Jim Backus Voiced Mr. Magoo

Jim Backus' Early Career

Jim Backus was a well known character actor in the mid-20th Century before Gilligan's Island.

Thurston Howell III

Backus played Thurston Howell III on Gilligan's Island from 1960 to 1967.

Mr. Magoo's Creation

Mr. Magoo was created by Millard Kaufman and John Hubley for United Productions of America.

First Mr. Magoo Appearance

Mr. Magoo debuted in the 1949 theatrical short The Ragtime Bear.

Backus' Connection to Mr. Magoo

Backus said his father lived in his own little world, never quite seeing things the way they really are.

“He said, 'My father lives in his own little world, never quite seeing things the way they really are.'”

Mr. Magoo's Evolution

Mr. Magoo evolved from a mean-spirited toff to a senescent, lovable buffoon.

Backus' Final Role

Backus returned as Thurston Howell III in 1981's Rescue from Gilligan's Island.

Mr. Magoo's Legacy

Mr. Magoo continued until 2023 with a French animated series after Backus' death.