The Addams Family Television: 10 Spooky & Intriguing Facts
“They’re creepy and they’re kooky. Mysterious and spooky.” The Addams Family, the darkly comedic 1964 television series based on Charles Addams’ New Yorker cartoons, remains a pop culture phenomenon. From animated spin-offs to the recent Netflix hit “Wednesday,” the enduring popularity of the Addams Family Television franchise is undeniable. This article delves into ten fascinating facts about the original Addams Family television show that you might not know.
The Addams Family’s enduring presence in pop culture is a testament to its unique charm. Beyond the iconic theme song and memorable characters, the show holds a wealth of intriguing behind-the-scenes stories. Let’s explore some lesser-known facts about this beloved series.
10 Things You Might Not Know About The Addams Family TV Show
1. The Characters Were Nameless Until the Show
Believe it or not, Charles Addams’ original cartoons didn’t include names for his quirky creations. It wasn’t until the 1964 Addams Family television series was greenlit that Addams and the producers collaborated to christen the peculiar clan. And, Wednesday’s middle name? It’s Friday!
2. The Iconic Theme Song’s Frugal Beginnings
The unforgettable “Da-da-da-dum, snap snap!” theme song, composed by Vic Mizzy, almost didn’t happen as planned. Rumor has it that budget constraints prevented the studio from hiring three singers. Resourceful Mizzy used multi-tracking to perform all three vocal parts himself, creating the iconic intro we know and love.
3. John Astin Almost Played Lurch
John Astin, forever cemented in our minds as Gomez Addams, initially auditioned for the role of Lurch. While he couldn’t quite envision himself as the towering butler, producers recognized his comedic brilliance and cast him as the patriarch of the family.
4. The Addams Family vs. The Munsters
Premiering the same week as “The Munsters,” another macabre sitcom, The Addams Family faced a unique challenge. To differentiate themselves, both shows avoided using guest stars who appeared on the other. Astin emphasized the core difference: The Munsters were monstrous in appearance but ordinary in behavior, while the Addamses looked normal but embraced eccentricity.
The main cast of The Addams Family (1964). From left to right: John Astin (Gomez), Ted Cassidy (Lurch), Lisa Loring (Wednesday), Ken Weatherwax (Pugsley), and Carolyn Jones (Morticia).
5. Ted Cassidy’s Double Duty: Lurch and Thing
Ted Cassidy, best known as the loyal butler Lurch, also played another crucial role – Thing. He provided the hand for the disembodied limb that emerged from boxes and the mailbox, adding another layer of quirky charm to the Addams Family television series.
6. A Pink House in a Black and White World
The Addams Family mansion, with its gothic aesthetic, was actually filmed on a set with pink walls! Despite the transition to color television, the show intentionally remained in black and white, mirroring the stark visuals of the original cartoons.
7. Recycled Set Design
Resourcefulness was key in Hollywood! Some of the interior sets for the Addams Family mansion were repurposed from the film “The Unsinkable Molly Brown,” a previous MGM production.
8. Technologically Ahead of Their Time
The Addams Family boasted a UNIVAC computer, making them the first television family to own a home computer, predating even Batman’s Batcomputer! This detail showcased the family’s forward-thinking nature, albeit in their own peculiar way.
9. Gomez’s Cigar Habit and a Hidden Danger
Gomez’s signature cigar-smoking habit, sponsored by Dutch Masters Cigars, had a hidden safety measure. Astin, known for extinguishing cigars in his coat pocket, had his suit lined with asbestos to prevent fires.
10. Scooby-Doo Meets The Addams Family
In 1972, several Addams Family cast members guest-starred in a “New Scooby-Doo Movies” episode, “Wednesday is Missing.” This episode, featuring a young Jodie Foster as the voice of Pugsley, served as a pilot for the 1973 animated series. This crossover further solidified the Addams Family’s presence in television history.
The Addams Family television series continues to entertain and inspire audiences generations later. Its quirky humor, macabre charm, and iconic characters have cemented its place in pop culture history. These ten facts offer a glimpse into the show’s unique creation and lasting legacy.