For a long time, Hollywood’s portrayal of fathers often fell into predictable tropes: the absent workaholic, the clueless buffoon, or simply the background character. Dads on screen were rarely depicted as actively involved in their children’s lives. But amidst these stereotypical portrayals, there emerged a father figure who broke the mold – a dad who was enthusiastic at school plays, supportive of his children’s dreams, and deeply in love with his wife. This was Gomez Addams, the patriarch of the iconic Addams Family. For many, including myself, Gomez was a refreshing and relatable representation of fatherhood, showing a different kind of “Addams Family Dad” that resonated deeply.
Of course, Gomez Addams is undeniably eccentric. The Addams Family, after all, is known for being “creepy and kooky, mysterious and spooky.” Gomez’s vast wealth and unusual hobbies are part of his charm and the family’s mystique. While my own father didn’t share these outlandish traits, the connection I felt to Gomez ran deeper than surface-level similarities. It was about the essence of his character.
Raúl Juliá’s portrayal of Gomez brought a unique warmth and humanity to the character. He imbued Gomez with an over-the-top expressiveness, showcasing his genuine enthusiasm for his family’s endeavors and his dramatic reactions to both their triumphs and misfortunes. Gomez was present and engaged. He was passionate about tango, fencing, and elaborate model trains – perhaps mirroring my own father’s early morning dedication to watching World Cup soccer games from afar. These were simply “dad things,” unique passions that made them who they were.
As a child, I was introspective and quiet, often preferring books to boisterous social gatherings. Adults sometimes mistake quietness for shyness, but I was simply content in my own world of stories. My father respected my introverted nature. He never pressured me to be someone I wasn’t. Instead, he nurtured my love for reading, taking me to the library and encouraging my literary explorations. He didn’t ask me to smile more or conform to any expectations other than being myself. Watching The Addams Family, I recognized a reflection of my own relationship with my father in Gomez and Wednesday. He was my Gomez, understanding and accepting of my “Wednesday” tendencies.
The fact that Raúl Juliá, a Latinx actor, embodied Gomez was also significant. Juliá subtly incorporated his Puerto Rican heritage into the role, enriching Gomez’s theatrical personality. While the character’s background has evolved – from no surname in the original comics to Castilian-Spanish in the TV series, and even being known as “Homer” in Spanish-speaking countries – I identified with Gomez as someone who represented my own cultural background. While John Astin and Tim Curry have also played Gomez, Juliá’s portrayal felt definitive. To me, Gomez Addams was Latinx, just like my dad. This representation continues with Oscar Isaac voicing Gomez in the animated film, reinforcing this important connection.
The presence of positive Latinx father figures in popular culture remains limited. For every progressive portrayal, stereotypical and harmful narratives persist. In 1991, when the first Addams Family movie premiered, authentic representation was even scarcer. Gomez Addams, though not a “realistic” father in the conventional sense (his family does have a disembodied hand as a pet), was undeniably devoted. He was simply a wonderfully weird and loving “addams family dad,” a refreshing and enduring role model that continues to resonate today.
