Ted Cassidy was a prominent actor and voice artist best known for his portrayal of the character Lurch in the popular TV series, The Addams Family. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1932, Cassidy was born with a rare medical condition known as acromegaly which caused him to grow to an extraordinary height of 6 feet 9 inches. He later used this condition to his advantage in his acting career, playing roles that required a tall and imposing presence.
Cassidy started his career as a radio announcer before moving to Hollywood in the early 1960s to pursue an acting career. His big break came in 1964 when he was cast as Lurch in The Addams Family. He went on to reprise the role in various TV shows and films throughout the years, becoming one of the most recognizable characters in television history.
Despite his success on The Addams Family, Cassidy struggled to find work in Hollywood after the show ended in 1966. He was often typecast due to his height and distinctive voice, which limited the roles he could play. He also struggled with alcoholism and depression, which further hindered his career.
Ted Cassidy’s personal life was equally tumultuous. He was married twice, first to Margaret Helen Jesse in 1956, with whom he had two children. The marriage ended in divorce in 1974, and Cassidy married his second wife, Marge, a few years later.
In the 1970s, Cassidy found success as a voice artist, lending his deep, gravelly voice to various animated shows and commercials. He played the character of The Hulk in the 1960s animated series, The Incredible Hulk, and also provided the voice of Ben Grimm, aka The Thing, in the popular 1970s animated series, Fantastic Four.
Sadly, Cassidy’s life was cut short in 1979 when he passed away at the age of 46 due to complications from open-heart surgery. He was survived by his wife and children, as well as his legion of fans who remembered him for his iconic roles and booming voice. His death was a shock to his fans and colleagues in Hollywood, who mourned the loss of a talented actor and voice artist. His legacy continues to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Despite his imposing size, Cassidy was known to be a gentle and compassionate man. He was a devout Christian and volunteered at a local church, often performing puppet shows for children. He also had a passion for music and played the bass guitar in his spare time.
Despite the challenges he faced in his career and personal life, Ted Cassidy’s legacy continues to live on through his iconic portrayal of Lurch and his work as a voice artist. He will always be remembered as a towering figure in Hollywood who left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.
