The Addams Family main cast in a promotional photo for the 1964 TV series, showcasing Actor John Astin as the iconic Gomez Addams.
“Creepy and kooky, mysterious and spooky,” they’re the family that has captivated audiences for generations. The Addams Family, born from Charles Addams’ witty single-panel cartoons in The New Yorker, transitioned to television in 1964, bringing their macabre charm to the small screen. This darkly comedic series quickly became a cultural phenomenon, spawning animated series in the 1970s, reunion specials, and a blockbuster film trilogy in the 1990s that reintroduced the eccentric family to a new wave of fans. More recently, Netflix’s Wednesday series in 2022, starring Jenna Ortega, has ignited further global fascination, proving the timeless appeal of the Addams Family. Their influence extends beyond television and film, permeating Broadway stages and video games, solidifying their place in popular culture.
But let’s journey back to the original 1960s sitcom and delve into some fascinating, eerie facts about The Addams Family television show, with a special focus on the talented actor who brought the patriarch, Gomez Addams, to life: John Astin.
John Astin’s Unexpected Path to Gomez Addams
Before the cameras rolled for the 1964 series, Charles Addams’ cartoon characters existed without names. It was the development of the television show that spurred Addams, in collaboration with the production team, to christen the peculiar family members. Intriguingly, Wednesday Addams was even given a middle name: Friday!
And speaking of casting, actor John Astin’s journey to becoming the energetic and passionate Gomez Addams was not initially straightforward. Astin, known for his comedic timing and versatile acting abilities, initially auditioned for a very different role within the Addams household. Believe it or not, John Astin first set his sights on portraying Lurch, the towering and monosyllabic butler. However, Astin himself reportedly felt a disconnect with the character during the audition process. Fortunately, the producers recognized Astin’s vibrant energy and comedic flair were perfectly suited for the role of Gomez Addams. This casting decision proved to be a stroke of genius, as John Astin’s portrayal of Gomez became iconic, defining the character for generations.
The Iconic Theme Song and John Astin’s Energetic Performance
“Da-da-da-dum, snap snap!” Could you imagine The Addams Family without its instantly recognizable theme song? This catchy and spooky tune was composed by Vic Mizzy. Adding to the song’s unique history, budget constraints led Mizzy to perform all three vocal parts himself using multi-tracking techniques, creating the memorable chorus we all know.
This theme song perfectly encapsulates the quirky and offbeat nature of the show, and John Astin’s energetic performance as Gomez Addams mirrors this perfectly. His rapid-fire delivery, passionate pronouncements of “Querida,” and overall zest for life (and the macabre) were key ingredients in the show’s success.
Differentiating The Addams Family: John Astin on Subtlety vs. Monstrosity
The Addams Family premiered the same week as another macabre-themed, black-and-white sitcom, The Munsters. To avoid direct comparisons and establish their own identities, both shows consciously avoided casting guest actors who had appeared on the other series.
John Astin himself emphasized the fundamental differences between the two families. He argued that The Munsters were outwardly monstrous but essentially ordinary in their suburban lives, while The Addams Family, despite their normal appearance, were truly eccentric and unconventional in their values and behaviors. Despite these efforts to distinguish themselves, public perception often blurred the lines between the two shows. However, Addams Family creator David Levy clarified the show’s premise, stating that they aimed to portray the family as “full-bodied people, not monsters… They are not grotesque and hideous manifestations,” staying true to the spirit of Charles Addams’ original cartoons.
Behind the Scenes Secrets: Pink Sets and Gomez’s Flaming Cigars
While broadcast in black and white, the actual set of The Addams Family house was surprisingly painted pink! This choice, although counterintuitive, was a common practice in early television to achieve the desired grayscale tones on screen. Despite the burgeoning transition to color television, the show remained committed to the gothic aesthetic of black and white, mirroring the shadowy world of Addams’ cartoons.
Another interesting behind-the-scenes detail involves Gomez Addams’ ever-present cigars, a habit enthusiastically supported by the show’s sponsor, Dutch Masters Cigars. John Astin fully embraced this characteristic, even developing a quirky on-set habit of extinguishing his lit cigars in his coat pocket. To ensure safety during filming, prop makers ingeniously lined Astin’s suit pockets with asbestos, a toxic but flame-retardant material.
The Addams Family: Television Pioneers with a Home Computer
In a surprising piece of television history, the Addams family holds the distinction of being the first TV family to own a home computer. Years before Bruce Wayne’s Batcomputer became a fixture in the Batcave, the Addams family showcased a UNIVAC (Universal Automatic Computer) in their home. This futuristic element added another layer of delightful eccentricity to the already unconventional family.
Animated Adventures and Reunions: John Astin’s Enduring Role
The popularity of The Addams Family extended far beyond its original run. In 1972, John Astin, along with Carolyn Jones (Morticia), Jackie Coogan (Uncle Fester), and Ted Cassidy (Lurch), reprised their roles in the animated series The New Scooby-Doo Movies. Their episode, “Wednesday is Missing,” served as a pilot for the 1973 animated Addams Family series. This crossover event highlighted the enduring appeal of the characters and John Astin’s continued association with Gomez Addams.
John Astin’s portrayal of Gomez Addams remains a defining performance in television history. His energetic, comedic, and slightly madcap take on the character cemented Gomez as a beloved and iconic figure. From his initial audition for Lurch to his cigar-smoking antics on set, Astin brought a unique and unforgettable charm to The Addams Family, contributing significantly to its lasting legacy.
