Summer Fun: Remembering Gilligan’s Island

The Millionaire was a Cheapskate in Real Life

Ironically, Jim Backus, who played the role of Thurston Howell the Third, the millionaire, was a total cheapskate in real life. Undoubtedly, Backus was loved by the cast. He often coached less-experienced actors on things like ad-lib and punchline delivery. He was a total pleasure to be around, but boy, was he cheap.

Dawn Wells spoke about a time during Gilligan’s Island’s first season when Backus invited her and a friend to lunch. Conveniently, Backus left his wallet back at the studio, a trick he’d pull more than a couple times. Scandalous!