Backus Family Genealogy & History

Jim Backus, a celebrated American actor, is best known for his iconic roles as Thurston Howell III on "Gilligan's Island" and the voice of Mr. Magoo. His versatile career spanned radio, television, and film, with highlights including performances in "Rebel Without a Cause" and "I Married Joan." Backus also showcased his comedic talent on "The Alan Young Show" and "The Judy Canova Show." Additionally, he co-wrote several humorous books with his wife, Henny. His contributions to entertainment earned him a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960.

Jim Backus was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on February 25, 1913, to Russell Gould Backus and Daisy Taylor (née Gilmore) Backus. He grew up in Bratenahl, Ohio, alongside his older sister, Katherine Jane Backus.

John Warner Backus was a pioneering American computer scientist best known for leading the team that invented FORTRAN, the first widely used high-level programming language. He was instrumental in developing the Backus–Naur form (BNF), which became a standard in defining programming language syntax. His work on function-level programming and his influential Turing Award lecture cemented his legacy in computer science. Backus's achievements earned him numerous accolades, including the IEEE W. W. McDowell Award and the National Medal of Science.

Henny Backus, born Henrietta Kaye, was a prominent Broadway showgirl in the 1930s, known for her role in Orson Welles's "Horse Eats Hat." As a member of the Federal Theatre Project, she showcased her talents in several productions, including the Broadway play "Chrysalis." Alongside her husband, actor and comedian Jim Backus, she co-starred in the 1960s series "Blondie" and made guest appearances on shows like "Gilligan's Island" and "The Love Boat." The couple also co-authored humorous books, while Henny independently wrote "Care for the Caretaker," reflecting on her husband's struggle with Parkinson's disease.

Jeffrey Carl Backus, born on September 21, 1977, is a former American professional football player renowned for his role as an offensive tackle in the NFL. Backus had an illustrious 12-year career with the Detroit Lions, having been selected in the first round of the 2001 NFL draft. A standout athlete from his high school days at Norcross High School, he earned accolades such as USA Today All-America selection and the Gwinnett Touchdown Club's Lineman of the Year. Over his career, he signed significant contracts with the Lions, including a notable $40 million deal in 2006, and maintained a remarkable streak of 186 consecutive games played before his retirement in 2013.