Reference
Schwartz actually created Thurston Howell II, played by Jim Backus, as a bit of a nod to a previous character of his. Back on The Alan Young Show, another Schwartz creation, Jim Backus played Hubert Updyke III. Thus, it was obviously a sort of continuation for Backus to play Thurston. When Schwartz pitched Gilligan’s Island he said, “the island would be a social microcosm and a metaphorical shaming of world politics in the sense that when necessary for survival, yes we can all get along.”
Reference
Cheapskate
Even though Jim Backus played a wealthy man who wasn’t afraid to throw down the big bucks, he was far from his character in real life. Many who knew him went as far to call him a total cheapskate. Many crew members recalled going out to eat and Backus always ‘forgetting his wallet.’ Often times, he made others cover his bill. Actually, he did this so frequently that the cast and crew openly teased him.
Cheapskate
