CBS
Jim Backus, a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, is well-known for his diverse roles in over 100 films and numerous television series spanning several decades. Backus’ distinctive range of roles includes his portrayal of the ineffective Stark family patriarch in “Rebel Without a Cause” and his voice acting for the cherished cartoon character Mr. Magoo from 1949 to 1989. Furthermore, Backus is recognized for his portrayal of the affluent elitist Thurston Howell III in the sitcom “Gilligan’s Island.”
Right from the inception of “Gilligan’s Island,” Backus was cast as Howell, which resulted in last-minute script revisions. Backus remained a constant presence throughout the three seasons of the CBS sitcom. He also lent his voice to the character for the animated spinoffs “Gilligan’s Planet” and “The New Adventures of Gilligan.” Backus also reprised his role in three live-action TV movies based on the series: “The Castaways on Gilligan’s Island,” “Rescue From Gilligan’s Island,” and “The Harlem Globetrotters on Gilligan’s Island.”
Unfortunately, his participation in the latter was reduced to a brief cameo towards the end of the film. Given Backus’ significant contribution to the series, it may seem unusual for him to have a limited role in what was the final “Gilligan’s Island” TV movie. However, due to health issues, Backus and the writers had no choice but to limit his involvement in the 1982 film.
Jim Backus’ Brief Appearance in The Harlem Globetrotters on Gilligan’s Island
NBC
The plot of “The Harlem Globetrotters on Gilligan’s Island” revolves around the original castaways operating a vacation resort on the previously uncharted island where they were marooned during the initial series’ three seasons. The resort, aptly named The Castaways, is owned by Thurston Howell III. However, he is mostly absent from the film due to business commitments back home. In his absence, his son, Thurston Howell IV (David Ruprecht), manages the resort. The story takes a twist when the Harlem Globetrotters crash-land on the island during a storm. By the movie’s conclusion, the Globetrotters face off against a robotic team called the New Invincibles, defeating them with their signature basketball flair. While the plot may seem slightly eccentric, it is part of the quintessential charm of “Gilligan’s Island.”
Amidst the eccentricities of “The Harlem Globetrotters on Gilligan’s Island,” Jim Backus is given a brief cameo, allowing him to reprise one of his most memorable roles for the last time in a live-action format. During the filming of the television movie, Backus was battling Parkinson’s disease, a condition he had recently been diagnosed with. This health complication rendered him unable to participate as a central cast member, leading to the introduction of Thurston Howell’s son into the storyline. Consequently, Thurston appears at the end of the film, congratulating the team on their victory and offering them a complimentary stay at the resort (during the off-season).
Jim Backus’ Commitment to The Harlem Globetrotters on Gilligan’s Island
CBS
In an interview with Woman’s World, Lloyd J. Schwartz, the son of “Gilligan’s Island” creator Sherwood Schwartz, shared some insights into the production of “The Harlem Globetrotters on Gilligan’s Island.” He revealed that Jim Backus had personally contacted Sherwood Schwartz to request a single day’s participation in the movie. “As a result, we rewrote the script so that Mr. Howell came to the island and had a few lines. He didn’t have the energy to do any more than that,” Lloyd Schwartz explained.
Lloyd J. Schwartz further narrated how, after performing his cameo role, Backus approached Sherwood Schwartz to inquire about his performance. The series creator was positive in his response, but Backus persisted, asking, “But was I funny?.” Lloyd J. Schwartz recounted that his father reassured Backus with “Yes, Jim, you were funny. It’s good,” after which the two “walked off together.” This poignant moment was marked by tears on the set, as it was probably the last time they would see Jim.
Following “Gilligan’s Island,” Backus reprised his role as Thurston Howell III once more in the “Gilligan’s Planet” animated series which aired from 1982-83 on CBS. He also continued to lend his voice to Mr. Magoo until his demise in 1989 due to pneumonia, as mentioned in his New York Times obituary. His resilient spirit allowed him to play a minor role in “The Harlem Globetrotters on Gilligan’s Island,” thus ensuring his appearance in all live-action “Gilligan’s Island” projects before his passing.
FAQs
- Who is Jim Backus?
Jim Backus was a renowned actor known for his diverse roles in over 100 films and numerous television series. He played the character of Thurston Howell III in the sitcom “Gilligan’s Island” and provided the voice for the cartoon character Mr. Magoo. - Why was Jim Backus’ role limited in “The Harlem Globetrotters on Gilligan’s Island”?
Jim Backus was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease during the filming of the television movie. This health complication rendered him unable to participate as a central cast member, leading to his brief appearance in the film. - What was Jim Backus’ last role?
After “Gilligan’s Island,” Backus reprised his role as Thurston Howell III in the “Gilligan’s Planet” animated series which aired from 1982-83 on CBS. He also continued to voice Mr. Magoo until his demise in 1989.
Credit: www.slashfilm.com
