Whatever Happened To The Original Cast Of The Addams Family?

What began as a panel cartoon in The New Yorker magazine in 1938 blossomed over time into a franchise that would include a hit network television show, two Hollywood feature films, a cartoon series, a pair of animated films, and countless merchandise smeared with the characters' likenesses. The unnamed family in the cartoon strip was the creation of cartoonist Charles Addams, whom Smithsonian reports inked over 1,300 cartoons for the magazine in his prolific career with the publication. Of those cartoons, 58 of them were centered around the creepy and kooky brood that would invade pop culture for decades, known as "The Addams Family."

After more than 20 years of publication, the macabre aristocratic family leaped from the page to the small screen. "The Addams Family" debuted in 1964, running for two seasons. Throughout 64 episodes, viewers were sucked into the world of the creepy (yet harmless) family that seemed to be oblivious to everyone's perceptions (via IMDb). The cast featured some new faces, but also put some familiar Hollywood veterans in front of fans every week.

The stars of the show moved on after its cancellation in 1966. Some went on to have prolific careers, but some led lives that were mired in tragedy. 

Like her on-screen spouse, Carolyn Jones brought a vast amount of screen experience to the role she would be most recognized for. The actress had numerous roles in 1950s westerns and suspense films, including Alfred Hitchcock's 1956 classic "The Man Who Knew Too Much" (per IMDb). Jones' talent didn't go without formal recognition, as the actress received an Oscar nomination in 1958 for her role in the film "The Bachelor Party." Jones also made her mark on television, having regular appearances on "Wagon Train," "Dragnet," and "Zane Grey Theater." 

Following her fame as Morticia Addams, Jones was regularly featured on the popular TV programs of the time. She played Marsh, Queen of Diamonds in the campy "Batman" series, as well as roles in "Mod Squad," "Ironside," and "Fantasy Island." Jones also lent her voice for Morticia in an episode of "The New Scooby-Doo Movies" in 1973 and rejoined with former cast members in 1977 for the TV movie "Halloween with the New Addams Family." Her final screen credit was a starring role in the 1980s soap opera "Capitol," in which she plays the matriarch of the politically powerful Clegg family (per Soaps).

Tragically, Jones died from cancer at age 53 (per The New York Times). According to TV Guide, Jones was diagnosed with colon cancer in 1982, but was determined to play her part in "Capital." The outlet reports that, though in great pain from her illness, she was able to perform on the soap in a wheelchair.

Of all the characters on "The Addams Family," Ted Cassidy's towering appearance and deep voice stood out perhaps the most among the cast. The Addams' butler, Lurch, was more seen than heard, his mere presence dominating his scenes more than his lines ever could. His deep "Youuu rang?" became one of the most memorable lines from the show, and his popularity even spawned a dance craze in the '60s called "The Lurch."

Cassidy's size and look made him the subject of typecasting throughout his career. He had been diagnosed with a condition called acromegaly, a pituitary disorder that kept him growing (via Therapeutic Goods Administration). Not only did this lead to his being nearly 7 feet tall, but it was also responsible for his deep and booming voice. These attributes kept him working after "The Addams Family" concluded in 1966, however. Where there was a need for a towering actor, you could probably find Cassidy. His later roles included recurring parts in "The New Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," "Ironside," and "Star Trek." He voiced numerous cartoon characters for Hanna-Barbera and other animation studios, and it was his voice that spoke the opening introduction to "The Incredible Hulk" television series (via IMDb).

Cassidy died young, aged just 46. Doctors had discovered a large, non-malignant mass on his heart. Complications from the surgery to remove it were too much for him to handle, and he passed in 1979 (via The Toledo Blade).

Child stars often suffer from ill-treatment in their jobs, and that can take a toll on their mental health. There are seemingly countless examples of adult woes from actors who made names for themselves as pre-teens. Tabloids have long reported the antics of these mishaps, from Todd Bridges of "Diff'rent Strokes" to "Partridge Family" alumni Danny Bonaduce. Adorable Lisa Loring, who played Wednesday Addams, had her struggles after the series concluded. 

AOL reports that Loring became a mother at the young age of 15. Though she had sporadically acted in small roles in the 1970s and early 1980s, Loring managed to keep herself in one part of the industry, as a makeup artist for an adult film studio. It was on the set of one such adult film that Loring met her future husband, actor Jerry Butler. The marriage failed, and Loring began to use heroin to cope. Compounding the stress in her life was the death of her friend, Kelly Van Dyke, an adult film star who had died by suicide. It was Loring who discovered the body of her friend.

Though her life had given her some struggles, Loring was determined not to be beaten. People report that she entered and completed rehab in 1992 and got herself clean. She worked in an interior design firm and still racked up a few screen credits, the most recent (as of 2022) being 2015's "Doctor Spine" (per IMDb). AOL tells us that she focused mostly on her family, and toured various conventions every year. Sadly Loring passed away January 28, 2023, reports CNN. She was 64. Friend Laurie Jacobson explained on Facebook that Loring suffered a stroke due to high blood pressure and a bad smoking habit. She was removed from life support after three days. 

If you or anyone you know is struggling with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Though you never saw more than a giant head of hair that covered his entire body, Cousin Itt might be one of the most memorable characters in "The Addams Family." Played by actor Felix Silla, the dialogue from Itt never amounted to more than just gibberish, totally obscuring Silla's identity in every way possible. As a little person working in Hollywood, this was par for the course for Silla.

Like many little people, Silla struggled to find work in the industry other than the roles stereotypically offered to those of smaller stature. He played both a troll and a goblin in episodes of the beloved sitcom "Bewitched," a circus performer in "The Girl From U.N.C.L.E.," and Twiki in "Buck Rogers in the 25th Century" (via IMDb). He found himself often obscured behind bulky costumes and/or heavy makeup, making him unrecognizable to the point that many viewers would not know who he was or would be able to match him up to the other roles he had held.

Silla's size also allowed him to perform as a stunt double or a stand-in for many childhood stars. Rolling Stone reports that this led to work on the films "Poltergeist," "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom," "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial," and "Howard the Duck."

The Hollywood Reporter broke the news of his death in April 2021 from a battle with pancreatic cancer. The actor was 84.

Eddie Quillan came onto the set of "The Addams Family" with decades of acting experience. From starring roles in various film shorts from the 1920s to supporting film roles in dozens of western films from the 1930s on, Quillan had quite the resume. He leaped TV in the late 1950s with an appearance on "The Thin Man," and continued with regular bit parts on "Death Valley Days," "The Real McCoys," and "Valentine's Day" (per IMDb). He played several roles in "The Addams Family," including Mr. Digby and Clyde Arbogast. 

Quillan still acted in film after "The Addams Family," but mostly stayed with roles on the small screen. He made memorable appearances on "Police Woman," "Mannix," and "Here's Lucy," and had multiple roles throughout the run of "Little House on the Prairie."

His comedic talent was recognized by series producer Hal Kanter on the sitcom "Julia," in which Quillan played the regular role of postman Eddie Edson. According to The Los Angeles Times, Quillan was permitted to improvise on the set, resulting in peals of laughter. In his 1981 interview with the outlet, he said, "The first thing I'd do when I got on the set was to see where the doors are, where the props are, and figure out what I might do in the way of (funny) business" (via The Seattle Times).

Quillan died from cancer in 1990.

Rolfe Sedan played the role of the suspicious postman on "The Addams Family," adding greatly to the comedic elements of the show with every scene. Though only appearing in a handful of episodes, it didn't take a sharp eye from a viewer to recognize him as a veteran actor with a long and storied career that began in the silent film era. With nearly 300 screen credits to his name before the iconic 1960s series was produced, Sedan made a name for himself as a bit player before getting fame as a regular on "The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show" (via IMDb). 

Sedan's experience in radio, on theatrical stages, and in film kept him steadily working until the late 1970s. After "The Addams Family," he appeared on popular TV shows, including "Maude" and "Kung Fu." He also kept working on films, still playing bit parts. One of his last films was the Mel Brooks classic "Young Frankenstein."

He retired in 1977, living until his death on September 15, 1982 (per The New York Times).