Jim Backus had one problem off-screen with Gilligan’s Island

Jim Backus began his acting career in the 1940s, lending his voice to countless radio dramas and animated shorts. He was a well-known fixture in Hollywood throughout the 1950s and 1960s, appearing in films such as “Rebel Without a Cause,” “The Naked Hills,” “Man of a Thousand Faces,” “Zotz!”, and “It’s “A Mad, Mad.” , Mad, Mad World,” and dozens of others. Also throughout the same period, Backus voiced the eccentric Mr. Magoo in numerous cartoons. Additionally, he headlined his own sitcom, “The Jim Backus Show,” and appeared on ” The Untouchables.” He was capable of dramatic work, comedy work, and everything in between. By the time Backus played Thurston Howell III in Sherwood Schwartz’s 1964 sitcom “Gilligan’s Island,” He was a huge star, deeply rooted in Hollywood. Backus was certainly the biggest celebrity involved in the series It even led to some major last-minute rewrites.

However, “Gilligan’s Island” was a bigger success than anyone expected Despite her initial unsuccessful attempt as a pilot. The story of the seven stranded outcasts instantly penetrated the depths of the American consciousness, attracting millions of viewers. Then, thanks to long-term syndication deals, new generations of TV fans continued to watch “Gilligan’s Island” on television for decades. All seven stars of the show became too closely associated with their roles…which was ultimately a career disservice. While the seven stars continued to work after “Island” went off the air in 1967, they likely struggled inside casting offices in Los Angeles, where they had to convince potential directors that, yes, they were capable of doing more than just playing “Gilligan’s Island” characters. . .

This phenomenon affected Backus greatly, given his career in Hollywood. In an old interview with the Herald and Review (It was easily copied by MeTV), Backus was upset that he had only become known for his comedy work after “Gilligan’s Island.” He knew he could deliver profound dramatic performances, tragic turns, and intense acting on stage. Like any actor, he wanted to be seen as greater than just his most famous roles.

While attentive “Gilligan’s Island” fans certainly know that Backus has a long and profound acting careerThe public in general seems to know him only as a comedian. Although Bacchus is a capable comedian, he wanted everyone to know that he had a much greater range than the “ignorant rich man” and the “ignorant blind man.” He told the Herald & Review very clearly:

“I’m really annoyed by people who think the only things I’ve done are Mr. Magoo and ‘Gilligan’s Island.’ I’m a dramatic actor as well, and I’ve done more than 80 non-comedy films (…) Sometimes I feel like I’ve painted myself into a corner, and I want To do some pictures, good, solid, dramatic parts.”

Backus also noted that he recently appeared in a stage production of “Our Town,” which required tears and tragedy. He explained, “In one scene, I’m crying for my dead wife. How could that be funny?” Battling the stigma of one widespread success can be daunting for an actor. Just ask George Reeves, who intensely hated becoming known for playing Superman, which prevented him from getting other acting work. Or ask any actor from the original “Star Trek” series, who are all still famous for that show.

However, Backus was relieved that he was asked to appear in several television commercials in his career. Commercials, as many know, pay incredibly well, and Backus has made a significant amount of money because of them. In fact, there is enough money so that he can be selective in his acting roles. As he put it:

“(Commercials) are the best thing in the world because of what we call ‘FY’ money. That means the actor doing them gets paid enough to tell people who have bad scripts to… well, take them away.”

“FY,” of course, means “f*** you.” Backus was simply being polite when he said “take them away” instead of “leave.” Telling a producer to stop is a rare and warm privilege in Hollywood.