Many fans are familiar with the iconic Addams Family from the classic 1960s sitcom. However, the cinematic adaptations of the 1990s, “The Addams Family” (1991) and “Addams Family Values” (1993), hold some delightful surprises for even the most dedicated enthusiasts. One such surprise is the appearance of Cousin Ophelia Addams, a character often overshadowed by her more prominent family members in these movie versions. Prepare to delve into the fascinating, albeit subtle, evolution of Ophelia Addams as she transitioned to the big screen.
In the 1991 blockbuster, “The Addams Family“, Cousin Ophelia Addams makes her debut, portrayed by ballet dancer Allegra Kent. Credited as Cousin Ophelia Addams (not Frump, Addams), Kent’s portrayal might be easily missed if you’re not looking closely. She graces the grand Addams family reunion scene, captivatingly dancing solo, her partner a lit candle. Eagle-eyed viewers can also spot her during the energetic Mamushka dance sequence, where she joins the line of Addams women playing tambourines.
Far from being just a fleeting visual cameo, Ophelia’s presence in the movie was initially intended to be more substantial. The movie script, now readily available online, unveils a richer backstory and even deleted dialogues for Ophelia. This behind-the-scenes glimpse reveals the filmmakers’ intention to revisit Charles Addams’ original drawings and reimagine the sitcom character, embracing the Shakespearean Ophelia reference while infusing a modern American sensibility.
The script describes her as: “COUSIN OPHELIA ADDAMS, who looks like a Tennessee Williams heroine who’s just been fished out of the Mississipi.” A deleted scene between Morticia and Ophelia further illuminates her character:
Her mind water-logged and bleary, Ophelia adresses Morticia with a spacy Thorazine smile.
OPHELIA: Where is Fester?
MORTICIA: Soon, Ophelia. Soon.
OPHELIA: Where am I?
Ophelia Addams returns in the sequel, “Addams Family Values“, though this time played by Laura Esterman. Similar to the first movie, her appearance is primarily visual, lacking spoken lines in the final cut. She is present among the wedding guests for Fester’s nuptials and notably stands beside Aphasia when Wednesday unexpectedly catches the bouquet.
Again, delving into the movie script reveals more deleted scenes that would have provided further depth to Cousin Ophelia’s character. Interestingly, the original script envisioned Ophelia forming a comedic duo with Countess Aphasia. Described as a “faded, demented Southern Belle”, Ophelia was scripted to have an exchange with Debby during the gift-shower:
MORTICIA: And this is Cousin Ophelia Addams, all the way from Memphis.
OPHELIA: Good afternoon, and congratulations. I was married once, you know. And for a time, I was so very happy.
DEBBY: And what happened?
OPHELIA (trying to recall, through a fog): I don’t know. (She looks around the room). Am I dead?
Another deleted scene at the wedding proper was meant to feature a brief dialogue between Ophelia and Aphasia:
ANGLE on Ophelia and Aphasia, among the guests. Ophelia dabs at her eyes with a lace hanky.
OPHELIA: I do love weddings. Have you ever been married?
APHASIA: Oh yes.
OPHELIA: In white?
APHASIA: In Berlin.
Despite her limited screen time and the unfortunate cutting of her dialogue, Cousin Ophelia Addams remains a fascinating and subtly humorous presence in both Addams Family movies. Her character, though brief, enriches the films by subtly nodding to the broader Addams family lore and the original vision of Charles Addams. Rediscovering Ophelia in these movies offers a delightful treat for fans seeking to appreciate every nuance of the Addams Family cinematic universe.
