“Creepy and kooky, mysterious and spooky,” the iconic theme song perfectly encapsulates The Addams Family, a television series that debuted in 1964 and has since become a cultural phenomenon. Born from the darkly humorous одно-panel cartoons of Charles Addams in The New Yorker, this show brought the eccentric Addams clan to life, captivating audiences with their macabre charm. From animated series in the 70s and reunion specials to the blockbuster movies of the 90s and the recent Netflix hit Wednesday, the Addams Family’s appeal spans generations and mediums, even extending to Broadway and video games.
But let’s rewind to where it all began – the black and white television magic of the 1964 Addams Family series. Here are ten fascinating and eerie facts that even die-hard fans might not know about this classic show.
Did you know… The Addams Family Characters Were Nameless Before the Show?
Before their transition to the small screen, Charles Addams’s cartoon creations existed without names. It was only when the 1964 television adaptation was greenlit that Addams, in collaboration with the show’s production team, finally christened the members of this peculiar family. A delightfully morbid detail? Wednesday Addams’s full name includes a nod to Friday – her middle name is Friday!
Did you know… The Theme Song Magic Was All Vic Mizzy?
“Da-da-da-dum, snap snap!” The instantly recognizable theme song of The Addams Family is as iconic as the show itself. This catchy tune was composed by the talented Vic Mizzy. Budget constraints almost led to a less elaborate version, but Mizzy ingeniously used multi-tracking to record himself singing all three vocal parts, creating the signature chorus we all know and love.
Did you know… Gomez Addams Actor Initially Auditioned for Lurch?
John Astin, the actor who perfectly embodied the zany and passionate Gomez Addams, initially had his sights set on a different role. During auditions, Astin first tried out for the part of Lurch, the family butler. However, he didn’t quite see himself as the towering, monosyllabic Lurch. Fortunately, the producers recognized Astin’s comedic talent and charisma were perfectly suited for the patriarch, Gomez, leading to his iconic casting.
Did you know… The Addams Family Premiered the Same Week as The Munsters?
1964 was a year for spooky families on television. The Addams Family premiered in the same week as The Munsters, another black-and-white sitcom centered around a macabre family. To avoid direct comparisons and establish their unique identities, both shows consciously avoided casting guest actors who had appeared on the other series. John Astin himself emphasized the core difference, stating that while The Munsters were monstrous in appearance but otherwise ordinary, The Addams Family were outwardly normal but wonderfully eccentric. Despite these efforts, the general public often conflated the two shows as being very similar. Series creator David Levy clarified the show’s concept: “We have made [the family] full-bodied people, not monsters… They are not grotesque and hideous manifestations. At the same time we are protecting the images of Charles Addams’ ‘children,’ as he refers to them. We are living up to the spirit of his cartoons.”
Did you know… Lurch and Thing Were Played by the Same Actor?
Ted Cassidy, famous for his deep voice and imposing stature, brought Lurch to life with minimal dialogue and maximum presence. But Cassidy’s contribution extended beyond the butler role. He also played Thing, the disembodied hand that emerged from boxes and various openings around the Addams mansion, as well as the mailbox. Cassidy would perform as Thing in costume, often with his arm extended through openings to achieve the effect.
Did you know… The Addams Family House Was Actually Pink?
Despite the show’s signature gothic black and white aesthetic, the interior walls of The Addams Family set were painted pink! Even though color television was emerging, the show was deliberately filmed in grayscale, mirroring the stark and shadowy style of Charles Addams’ original cartoons. This artistic choice cemented the show’s eerie and timeless atmosphere.
Did you know… Set Pieces Were Recycled from a Musical Film?
Hollywood is known for its resourcefulness, and The Addams Family was no exception. Some of the interior decorations and set pieces used in the Addams’s mansion were recycled from the movie The Unsinkable Molly Brown, a musical comedy released just months before The Addams Family premiered. Both productions were under the MGM (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer) studio banner, making set reuse a practical and cost-effective decision.
Did you know… The Addams Family Had a Home Computer Before Batman?
Long before Bruce Wayne had his Batcomputer in the Batcave, the Addams Family boasted a home computer. In a surprising bit of foresight, the UNIVAC (Universal Automatic Computer) made an appearance on the show, making the Addams family the first television family to own a computer, showcasing their ahead-of-their-time eccentricity.
Did you know… Gomez Addams’ Cigars Were a Sponsor’s Dream (and Hazard)?
Gomez Addams’s cigar-chomping habit was not just a quirky character trait; it was also supported by the show’s sponsor, Dutch Masters Cigars. In a method acting twist, John Astin reportedly extinguished his lit cigars in his suit’s breast pocket. To prevent any on-set fires, the prop department lined his pockets with asbestos, a toxic but flame-retardant material, highlighting the less-than-safe practices of the era.
Did you know… The Addams Family and Scooby-Doo Crossover Happened in 1972?
In a delightful animated crossover event, several original Addams Family cast members reprised their roles in a 1972 episode of The New Scooby-Doo Movies titled “Wednesday is Missing.” John Astin, Carolyn Jones, Jackie Coogan, and Ted Cassidy lent their voices to their iconic characters. Adding to the star power, 11-year-old Jodie Foster, who would later become an Oscar-winning actress, voiced Pugsley. This episode’s success even paved the way for the 1973 Addams Family animated series.
From its unexpected origins to behind-the-scenes trivia, The Addams Family 1964 TV series remains a captivating piece of television history. Its enduring charm lies in its witty writing, memorable characters, and delightfully dark humor, ensuring its continued relevance for generations to come.
