Alice Backes was an American actor who is best known for her roles in films like “I Want to Live,” “Gable and Lombard,” and “The Cat from Outer Space.” Born on May 17, 1923, in Salt Lake City, Utah, she had a long and varied career in both film and television until her retirement in 1997.
Personal and Family Life
Alice Backes was born to Charles Cameron Backes and Lela Mayrine Maxwell. She graduated from the University of Utah and showcased her talents as a violinist, even serving as the concert mistress for the University Symphony Orchestra. In 1961, she married Milton Citron, a union that lasted until his death in 1983. Backes was actively involved in various charities throughout her life, including UNICEF and The Children’s Fund.
Career Highlights
After serving in the WAVES during WWII, Alice moved to Hollywood post-war and began acquiring small roles in films, TV shows, and radio programs. Over nearly five decades, she became known for playing everyday character roles, such as nurses, judges, and waitresses. Alice made her first television appearance in 1950 as a contestant on “You Bet Your Life” and had a diverse acting career that included voice roles in radio shows.
Death and Legacy
Alice Backes passed away on March 15, 2007, in Virginia Beach, Virginia, due to natural causes. She left behind a legacy as a dedicated performer, noted for her hard work and dedication to various charitable causes. Backes’ contributions to the entertainment industry, spanning over 140 roles, make her a memorable figure in American acting history.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| I Want to Live! | 1958-11-18 | Barbara, San Quentin Nurse |
| It Started with a Kiss | 1959-08-19 | Sally Meriden |
| That Touch of Mink | 1962-06-14 | Miriam |
| Gable and Lombard | 1976-02-11 | Hedda Hopper |
| The Best Place to Be | 1979-05-27 | Kitty Rawlings |
| Women in Chains | 1972-01-25 | Mrs. Foster |
| The Twonky | 1953-06-10 | Offended Phone Operator #1 |
| The Glory Guys | 1965-07-07 | Mrs. Doris Poole |
| The Cat from Outer Space | 1978-06-09 | Farmer’s Wife |
| Columbo | 1971-09-15 | Mrs. Moyland |
| Bewitched | 1964-09-17 | June Foster |
| Alfred Hitchcock Presents | 1955-10-02 | Aunt Pauline |