Henny Backus
PMP Network Presents
Henny Backus, author and wife of the late actor Jim Backus, shares insights into her book "Care for the Caretaker." She discusses the challenges of caring for a loved one and the inspiration behind writing her book. Backus also reflects on her husband's beloved career and the outpouring of support from his fans.
Henny Backus
About Henny Backus
Henny Backus was an actress and author who began her career as a Broadway showgirl in the 1920s and 1930s. She appeared in Orson Welles's 1936 production "Horse Eats Hat" and later worked in television, including the series "Blondie" and an episode of "Gilligan's Island." She co-authored several books with her husband, actor Jim Backus, and wrote "Care for the Caretaker" in 1999, documenting her experience caring for him during his battle with Parkinson's disease.
In this interview
- Recalls the overwhelming fan mail Jim received during his illness, calling it sensational.
- Explains she wrote the book to help other people facing similar caregiving challenges.
- Describes being best friends with Jim throughout their marriage and working together.
- Mentions living in Bel Air and joking about the phone system there.
“I had to tell the story because I wanted to help other people.”— Henny Backus, in this interview
Since this interview
Henny Backus died on December 9, 2004, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 93.
