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).

[3] the eldest of the three children of Jennie (née Tim; family name originally Tein)[4] and Charles Emanual Schafer,[5] both of German-Jewish descent.

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.

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!

[10] At the time of her death, a family spokesman stated that Schafer's survivors included her longtime companion Maurice Hill.