There’s something undeniably mysterious and spooky about The Addams Family. As we gear up to celebrate their 60th anniversary in September, it’s clear that their charm has only grown stronger over the years. This iconic family has captured the hearts of audiences across generations, and it’s not hard to see why.
“Kids absolutely love the quirky, kooky characters,” says Edward K. Cooper, author of It’s the Addams Family: Tribute to the Kooky Series, in an exclusive interview with Closer. But it’s not just kids who are captivated. “There’s a layer of subliminal humor that appeals to a wide range of audiences,” Cooper adds. “It’s the kind of show that keeps you coming back for more, no matter your age.”
Behind the Scenes: The Genius of Nat Perrin
What makes The Addams Family so timeless? A big part of the magic comes from the clever setups crafted by producer and head writer Nat Perrin, who had previously worked with the legendary Groucho Marx. These setups still tickle audiences today, proving that the show’s humor has stood the test of time. But there’s more to the story than meets the eye. Charles Addams, the illustrator whose New Yorker cartoons inspired the series, had some truly wild ideas when it came to naming the characters.
Read also:Toby Keith Celebrating The Life And Legacy Of A Country Music Icon
“Charles wanted to call Gomez ‘Rapelli,’” Cooper reveals, “and he even suggested ‘Pubert’ for Pugsley. But the censors and the network thought those names were a bit too edgy for a family show.”
John Astin: From Lurch to Gomez
John Astin, who famously played Gomez Addams, originally auditioned for the role of Lurch. But fate had other plans. Astin recalls a pivotal lunch with executive producer David Levy, where everything changed. “Over martinis, Levy said, ‘This show is really Father Knows Best, but with a twist. And I want you to be the father. Then we’ll cast the rest of it,’” Astin remembers. He was thrilled when Carolyn Jones was cast as Morticia, his on-screen wife. “I said, ‘No problem.’ And I’m glad I did. We couldn’t have found anyone better.”
The chemistry between Astin and Jones was electric. Their portrayal of Gomez and Morticia became a trailblazing example of on-screen romance. “I’ve never seen another show where you could watch a husband and wife and actually imagine a real, passionate relationship,” Astin shares. “Gomez was always kissing Morticia’s arms, but their lips never touched. It was a unique kind of chemistry that made them stand out.”
Fun Facts from the Set
Not everything about the show was as polished as it seemed on screen. For example, John Astin used to extinguish his cigars in Gomez’s suit jacket pocket. For safety reasons, the show’s prop team lined the pockets with asbestos to prevent any accidental fires. And then there’s Ken Weatherwax, the young actor who played Pugsley. “He was apparently allergic to wool,” Cooper tells Closer, “so his mom had to buy all his costumes at local stores to make sure he was comfortable.”
Jackie Coogan, who played Uncle Fester, went to great lengths to secure his role. “After a failed first audition, he went home, shaved his head, and re-auditioned,” Cooper reveals. “That dedication paid off, and he got the part.” But not everything was smooth sailing. Felix Silla, who played Cousin Itt, once joked on a radio show that Coogan’s shaved head caused some unexpected challenges. “Every time we started filming, I’d hear someone snoring, and there was Jackie Coogan, sound asleep in his chair,” Silla recalled. “The director would have to slap him on the head to wake him up!”
Despite the occasional hiccup, nothing could dim the show’s impact. “The true secret to its success is that it’s about the joy of life and the love of family,” Astin reflects. “It doesn’t matter what you look like on the outside; it’s what’s inside that counts. That’s the message that resonates with audiences, and it’s why The Addams Family continues to be so beloved.”
Read also:Mina Starsiak Hawk Glows In Cancuacuten A Relaxing Getaway With Husband Steve Hawk
