The Addams Family is a cherished part of American pop culture, often remembered through the dark comedy films of the 1990s starring Anjelica Huston, Raul Julia, and Christina Ricci. However, the legacy of the Addams Family stretches back much further, beginning as a cartoon by Charles Addams in The New Yorker. The original television series, which aired in the 1960s, introduced a cast of characters who would become iconic. This article delves into the lives and deaths of the original Addams Family cast members, whose performances have left a lasting impact on television history.
Carolyn Jones (Morticia Addams)
Carolyn Jones, who played the elegant and enigmatic Morticia Addams, had a distinguished film career before joining the Addams Family. She worked with notable figures like Alfred Hitchcock, Elvis Presley, and Frank Sinatra. Despite her many roles, it was her portrayal of Morticia that defined her career. After the show ended, Jones continued acting, appearing in notable roles such as Queen Hippolyta in Wonder Woman, Queen of Diamonds in Batman, and Chuck Connors’ wife in Roots. Unfortunately, Jones’ life was cut short by colon cancer, leading to her death in 1983 at the age of 50.
Ted Cassidy (Lurch and Thing)
Standing at an impressive 6’9″, Ted Cassidy’s height often determined the roles he played. Beyond his memorable performance as Lurch, Cassidy voiced the disembodied hand Thing. He took on various roles throughout his career, including Bigfoot in The Six Million Dollar Man and a narrator for The Incredible Hulk TV series. Cassidy’s life ended prematurely at the age of 46 in 1979 due to complications following heart surgery.
Jackie Coogan (Uncle Fester)
Jackie Coogan’s career began in the 1920s when he was dubbed the greatest boy actor in the world. He gained fame for his role alongside Charlie Chaplin in “The Kid.” However, Coogan’s early success was marred by personal tragedy when his mother and stepfather squandered his earnings. This led to the establishment of the Coogan Law, which protects child actors’ earnings. Decades later, Coogan found new fame as Uncle Fester. He continued to work into his late 60s, appearing on shows like “I Dream of Jeannie,” “The Brady Bunch,” and “Hawaii Five-O.” Coogan passed away in 1984 from cardiac arrest at the age of 69.
Ken Weatherwax (Pugsley Addams)
Ken Weatherwax, who played Pugsley Addams, struggled with his sudden fame, leading him to avoid public appearances. After the show ended, he faced disciplinary issues in school, ultimately joining the Army to avoid a youth offenders program. Weatherwax later returned to Hollywood, working behind the scenes as a grip and set builder. He embraced his Addams Family legacy, reprising his role as Pugsley in a 1977 Halloween special. Weatherwax died of a heart attack in 2014 at the age of 59, with two funerals held in his honor—one for his family and one for his fans.
Blossom Rock (Grandmama Addams)
Blossom Rock found fame later in life, transforming into Grandmama with the help of a wig and heavy makeup. However, her time in the spotlight was brief. In 1966, she suffered a stroke that impaired her speech, leading her to retire to the Motion Picture Country House. Rock passed away in 1978 at the age of 82.
Felix Silla (Cousin Itt)
Felix Silla, standing at 3’11”, was hidden behind the mass of hair as Cousin Itt. His career included roles in “Planet of the Apes,” “Battlestar Galactica,” “E.T.,” “Return of the Jedi,” “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom,” and “Spaceballs.” Silla also enjoyed performing with his musical group, the Original Harmonica Band. He died of cancer in 2021 at the age of 84.
Parley Baer (Mayor Arthur J. Henson)
Parley Baer holds the record for the most guest appearances on The Addams Family as Mayor Arthur J. Henson. He continued his prolific career with roles in “Hogan’s Heroes,” “The Dukes of Hazzard,” and “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” as well as movies like “License to Drive” and “Dave.” Baer suffered a stroke in 1997 and passed away from complications of another stroke in 2002 at the age of 88.
Vito Scotti (Sam Picasso, Professor Altshuler, Muri Han)
Vito Scotti’s extensive acting career included multiple roles on The Addams Family. He also appeared in “Gilligan’s Island,” “The Magical World of Disney,” and “Fantasy Island,” and voiced the Italian cat in “The Aristocats.” Scotti’s final film role was in “Get Shorty” (1995), and he died of cancer in 1996 at the age of 78.
Eddie Quillan (Joe Digby, Clyde Arbag, Horace Beasley, George Bass)
Eddie Quillan played several characters on The Addams Family, including insurance agent Joe Digby. After the show, he enjoyed a steady career with roles on “Little House on the Prairie” and other TV programs. In retirement, he took pleasure in golf, bowling, and swimming. Quillan passed away from cancer at the age of 83.
Alan Napier (Sam Hillard)
Alan Napier played Sam Hillard in the first episode of The Addams Family. His career spanned Broadway, radio, television, and film. He was also known for his role as Alfred in the Batman TV series. Napier passed away in 1981 due to cardiac failure at the age of 79.
Margaret Hamilton (Granny Frump)
Margaret Hamilton, best known for her role as the Wicked Witch of the West in “The Wizard of Oz,” played Morticia’s mother, Granny Frump, on The Addams Family. She continued to act in shows like “The Partridge Family” and the TV movie “Letters from Frank.” Hamilton passed away in 1985 at the age of 82.
The Addams Family cast brought a unique and memorable flavor to television, and their legacies live on through the enduring popularity of the show. While many have passed, their contributions to the iconic series ensure that they are fondly remembered by fans worldwide. The timeless charm of the Addams Family continues to captivate new generations, proving that the legacy of these talented actors endures. Their performances, filled with wit and eccentricity, have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.
