It was a little over two years ago that I finally watched the TV series The Addams Family, and in fact watched both seasons of it in its entirety. For the most part, I enjoyed it, but it struck me that without the subtle, optimistic character of Gomez – played by John Astin – the show wouldn’t have been even half as good as it was. From that point on, I became a fan of Astin, and recalled seeing him in other roles throughout the years in such films as National Lampoon’s European Vacation and Freaky Friday and appearances in TV shows such as Night Court and The Twilight Zone.
Astin had made some appearances at Hollywood Collectors Shows in the past, but I don’t recall him ever being at one that I attended. I did have Bob pick up a dual signed photo from the show of Astin and Felix Silla, the midget actor who portrayed Cousin Itt, sometime in the late 1990s. But once I became of fan of The Addams Family, I was hoping that one day I might get to meet John Astin.
That day finally came when he made an appearance at the Chiller Theatre Show in Parsippany, New Jersey, on Saturday, October 30, 2010. I didn’t need any additional photos signed; I just wanted a picture with him. His handlers were charging a hefty $25 for that privilege, but I gladly paid it, knowing full well that the opportunity might never come again.
As a bonus, John Astin was extraordinarily friendly, engaging me in a conversation about the Ohio State Buckeyes (since I was wearing the shirt), and talking about how sad it was that Carolyn Jones had passed away so young. He seemed legitimately interested in the fact that I had picked up the signed photos at one of the previous shows, where he had appeared with Felix Silla.
Despite the cost, I’d have to say it was an honor to be in the presence of that famous crooked smile of John Astin.
Celebs of the Fall 2010 Chiller Theatre Show will continue…
He also played the Riddler once in the original Batman series, and is the father of Samwise Gamgee.
Chris
February 18th, 2011
Let’s not forget his scene stealing turn in West Side Story.
“A Get-Together Dance!”
Eric Hubble
February 23rd, 2011
John Astin also appeared, pre-Addams Family, in a 1962 sitcom entitled “I’m Dickens…He’s Fenster” that I’ll be bringing out on DVD this fall. Astin does a lot of physical comedy in the show, which also stars Marty Ingels, and is about two best friends and co-workers in a construction company where things rarely go right. Astin graciously did audio commentary and interviews that will be on the DVD, along with lots of other special features and participation from the surviving cast.
http://www.imdickenshesfenster.com and http://dickensandfenster.com to see clips and for more info about the DVD project.
jim benson
July 18th, 2011
I loved the Addams family when I was a kid. I thought Morticia Addams was gorgeous and I wanted to be her when I grew up. (Ironically I ended up with the nick name “Wednesday” in high school.) I was even more delighted when the movies came out and one of my favorite actresses of all time, Anjelica Huston, played Morticia. Anyway, I think it’s super cool you got to meet Gomez.
Natalie
September 28th, 2012