Biography
If that pompous, deluded role had been the cultural cap of Backus's career, it would have been a sufficient endnote, as the show remained exceptionally popular for decades after its cancellation. But Backus also provided the voice of the near-sighted Mr. Magoo in countless cartoons, and made memorable performances in everything from "Rebel Without a Cause" (1955) to dozens of television shows. An urbane and bemused presence in real-life who …
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Career Milestones
| 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 | Film acting debut in "Easy Living" | |
1949 | First TV show, as host of "Hollywood House" | |
1964 | Played Thurston Howell on "Gilligan's Island" | |