Every Major Actor from ‘The Addams Family’ Franchise Who Died

The Addams clan has been delighting audiences for generations, from the original black and white sitcom to big screen adventures and newer reboots. Along the way, a remarkable group of performers helped define Gomez, Morticia, their children, and the wonderfully oddball relatives and neighbors who orbit the family’s world.

This roundup looks across the franchise’s biggest screen versions, including the classic live action series, the first animated show, the hit feature films, and the late nineties reboot. Each entry notes the role, the key Addams projects they appeared in, and when they passed away, so fans can remember the people who brought these iconic characters to life.

Carolyn Jones

Jones played Morticia in the original live action series ‘The Addams Family’ and returned for the later television special ‘Halloween with the New Addams Family’. Her serene delivery, carefully choreographed movements, and chemistry with Gomez became the blueprint for how the character is often portrayed in later versions.

She continued to work widely in film and television throughout her career. Jones died in August 1983 at the age of 53.

Jackie Coogan

Coogan portrayed Uncle Fester in the original series ‘The Addams Family’. His wide eyed expressions and gleeful embrace of Fester’s eccentric inventions made the character a fan favorite from the start.

A former child star with a long resume, Coogan brought veteran timing to the role. He died in March 1984 at the age of 69.

Ted Cassidy

Cassidy played Lurch in the classic series ‘The Addams Family’ and also lent his hand as Thing in various scenes. His towering presence and deep, measured voice turned Lurch into an unforgettable figure who needed only a few words to command attention.

Beyond the mansion’s foyer, Cassidy worked steadily in television and voice roles. He died in January 1979 at the age of 46.

Blossom Rock

Rock portrayed Grandmama in the original series ‘The Addams Family’. Her spirited take on the family’s elder gave the household a mischievous matriarch who could match the younger Addams generation beat for beat.

A seasoned performer who had worked under the name Marie Blake, Rock’s television work made her familiar to audiences across the country. She died in January 1978 at the age of 82.

Lisa Loring

Loring originated Wednesday in the classic series ‘The Addams Family’, creating the deadpan poise and clipped delivery that later versions often echo. She reprised Wednesday as an adult in the television special ‘Halloween with the New Addams Family’.

Loring remained a beloved presence at fan events and retrospectives celebrating the show’s legacy. She died in January 2023 at the age of 64.

Ken Weatherwax

Weatherwax played Pugsley in the original series ‘The Addams Family’. His straight faced responses to outlandish family activities made Pugsley a perfect partner for Wednesday’s experiments and games.

He later made appearances connected to the show’s fandom and remained closely identified with the role. Weatherwax died in December 2014 at the age of 59.

Felix Silla

Silla performed as Cousin Itt in the original series ‘The Addams Family’. Working inside the character’s head to toe hair costume, he brought physical comedy and quick movements that made Itt’s rapid chatter feel alive.

A versatile stunt and character performer, Silla appeared in many other film and television projects over the years. He died in April 2021 at the age of 84.

Raúl Juliá

Juliá starred as Gomez in the feature films ‘The Addams Family’ and ‘Addams Family Values’. His romantic energy opposite Morticia and buoyant physical comedy helped reintroduce the family to a new generation on the big screen.

An acclaimed stage and screen actor, Juliá balanced blockbuster roles with serious dramatic work. He died in October 1994 at the age of 54.

Judith Malina

Malina played Grandmama in the film ‘The Addams Family’. A cofounder of an influential theater company, she brought a wry edge and quick timing to the family’s resident witchy elder.

Her appearance connected the films to a rich tradition of experimental theater and character acting. Malina died in April 2015 at the age of 88.

Paul Benedict

Benedict appeared as Judge Womack, the Addams family’s irritated neighbor, in the film ‘The Addams Family’. His scenes set up the family’s running battle with normal expectations and the polite rules of the neighborhood.

A familiar face from film and television, Benedict’s dry delivery made the judge a memorable foil. He died in December 2008 at the age of 70.

Janet Waldo

Waldo voiced Morticia in the first animated series ‘The Addams Family’. Her warm, precise voice performance helped translate the live action characters into animation while keeping Morticia’s elegant cadence.

One of the most prolific voice actors of her era, Waldo’s work spanned many classic cartoons. She died in June 2016 at the age of 96.

Michael Roberds

Roberds portrayed Uncle Fester in the reboot series ‘The New Addams Family’. His interpretation kept the character’s wide eyed enthusiasm while adjusting the energy for a modern family sitcom format.

The series introduced the Addamses to younger viewers with new stories and set pieces. Roberds died in May 2016 at the age of 52.

Margaret Hamilton

Hamilton guest starred as Morticia’s mother, Hester Frump, in the original series ‘The Addams Family’. Her episodes gave fans a peek at Morticia’s side of the family and added another layer to the show’s playful family tree.

Best known for a landmark role in cinema history, Hamilton brought classic character actor presence to the Addams world. She died in May 1985 at the age of 82.

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