midcredits score: 77th percentile of all films

  • Lux Video Theatre (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1950)

    Show 1 episode · as Blanche · as Gertrude Medford · as Julie

  • Caught(1949)

    as Dorothy Dale

    Midcredits score: 80th percentile of all films

  • The Snake Pit(1948)

    as Mrs. Stuart

    Midcredits score: 94th percentile of all films

  • The Philco Television Playhouse (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1948)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • The Time of Your Life(1948)

    as Society Lady

    Midcredits score: 54th percentile of all films

  • Secret Beyond the Door...(1947)

    as Edith Potter

    Midcredits score: 70th percentile of all films

  • Repeat Performance(1947)

    as Eloise Shaw

    Midcredits score: 71st percentile of all films

  • Dishonored Lady(1947)

    as Ethel Royce

    Midcredits score: 57th percentile of all films

  • The Other Love(1947)

    as Dora Shelton

    Midcredits score: 46th percentile of all films

  • Kraft Television Theatre (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1947)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • Masquerade in Mexico (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1945)

    as Irene Denny

  • Wonder Man(1945)

    as Mrs. Hume

    Midcredits score: 73rd percentile of all films

  • Molly and Me(1945)

    as Kitty Goode-Burroughs

    Midcredits score: 69th percentile of all films

  • Keep Your Powder Dry(1945)

    as Harriet Corwin

    Midcredits score: 55th percentile of all films

  • Marriage Is a Private Affair(1944)

    as Irene Selworth

    Midcredits score: 43rd percentile of all films

  • Reunion in France(1942)

    as Frau Amy Schroeder (uncredited)

    Midcredits score: 55th percentile of all films

  • The Body Disappears (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1941)

    as Mrs. Lunceford

  • The Poor Fish (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1930)

    as Daisy

Career shape

Star power in the 92nd percentile of 239,109 people with a billed film role, over a full career of 72 titles from 1930 to 1990; peak year 1975.

Biggest box office

Beverly Hills Brats (1989)

$193K worldwide

Highest rated

Caught (1949)

Midcredits 80th

Most popular right now

Gilligan's Island (1964)

Film career

19301990

Peak 1975 · steadily prominent in film for years. Film roles by billing, audience size and rating; 25+ votes. A show carries a single first-air date, so shows are not on the curve.

By role

only this rolewith another role
Acting72 of 72: 71 only acting, 1 with another role · typical Midcredits score55thWriting1 of 72: 0 only writing, 1 with another role

By decade

1930s1 · acting1940s16 · acting1950s23 · acting1960s12 · acting1970s12 · 12 acting · 1 crew1980s7 · acting1990s1 · acting

Billing

usually 7th · top billed in 0% of 12 roles
4550

Counts from TMDB across their full career, self appearances out; a title counts in every role they held on it. The ring is the typical Midcredits score (the median percentile) of the role's titles that are on MovieCove, shown from 5 scored. Billing is TMDB cast order for roles with 25+ votes, billed in the top 30; the columns are the share of top-billed roles in each era, 5-year spans from the year on the label, merged until each holds at least 5 roles.

How do Natalie Schafer's films land?

Their typical MovieCove film has a Midcredits score in the 55th percentile, the median of all 29; across their 22 films with reception data, the typical film sits in the 53rd percentile for acclaim.

Acclaim · how much people like their films

53rdpercentile
Typical film, the median of 22

Approval · how many liked their films

53rdpercentile
Typical film, the median of 22

Reach · how many have seen their films

48thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 22

Midcredits score across 44 titles, by percentile

  • 75th and up7
  • 50th to 74th19
  • 25th to 49th9
  • Below 25th9

Shape of the crowd

25 of their 44 titles are Crowd Pleasers.

  • Universally Loved2
  • Universally Panned1
  • Crowd Pleaser25
  • Broadly Agreed3
  • Mixed13

Most divisive · actor

The Harlem Globetrotters on Gilligan's Island (1981)

84th percentile spread · 49% rated it 4 or lower

Most loved · actor

The Snake Pit (1948)

Midcredits 94th · 84% liked

Reviewers score the acting 66/100 in their films, across 21 reviewed titles; fans 75, detractors 45. The element that speaks to their work as an actor.

Percentiles are each film's standing among all films on MovieCove; the typical film is the median, so one outlier cannot drag it. Percentiles and reviewer scores count the films IMDb credits them on, for now; the Midcredits score bands, the shape of the crowd and the two cards count their MovieCove titles, shows included (a show ranked among shows), appearances as themselves left out. A descriptor is the shape of a title's IMDb rating distribution against the catalog; "most divisive" needs a spread wider than half of all titles, and a card names only a principal credit: a craft role, and on a show a crew role or a run of episodes, never a courtesy credit or a one-off guest spot.

Who does Natalie Schafer work with?

People who share at least 2 of Natalie Schafer's MovieCove titles, grouped by what they did on them; Alan Hale Jr. shares the most, 6.

Writers

Actors

Composers and cinematographers

Producers

Mixed roles