Over the years, The Addams Family has seen a variety of live-action interpretations, and some characters are now emerging as particular favorites among fans. This beloved family has captivated audiences for decades with their unique blend of macabre humor and charm, embedding themselves deeply into American pop culture. However, as adaptations evolve, such as Netflix’s Wednesday, the characters resonating with viewers are shifting, adapting to contemporary sensibilities.
The Addams Family first appeared in Charles Addams’ comic strips in 1938, leading to an array of adaptations, including television series, animated shows, and live-action films, culminating in the recent Netflix production. Each rendition has brought to life distinct and eccentric characters, creating a rich tapestry of humor blended with horror. Notably, certain members of the Addams clan have garnered more attention in recent times, showcasing intriguing character arcs and connections that resonate well with modern audiences.
9 Grandmama Addams
Originally Played By Blossom Rock
As Gomez’s mother and Morticia’s mother-in-law, Grandmama Addams has always been a somewhat enigmatic presence within the family. While she is known for her candid opinions and sharp tongue, often described by creator Charles Addams as a “disrespectful old hag,”she has not made as significant an impact as her kooky relatives. Although her absence in season one of Wednesday leaves her somewhat sidelined, there’s potential for her character to be more deeply explored in future seasons.
8 Cousin Itt
Originally Played By Felix Silla
Cousin Itt, characterized by his short stature and distinctive hair-covered appearance, is another memorable figure from the Addams Family. His unique speech, understood only by family members, and his quirky fashion sense make him a standout, even if he doesn’t reside at the Addamses’ mansion. Featured in numerous adaptations—from the original ’60s series to animated films—Cousin Itt’s limited screen time in Wednesday affects his overall ranking, yet his endearing nature can’t be overlooked.
7 Lurch
Originally Played By Ted Cassidy
Lurch, the brooding manservant of the Addams family, is legendary in his own right. Standing at an impressive 6’9″ , his height and stoicism lend him a unique presence within the household. Although he rarely speaks, his gentle demeanor and unique charm allow him to shine. Recent adaptations, including Wednesday, maintain Lurch’s integral role, though his more understated personality keeps him from leading the pack of fan favorites.
6 Pugsley Addams
Originally Played By Ken Weatherwax
Pugsley, with his striped shirt and boyish charm, embodies the spirit of the Addams family as well. Initially depicted as a mischievous inventor in the ’60s series, his character has transformed over time. In recent portrayals, including Netflix’s Wednesday, Pugsley’s role shifts towards being a more supportive character that emphasizes his sister’s journey, affecting his status as a standout in the franchise.
5 Gomez Addams
Originally Played By John Astin
Gomez Addams, the dashing patriarch of this peculiar family, captures hearts with his flamboyant personality and unwavering loyalty. Portrayed memorably by John Astin in the ’60s and Raul Julia in the ’90s films, Gomez’s charm is undeniable. However, in recent adaptations, he has gracefully taken a step back, allowing the strong female characters, Morticia and Wednesday, to take center stage—an evolution that defines his character’s arc.
4 Morticia Addams
Originally Played By Carolyn Jones
Morticia Addams, the ethereal matriarch, is an iconic figure in gothic fashion and expression. Known for her alluring charm and unique abilities, Morticia has heavily influenced pop culture over the years. In Netflix’s Wednesday, her character takes on new dimensions, showcasing a more complex relationship with Wednesday, which has been received with mixed opinions yet adds depth to her character.
3 Uncle Fester
Originally Played By Jackie Coogan
Uncle Fester adds a brilliant comedic touch to the Addams Family. Capable of producing lightbulb illumination through his physical quirks, he embodies the silliness that permeates this unique household. His character has evolved uniquely from the original series to the more comedic representations in the ’90s films and the Wednesday series, where he continues to endear himself to audiences through his absurd humor.
2 Thing
Originally Played By Ted Cassidy/Jack Voglin
Thing, often represented as a disembodied hand, has become a ubiquitous symbol of The Addams Family across various interpretations. Initially portrayed as a mysterious figure, advances in visual effects have allowed this character’s expressive personality to shine. In the latest adaptations, Thing is shown to possess a unique role as a confidant to Wednesday, further solidifying his importance within the franchise.
1 Wednesday Addams
Originally Played By Lisa Loring
Wednesday Addams stands out as the quintessential symbol of The Addams Family. Since her introduction in the original cartoons, her dark humor and penchant for the macabre have left a lasting impression across generations. Portrayed by Christina Ricci and more recently by Jenna Ortega, Wednesday’s character development in the Netflix series has elevated her status as a relatable and relevant teenage figure, resonating deeply with today’s audiences.
Which Version Of Each Character Is Best?
Regarding the portrayals of Gomez and Morticia Addams, two pairs of actors stand out: the originals, John Astin and Carolyn Jones, and the reimagined versions by Raul Julia and Anjelica Huston in the ’90s films. Both pairs established benchmark performances, but Julia and Huston’s portrayals created a lasting legacy of these beloved characters.
Supporting characters also generate discussions about who portrayed them best. For example, Ted Cassidy remains iconic as Lurch from the original series, while Jackie Coogan’s portrayal of Uncle Fester is often considered the most definitive, though Christopher Lloyd and Fred Armisen provided memorable interpretations. Pugsley’s character gained complexity through Jimmy Workman in the ’90s movies, particularly during the camp stage productions.
Both Thing and Cousin Itt exhibit consistency in their portrayals, leading to less variation across the adaptations. Finally, when it comes to Wednesday Addams, Lisa Loring’s original version competes closely with Christina Ricci’s snarky performance and Jenna Ortega’s nuanced take in the recent series. Choosing a favorite version of Wednesday ultimately depends on what fans appreciate in the character and her evolution within The Addams Family.
There Are A Few Minor Family Members
In addition to the prominent Addams Family members, there are several minor characters that have made fleeting appearances throughout various adaptations. These one-off characters include favorites like Margaret Addams, Granny Frump, and What Addams, among others. Some characters have played more meaningful roles in the narrative.
Pubert Addams, Gomez and Morticia’s infant son, first introduced in Addams Family Values, is often a source of comedic relief, particularly as he navigates the perils posed by his older siblings. His disappearance from subsequent narratives, including mentions of his demise, adds an absurd twist to the family lore.
Ophelia Frump, Morticia’s sister, initially intended to marry Gomez, has appeared in various adaptations with differing portrayals. She was portrayed as antagonistically towards Morticia in later reboots, providing a contrast to their sisterly bond.
Lastly, Goody Addams, introduced in Wednesday, represents the latest character addition. As a 1600s ancestor, she dedicates herself to avenging her family’s misfortunes, enriching the Addams family narrative yet leaving her storyline at a resolution that prevents future appearances.