AKA: James Gilmore Backus
Nationality: American
Birthdate: 02/25/1913
Birthplace: Cleveland, Ohio, USA
Death Date: 07/03/1989
Supporting player from the stage and radio who entered film in 1942 but remained best known for his distinctive voices. Usually cast in humorous parts, Backus was most memorable in a rare dramatic performance as James Dean's ineffectual father in "Rebel Without a Cause" (1955). He was the voice of cartoondom's bumbling "Mr. Magoo" and played the pompous millionaire, Thurston Howell III, on the TV cult series, "Gilligan's Island" (1964-67).
of Uncle Abdul Azziz Magoo
Began career on stage (in stock and vaudeville); hit his stride on radio in the mid-1930s (especially on "The Alan Young Show")
1936
Went to NY to act in theater and on radio
1937
Broadway debut, "Hitch Your Wagon"
1942
Made film debut with an appearance in "The Pied Piper"
1949
First TV show, as host of "Hollywood House"
