They’re creepy and they’re kooky: Audition photos for ‘The Addams Family,’ 1964
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!