Jim Backus Autographs, Memorabilia & Collectibles
JIM BACKUS
Born: February 25, 1913 in Cleveland, Ohio
Died: July 03, 1989 in Los Angeles, California
James Gilmore "Jim" Backus was an accomplished American actor, voice actor, and comedian, celebrated for his distinctive performances across various platforms of entertainment. Born on February 25, 1913, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Backus began his career in radio, notably on "The Alan Young Show," before transitioning to film. He featured in many popular films of the mid-20th century, such as "Rebel Without a Cause" (1955) where he portrayed James Dean's ineffectual father, further enhancing his cinematic presence.
Backus is most notably remembered for his voice acting as the character Mr. Magoo in the animated series of the same name (1949-1959). His portrayal of the wealthy, nearsighted retiree was met with widespread acclaim, securing his reputation in the realm of animated entertainment. However, Backus's talents were not confined to animation. In live-action television, Backus was renowned for his role as Thurston Howell III, the millionaire castaway in the CBS sitcom "Gilligan's Island" (1964-1967). His distinctive characterization of the aloof and often befuddled Howell brought a unique flavor to the ensemble cast and further demonstrated his versatility as an actor.
Beyond his acting roles, Backus was also a proficient writer, co-authoring several books with his wife, Henny Backus. Among these is "Only When I Laugh," which humorously details their long and successful marriage.
Backus began his career in radio, notably on "The Alan Young Show," before transitioning to film. He featured in many popular films of the mid-20th century, such as "Rebel Without a Cause" (1955) where he portrayed James Dean's ineffectual father, further enhancing his cinematic presence.
Backus is most notably remembered for his voice acting as the character Mr. Magoo in the animated series of the same name (1949-1959). His portrayal of the wealthy, nearsighted retiree was met with widespread acclaim, securing his reputation in the realm of animated entertainment. However, Backus's talents were not confined to animation. In live-action television, Backus was renowned for his role as Thurston Howell III, the millionaire castaway in the CBS sitcom "Gilligan's Island" (1964-1967). His distinctive characterization of the aloof and often befuddled Howell brought a unique flavor to the ensemble cast and further demonstrated his versatility as an actor.
Beyond his acting roles, Backus was also a proficient writer, co-authoring several books with his wife, Henny Backus. Among these is "Only When I Laugh," which humorously details their long and successful marriage.
1970-He-Said,-She-Said (in person), 1976-AFI-Life-Achievement-Award:-A-Tribute-to-William-Wyler (in person), 2004-Before-the-Three-Hour-Tour (Other), 1963-It's-a-Mad,-Mad,-Mad,-Mad-World (Performer), 2002-Biography (Other), 2000-TV-Guide's-Truth-Behind-the-Sitcom-Scandals-2 (Other), 1956-Autumn-Leaves (Other), 1982-Slapstick-Of-Another-Kind (Performer), 1978-1980-Fantasy-Island (Performer), 1980-The-Gossip-Columnist (Performer), 1979-The-Rebels (Performer), 1978-Rescue-from-Gilligan's-Island (Performer), 1978-Good-Guys-Wear-Black (Performer), 1977-Pete's-Dragon (Performer), 1975-Mobile-One (Performer), 1975-Gunsmoke (Performer), 1975-Chico-and-the-Man (Performer), 1975-The-Ghost-Busters (Performer), 1972-Of-Thee-I-Sing (Performer), 1972-Alias-Smith-and-Jones (Performer), 1970-Uncle-Sam-Magoo (Performer), 1969-The-Good-Guys (Performer), 1968-1969-Blondie (Performer), 1968-The-Bugs-Bunny/Road-Runner-Hour (Performer), 1967-Hurry-Sundown (Performer), 1963-The-Beverly-Hillbillies (Performer), 1963-My-Six-Loves (Performer), 1963-The-Dick-Powell-Theatre (Performer), 1961-Cain's-Hundred (Performer), 1961-The-Errand-Boy (Performer), 1959-The-Wild-and-the-Innocent (Performer), 1959-Merry-Minstrel-Magoo (Performer), 1958-The-High-Cost-of-Loving (Performer), 1958-The-Explosive-Mr.-Magoo (Performer), 1957-1958-Studio-One-in-Hollywood (Performer), 1957-Magoo's-Moose-Hunt (Performer), 1957-Rock-Hound-Magoo (Performer), 1957-Man-of-a-Thousand-Faces (Performer), 1957-Magoo-Goes-Overboard (Performer), 1957-Top-Secret-Affair (Performer), 1956-Magoo's-Problem-Child (Performer), 1956-Front-Row-Center (Performer), 1956-Lux-Video-Theatre (Performer), 1955-The-Square-Jungle (Performer), 1955-TV-Reader's-Digest (Performer), 1955-Rebel-Without-a-Cause (Performer), 1952-1955-I-Married-Joan (Performer), 1955-Magoo's-Check-Up (Performer), 1954-Destination-Magoo (Performer), 1954-The-Web (Performer), 1953-Geraldine (Performer), 1953-Magoo-Slept-Here (Performer), 1953-Magoo's-Masterpiece (Performer), 1953-I-Love-Melvin (Performer), 1952-Androcles-and-the-Lion (Performer), 1952-Hotsy-Footsy (Performer), 1952-Pink-and-Blue-Blues (Performer), 1952-Pat-and-Mike (Performer), 1951-I-Want-You (Performer), 1951-Grizzly-Golfer (Performer), 1951-I'll-See-You-in-My-Dreams (Performer), 1951-Iron-Man (Performer), 1950-The-Killer-That-Stalked-New-York (Performer), 1950-Customs-Agent (Performer), 1950-Edgar-Bergen-with-Charlie-McCarthy (Performer), 1949-Hollywood-House (Performer), 1949-Easy-Living (Performer), 1954-Destination-Magoo (Writer), 1954-Destination-Magoo (in person), 1988-The-Late-Show (in person), 1973-The-Wacky-World-of-Jonathan-Winters (in person), 1965-1973-Password-All-Stars (in person), 1969-The-Storybook-Squares (in person), 1962-Talent-Scouts (in person), 1962-The-Linkletter-Show (in person), 1962-The-Bob-Newhart-Show (in person), 1962-The-Lady-and-the-Stock-Exchange (in person), 1981-The-Harlem-Globetrotters-on-Gilligan's-Island (Performer), 2003-ET-in-TV-Land (Other), 1975-Walt-Disney's-Wonderful-World-of-Color (Other), 2001-Surviving-Gilligan's-Island:-The-Incredibly-True-Story-of-the (Other), 1988-Forever-James-Dean (Other), 1983-Trapper-John,-M.D. (Performer), 1978-1981-The-Love-Boat (Performer), 1980-There-Goes-the-Bride (Performer), 1979-The-Castaways-on-Gilligan's-Island (Performer), 1979-Angels'-Brigade (Performer), 1979-$weepstake$ (Performer), 1977-Charlie's-Angels (Performer), 1977-Never-Con-a-Killer (Performer), 1977-The-Feather-and-Father-Gang (Performer), 1975-New-Zoo-Revue (Performer), 1975-Crazy-Mama (Performer), 1975-Cop-on-the-Beat (Performer), 1975-Kolchak:-The-Night-Stalker (Performer), 1974-Yes,-Virginia,-There-Is-a-Santa-Claus (Performer), 1974-Goodnight-Jackie (Performer), 1973-Miracle-on-34th-Street (Performer), 1973-Mod-Squad (Performer), 1972-Magic-Carpet (Performer), 1970-Love,-American-Style (Performer), 1969-Hello-Down-There (Performer), 1968-The-Fabulous-Shorts (Performer), 1968-Daniel-Boone (Performer), 1967-Accidental-Family (Performer), 1965-Fluffy (Performer), 1965-John-Goldfarb,-Please-Come-Home! (Performer), 1964-Arrest-and-Trial (Performer), 1964-The-DuPont-Show-of-the-Week (Performer), 1963-Johnny-Cool (Performer), 1963-The-United-States-Steel-Hour (Performer), 1963-Critic's-Choice (Performer), 1963-Operation-Bikini (Performer), 1962-Follow-the-Sun (Performer), 1960-The-Untouchables (Performer), 1960-77-Sunset-Strip (Performer), 1960-Ice-Palace (Performer), 1960-Mister-Magoo (Performer), 1959-The-Big-Operator (Performer), 1959-Ask-Any-Girl (Performer), 1959-Goodyear-Theatre (Performer), 1959-Bwana-Magoo (Performer), 1958-Magoo's-Three-Point-Landing (Performer), 1958-Scoutmaster-Magoo (Performer), 1957-Eighteen-and-Anxious (Performer), 1957-Magoo-Saves-the-Bank (Performer), 1957-Magoo-Breaks-Par (Performer), 1957-Robert-Montgomery-Presents (Performer), 1956-The-Great-Man (Performer), 1956-Conflict (Performer), 1956-Trailblazer-Magoo (Performer), 1956-Magoo's-Puddle-Jumper (Performer), 1956-Magoo-Goes-West (Performer), 1956-Warner-Brothers-Presents (Performer), 1956-Magoo's-Canine-Mutiny (Performer), 1956-Meet-Me-in-Las-Vegas (Performer), 1956-Star-Stage (Performer), 1952-Angel-Face (Performer), 1952-Here-Come-the-Nelsons (Performer), 1951-Fuddy-Duddy-Buddy (Performer), 1951-Barefaced-Flatfoot (Performer), 1950-Ma-and-Pa-Kettle-Go-to-Town (Performer), 1950-Spellbound-Hound (Performer), 1949-The-Great-Lover (Performer), 1949-Father-Was-a-Fullback (Performer), 1948-A-Lad-in-His-Lamp (Performer), 1971-Mooch-Goes-to-Hollywood (Writer), 1973-Match-Game-73 (in person), 1965-1973-The-Hollywood-Squares (in person), 1971-This-Is-Your-Life (in person), 1971-Mooch-Goes-to-Hollywood (in person), 1970-The-Max-Bygraves-Hour (in person), 1968-1969-The-Joey-Bishop-Show (in person), 1967-Don't-Make-Waves (in person), 1959-The-Chevy-Showroom-Starring-Andy-Williams (in person), 1958-This-Is-Your-Life (in person), 1958-The-George-Gobel-Show (in person), 1957-1958-The-Jack-Paar-Tonight-Show (in person), 1990-Merrie-Melodies:-Starring-Bugs-Bunny-and-Friends (Performer), 1957-The-Gale-Storm-Show:-Oh!-Susanna (Performer), 1964-1992-Gilligan's-Island (Performer), 1979-C.H.O.M.P.S. (Performer), 1963-The-Match-Game (in person), 1961-Person-to-Person (in person), 1951-Bungled-Bungalow (Performer), 2000-Entertainment-Tonight-Presents:-Gilligan's-Island---The-Untold (Other), 1985-Prince-Jack (Performer), 1984-The-Enchanted-Journey (Performer), 1982-Gilligan's-Planet (Performer), 1979-Eischied (Performer), 1978-The-Gift-of-the-Magi (Performer), 1977-CHiPs (Performer), 1975-1976-Police-Story (Performer), 1975-Friday-Foster (Performer), 1975-Ellery-Queen (Performer), 1974-Marcus-Welby,-M.D. (Performer), 1971-1974-The-Brady-Bunch (Performer), 1972-Now-You-See-Him,-Now-You-Don't (Performer), 1970-I-Dream-of-Jeannie (Performer), 1969-The-Wild-Wild-West (Performer), 1967-Damn-Yankees! (Performer), 1964-1965-The-Famous-Adventures-of-Mr.-Magoo (Performer), 1963-1964-Burke's-Law (Performer), 1964-Espionage (Performer), 1963-The-Wheeler-Dealers (Performer), 1962-Zotz! (Performer), 1962-Boys'-Night-Out (Performer), 1962-The-Horizontal-Lieutenant (Performer), 1961-Maverick (Performer), 1960-1961-The-Jim-Backus-Show (Performer), 1959-1001-Arabian-Nights (Performer), 1959-A-Private's-Affair (Performer), 1959-The-Millionaire (Performer), 1959-Magoo's-Homecoming (Performer), 1958-Playhouse-90 (Performer), 1958-Macabre (Performer), 1957-Magoo's-Private-War (Performer), 1957-Magoo's-Masquerade (Performer), 1957-Climax! (Performer), 1956-Magoo-Beats-the-Heat (Performer), 1956-Matinee-Theatre (Performer), 1955-Francis-in-the-Navy (Performer), 1955-Magoo-Express (Performer), 1954-Deep-in-My-Heart (Performer), 1954-Four-Wheels,-No-Brakes (Performer), 1954-Magoo-Goes-Skiing (Performer), 1953-Safety-Spin (Performer), 1952-Above-and-Beyond (Performer), 1952-Captains-Outrageous (Performer), 1952-Don't-Bother-to-Knock (Performer), 1952-The-Dog-Snatcher (Performer), 1951-His-Kind-of-Woman (Performer), 1950-Emergency-Wedding (Performer), 1950-Trouble-Indemnity (Performer), 1949-Ragtime-Bear (Performer), 1980-Today (in person), 1979-The-Alan-Hamel-Show (in person), 1972-1973-The-Mouse-Factory (in person), 1970-It-Takes-Two (in person), 1969-The-David-Frost-Show (in person), 1969-The-Joan-Rivers-Show (in person), 1957-1965-What's-My-Line (in person), 1965-The-Celebrity-Game (in person), 1963-Stump-the-Stars (in person), 1962-The-Tonight-Show (in person), 1958-To-Tell-the-Truth (in person), 1962-Here's-Hollywood (in person), 1983-Tom-Cottle:-Up-Close (in person), 1999-E!-True-Hollywood-Story (Other), 2011-Tony-Curtis:-Driven-to-Stardom (Other), 1986-The-Bugs-Bunny-and-Tweety-Show (Performer), 1979-Flying-High (Performer), 1977-What's-New,-Mr.-Magoo (Performer), 1977-Have-I-Got-a-Christmas-for-You (Performer), 1977-The-Magic-Pony (Performer), 1976-Ark-II (Performer), 1976-ABC-Afterschool-Specials (Performer), 1975-Joe-Forrester (Performer), 1975-Harry-O (Performer), 1974-The-New-Adventures-of-Gilligan (Performer), 1973-The-Girl-Most-Likely-to... (Performer), 1973-Medical-Center (Performer), 1972-Getting-Away-from-It-All (Performer), 1972-Young-Dr.-Kildare (Performer), 1970-Myra-Breckinridge (Performer), 1970-Cockeyed-Cowboys-of-Calico-County (Performer), 1970-Nanny-and-the-Professor (Performer), 1969-Wake-Me-When-the-War-Is-Over (Performer), 1968-Where-Were-You-When-the-Lights-Went-Out (Performer), 1968-I-Spy (Performer), 1967-The-Garry-Moore-Show (Performer), 1965-Billie (Performer), 1964-Advance-to-the-Rear (Performer), 1963-Sunday-in-New-York (Performer), 1963-McKeever-&-the-Colonel (Performer), 1962-Mister-Magoo's-Christmas-Carol (Performer), 1962-The-Wonderful-World-of-the-Brothers-Grimm (Performer), 1960-The-Bugs-Bunny-Show (Performer), 1960-Make-Room-for-Daddy (Performer), 1960-Inside-Magoo (Performer), 1959-Terror-Faces-Magoo (Performer), 1959-Magoo's-Lodge-Brother (Performer), 1958-Gumshoe-Magoo (Performer), 1958-Love-Comes-to-Magoo (Performer), 1958-Magoo's-Young-Manhood (Performer), 1957-The-Pied-Piper-of-Hamelin (Performer), 1957-Magoo's-Cruise (Performer), 1957-Magoo's-Glorious-Fourth (Performer), 1957-Matador-Magoo (Performer), 1956-Meet-Mother-Magoo (Performer), 1956-You-Can't-Run-Away-from-It (Performer), 1956-The-Opposite-Sex (Performer), 1956-The-Girl-He-Left-Behind (Performer), 1956-The-Naked-Hills (Performer), 1956-Calling-Doctor-Magoo (Performer), 1955-Magoo-Makes-News (Performer), 1955-Stage-Door-Magoo (Performer), 1955-Madcap-Magoo (Performer), 1954-Kangaroo-Courting (Performer), 1954-When-Magoo-Flew (Performer), 1952-1953-All-Star-Revue (Performer), 1952-Pete-Hothead (Performer), 1952-The-Rose-Bowl-Story (Performer), 1952-Deadline---U.S.A. (Performer), 1952-Sloppy-Jalopy (Performer), 1951-The-Man-with-a-Cloak (Performer), 1951-Bright-Victory (Performer), 1951-Hollywood-Story (Performer), 1951-Plutopia (Performer), 1951-Half-Angel (Performer), 1951-M (Performer), 1949-A-Dangerous-Profession (Performer), 1949-One-Last-Fling (Performer), 1948-Where-Will-You-Hide (Performer), 1983-Family-Feud (in person), 1976-The-Mike-Douglas-Show (in person), 1974-Stand-Up-and-Cheer (in person), 1972-The-Virginia-Graham-Show (in person), 1970-Rowan-&-Martin's-Laugh-In (in person), 1970-Della (in person), 1966-1969-The-Tonight-Show-Starring-Johnny-Carson (in person), 1969-The-Barbara-McNair-Show (in person), 1969-The-Merv-Griffin-Show (in person), 1967-The-Smothers-Brothers-Comedy-Hour (in person), 1957-1967-I've-Got-a-Secret (in person), 1966-Continental-Showcase (in person), 1964-Rendezvous-in-Space (in person), 1960-About-Faces (in person)
Theater Credits
Too-Many-Heroes - Performer (November 15, 1937 - November 1937), Hitch-Your-Wagon - Performer (April 8, 1937 - May 1937)
Style
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JIM BACKUS - AUTOGRAPH - HFSID 100643Card signed by Jim Backus, featuring his signature "Jim Backus". Backus is known for voicing Mr. Magoo in Ragtime Bear and playing Thurston Howell III in Gilligan's Island, along with roles in Rebel Without a Cause and other sitcoms.Price: $100.00
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JIM BACKUS - AUTOGRAPHED INSCRIBED PHOTOGRAPH - HFSID 168912Photograph of Jim Backus, wearing glasses and a striped jacket, is inscribed and signed: "To Selwyn/Best always/Jim Backus". Backus is known for voicing Mr. Magoo and for his role as Thurston Howell III in Gilligan's Island.
Sale Price $150.00
$180.00
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JIM BACKUS - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED PHOTOGRAPH - HFSID 299900Photograph from the film The Pied Piper of Hamelin signed by Jim Backus with the inscription "Jim Backus". Backus is known for voicing Mr. Magoo and roles in Gilligan's Island and Rebel Without a Cause.
Price: $180.00
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JIM BACKUS - DOCUMENT SIGNED - HFSID 168996Document signed by Jim Backus authorizes General Artists Corporation to accept payment on his behalf, dated February 15, 1962. Backus, known for his role as Thurston Howell III in Gilligan's Island, is signing as "Jim Backus".
Price: $220.00
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JIM BACKUS - DOCUMENT SIGNED 08/23/1973 - HFSID 269073Document signed by Jim Backus, dated August 23, 1973, related to his appearance on NBC's America Goes Public. Backus is receiving $242.50 as Principal Performer. His telephone and social security numbers are included but blacked out.
Sale Price $175.00
$220.00
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BILLIE MOVIE CAST - INSCRIBED PRINTED PHOTOGRAPH SIGNED IN INK WITH CO-SIGNERS - HFSID 216147Publicity still signed by Patty Duke and Jim Backus from the film Billie. Patty Duke inscribes, "Good wishes to/ John/ from/ Patty Duke Astin," while Jim Backus writes, "To John/ Best Regards/ Jim Backus."
Price: $240.00
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DON''T MAKE WAVES MOVIE CAST - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED PHOTOGRAPH WITH CO-SIGNERS - HFSID 41879Photograph signed by Tony Curtis, Jim Backus, and Henny Backus showcases a black and white publicity still from the film Don't Make Waves. Signatures include "Tony Curtis," "To Patty/Jim Backus," and "Me Too!/[drawn heart]/Henny/Backus."
Price: $300.00
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GEORGE NADER - AUTOGRAPH WITH CO-SIGNERS - HFSID 25768Signature of George Nader and Jim Backus is on a piece of paper attached to an album leaf. Nader signs as "George Nader" and Backus as "Jim Backus". A black and white photograph of the actors is included.
Price: $120.00
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GILLIGAN'S ISLAND TV CAST - AUTOGRAPHED INSCRIBED PHOTOGRAPH WITH CO-SIGNERS - HFSID 148540Publicity still signed by Bob Denver and Jim Backus from Gilligan's Island. Denver inscribes, "Hi James/Bob Denver/Gilligan", while Backus writes, "To James/Best always/Jim Backus". The show aired from 1964 to 1967, becoming a classic in syndication.
Price: $280.00
