I had a good time looking through these audition photos for The Addams Family dated 1964. It’s just plain weird (and fascinating) to see other actors and actresses trying out for these iconic roles because I simply can’t imagine anyone else playing them. 

Clearly John Astin who played Gomez Addams was cast first. You can see in the photos that they’re testing the Morticia wannabes’ onscreen chemistry with him. Cara mia!

An actress who looks like Julie Newmar (but isn’t) trying out for the role of Morticia
 

John Astin with actress auditioning for the role of Morticia
 

John Astin with a Morticia wannabe
 

John Astin and another hopeful Morticia
 

A would-be Morticia Addams
 

John Astin with yet another actress auditioning for the role of Morticia
 

Actress reading her script
 

John Astin with actress
 

 

John Astin with an actor auditioning for the role of Lurch
 

Another Lurch
 

Actor as Lurch
 

This guy isn’t very Lurch-y if you ask me
 

Ted Cassidy, who was cast as Lurch
 

An actress who tried out for the part of Grandmama Addams
 

Boys who tried out for part of Pugsley—including Ken Weatherwax who was cast in the role
 

John Astin with Ken Weatherwax
 

A would-be Uncle Fester
 

Uncle Fester-ish
 

Lisa Loring and two unidentified actresses compete for the role of Wednesday Addams
 
Sources: LIFE , The Addams Family from the 60s on Tumblr, Monster Serial and h/t Cousin Barnabas!