In Memoriam: Ken Weatherwax ‘Pugsley Addams’

Ken Weatherwax, the actor who portrayed Pugsley in “The Addams Family” television series, has died at the age of 59. The reported cause of death is a heart attack.

Weatherwax, whose Pugsley often appeared in scenes with sister Wednesday (Lisa Loring), starred in the series when it aired from 1964-1946. Based on the comic strip by Charles Addams, “The Addams Family” sitcom followed the antics of a creepy, kooky, mysterious, and spooky family.

However, once the series ended Weatherwax “tried out for other roles but didn’t land anything, saying he was a victim of typecasting.” His last credited role was as Pugsley Sr. in the television movie “Halloween with the Addams Family,” which used to air each Halloween and was part of my yearly tradition.

The remaining cast members from the original series include Gomez (John Astin), Loring, and Cousin Itt (Felix Silla). Loring, Silla, and Weatherwax have attended various conventions and fan events over the years, including Dragon Con, where I once had the opportunity to meet them.  

Since the 1960’s, the Addams Family characters have continued to endure, appearing in major motion pictures, an animated series, a “new” version of the live action show, and a Broadway musical.

And while Weatherwax never seemed able to advance his career beyond his Addams Family persona, he was the first actor to portray Pugsley Addams, and that’s not a bad legacy to leave.