James Backus

James Gilmore Backus, born on February 25, 1913, an American actor, is best known for his portrayal of Thurston Howell III in the 1960s sitcom Gilligan's Island, the father of James Dean's character in Rebel Without a Cause, and the voice of the cartoon character Mr. Magoo. His career spanned over five decades, with various roles that typically depicted an upper-class persona. Backus also starred in The Jim Backus Show and voiced Hubert Updike III on The Alan Young Show.

Backus gained popularity as the voice of Mr. Magoo, a nearsighted character he brought to life in various shows from 1964 to 1977. He is also known for his entertaining encounter with Marilyn Monroe during the filming of Don't Bother to Knock, where she asked him to perform Mr. Magoo in her dressing room. He had a notable radio presence in the postwar era, frequently appearing on The Jack Benny Program and starring in The Jim Backus Show on the ABC Radio Network.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, he was raised in Bratenahl as the only son of Russell Gould Backus and Daisy Taylor Backus. Backus graduated from University School in Shaker Heights and began his acting career in 1940, taking on the role of millionaire aviator Dexter Hayes in Society Girl on CBS. His on-screen presence was enhanced by his unique voice, leading to roles in films like A Dangerous Profession, Deadline – U.S.A., Pat and Mike, Rebel Without a Cause, and It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World.

Backus portrayed Thurston Howell III across all three seasons of Gilligan's Island from 1964 to 1967, and in several reunion films later, although his last appearance in 1981 was limited due to Parkinson's disease. He also voiced the character in two animated adaptations of the series. He continued to revive Mr. Magoo's character in different shows throughout his career.

Aside from his signature roles, Backus guest-starred in The Brady Bunch, playing an old gold prospector, and appeared in the final season of Gunsmoke. With his wife, Henny Backus, he co-wrote several humorous books, including his autobiography ...Only When I Laugh and the memoir Backus Strikes Back. They also collaborated on the family film Mooch Goes to Hollywood.

Backus's creativity extended to music, producing novelty records in the late 1950s and a comedy album titled The Dirty Old Man in 1974. He contributed his voice as God in the 1971 rock opera Truth of Truths, and he appeared in several television commercials, lending his voice to promote General Electric and later becoming the spokesman for La-Z-Boy furniture.

In the late 1980s, he participated in a nostalgic advertisement for Orville Redenbacher's popcorn with his former co-star Natalie Schafer, marking their final television appearance together. Both actors made an appearance on The Late Show with Ross Shafer, reuniting with the cast of Gilligan's Island in 1988, despite being in frail health.

Backus passed away on July 3, 1989, in Los Angeles from pneumonia complications after living for years with Parkinson's disease, leaving behind a legacy in acting, voice work, and humor that remains influential in American entertainment.