Henny Backus, 93; Actress, Widow of Actor Jim Backus

Henny Backus, 93, an actress and the widow of actor Jim Backus, with whom she wrote several books, has died.

Backus died Dec. 9 at UCLA Medical Center after a series of strokes.

Backus, who was born in Brooklyn, made her debut as a Broadway showgirl in the 1920s. She was known best for her role as Cora Dithers in the 1960s situation comedy “Blondie,” which also starred her husband.

The Backuses wrote several books based on anecdotes of their 46-year marriage, including “What Are You Doing After the Orgy,” “Only When I Laugh” and “Forgive Us Our Digressions.”

After her husband died of pneumonia in 1989, Backus wrote “Care for the Caretaker,” which offered practical suggestions for those taking care of seriously ill relatives or friends.

Her husband played billionaire Thurston Howell III in the situation comedy “Gilligan’s Island” and was the voice behind the bumbling, myopic Mr. Magoo in an animated TV series.