Date of Birth: February 25, 1913
Zodiac Sign: Pisces
Date of Death: July 3, 1989
Biography
James Gilmore Backus, popularly known as Jim Backus, was an American actor and voice actor, best remembered for his roles as Thurston Howell III on the classic television sitcom “Gilligan’s Island” and the voice of the near-sighted cartoon character Mr. Magoo. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Backus had a career that spanned over five decades, encompassing stage, radio, film, and television. He began his career in radio in the 1940s, transitioning to film and television in the subsequent decades. Backus’ distinct voice and comedic timing made him a beloved figure in American entertainment. He was also an accomplished writer, co-authoring several books with his wife, Henny Backus. Despite his success, Backus remained a humble individual, known for his generosity and kindness.
5 Interesting Facts about Jim Backus
1. Jim Backus was the voice of Mr. Magoo, a role he played for over 30 years.
2. He co-wrote the humorous book “Only When I Laugh” with his wife, Henny.
3. Backus had a brief but notable career in radio before transitioning to film and television.
4. He appeared in the classic film “Rebel Without a Cause” (1955) alongside James Dean.
5. Backus received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jim Backus
1. “Many a man owes his success to his first wife and his second wife to his success.”
2. “A good laugh is sunshine in the house.”
3. “I don’t know if I can live on my income or not – the government won’t let me try it.”
4. “Laughter is the best medicine, and it’s cheap and easy to prescribe.”
5. “I’d rather be a has-been than a never-was.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Jim Backus’ net worth was estimated to be around $5 million.
Children
Jim Backus did not have any children.
Relevant Links
1. [Jim Backus – IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000822/
2. [Jim Backus – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Backus
4. [Hollywood Walk of Fame – Jim Backus](http://www.walkoffame.com/jim-backus
5. [Mr. Magoo – Character Profile](https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Mr-Magoo/
