In the spooky and kooky world of the Addams Family, Grandmama Addams is a beloved character, known for her eccentric charm and witchy ways. While she graced the screen in the 1991 film The Addams Family, fans might recall a slight change when they saw Addams Family Values in 1993. The matriarch of the family, Grandmama, was portrayed by a different actress in the sequel. Judith Malina originally played the role, but Carol Kane took over for Addams Family Values. This wasn’t due to any behind-the-scenes drama, but rather a practical decision driven by the evolving demands of the character. Carol Kane’s unique and memorable performance brought a new level of vibrancy to Grandmama Addams, solidifying her as a standout in Addams Family Values.
Related: Every Addams Family Movie Ranked From Worst To Best
Judith Malina’s Grandmama in The Addams Family
Judith Malina initially brought Grandmama Addams to life in the 1991 The Addams Family movie. Her portrayal depicted Grandmama as an elderly witch, somewhat foolish but always with good intentions. As the grandmother to Wednesday and Pugsley, Malina’s Grandmama is particularly memorable for leading a séance in an attempt to help Gomez Addams contact his possibly deceased brother, Fester. Malina delivered a commendable performance, fitting into the ensemble cast of the first movie.
Despite Malina’s solid performance, director Barry Sonnenfeld decided to recast the role of Grandmama Addams for Addams Family Values. Interestingly, unlike Grandmama, all other principal cast members from The Addams Family were asked to return for the sequel. According to E! News, this casting change wasn’t rooted in typical Hollywood drama. Instead, the decision was made due to the role of Grandmama becoming more physically demanding in the sequel. Filmmakers opted for a younger actress to take on the part, and Carol Kane, a long-time friend of Anjelica Huston (Morticia Addams), was chosen as the replacement.
However, some reports suggest a slightly different narrative behind the recasting. Buzzfeed mentions that Judith Malina might not have been invited back for Addams Family Values at all. Malina, known for her political activism and outspoken nature, reportedly made an anti-war joke that didn’t sit well with some members of the cast and crew. Whether this anecdote is entirely true or not, it highlights Malina’s strong personality and willingness to express her views, traits that arguably align with the unconventional spirit of Grandmama Addams herself.
Carol Kane’s Exuberant Grandmama Addams in Addams Family Values
Carol Kane stepped into the role of Grandmama Addams and delivered a performance that is now considered definitive by many fans. One of the fascinating behind-the-scenes facts about Addams Family Values is that Carol Kane secured the role without even auditioning. After a few conversations with director Barry Sonnenfeld, Kane was offered the part, a testament to her established comedic talent and unique persona.
Recasting a character, especially in a beloved franchise, can be risky. However, Carol Kane’s portrayal of Grandmama in Addams Family Values proved to be a masterstroke. While Judith Malina brought a more understated and subtle approach to Grandmama, Carol Kane embraced a far more theatrical and exaggerated style. Kane’s Grandmama is more physically expressive, with wild gestures, cackling laughter, and an overall vibrant energy. This over-the-top theatricality made Kane’s Grandmama Addams exceptionally memorable and contributed significantly to the comedic tone of Addams Family Values, often considered the superior film compared to the original. Carol Kane’s interpretation injected a fresh and dynamic energy into the character, making her Grandmama Addams a truly unforgettable and hilarious part of the Addams Family legacy.
