Ken Weatherwax

Ken Weatherwax

Weatherwax as Pugsley Addams, 1964
Born Kenneth Patrick Weatherwax
September 29, 1955
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Died December 7, 2014 (aged 59)
West Hills, California, U.S.
Cause of death
 Heart attack
Occupation Actor
Years active 1964–1977

Kenneth Patrick Weatherwax (September 29, 1955 – December 7, 2014) billed as "Ken" Weatherwax and nicknamed Kenny was an American child actor, best known for having played Pugsley Addams on the original The Addams Family black-and-white television series and reprised the role in the television movie Halloween with the New Addams Family.

Biography

Weatherwax, who was born in 1955 at Los Angeles, California, played Pugsley Addams on the original The Addams Family television series. After The Addams Family was canceled, Weatherwax found it difficult to get work in Hollywood (a common occurrence for child actors) and was typecast as Pugsley well into his teens. At 17, Weatherwax entered the U.S. Army.[1]

Weatherwax worked behind the camera as a movie studio grip and set builder after his acting career ended. He also made appearances at Addams Family-related events.[2]

Weatherwax died on December 7, 2014, of a heart attack at his home in West Hills, California, at the age of 59.[3]

Personal

His aunt was Ruby Keeler. His brother, Joey D. Vieira, also known as Donald Keeler, played "Porky" on the first three seasons of TV's Lassie, beginning in 1954.[4] Frank and Rudd Weatherwax, Lassie's trainers, and owners of the first dog to play the role, were Ken's uncles.[5]

References

  1. ↑ Barnes, Mike (December 8, 2014). "Ken Weatherwax, Who Played Pugsley on TV’s 'Addams Family,' Dies at 59 (Report)". Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved December 8, 2014.
  2. ↑ "Ken Weatherwax, Pugsley on ‘The Addams Family,’ Dies at 59". Variety. December 8, 2014. Retrieved December 8, 2014.
  3. ↑ Parker, Ryan (8 December 2014). "'The Addams Family' star Ken Weatherwax dead at 59". Los Angeles Times.
  4. ↑ Lamparski, Richard (1982). Whatever Became Of ...? Eighth Series. New York: Crown Publishing Group. pp. 230–231. ISBN 0-517-54855-0.
  5. ↑ "Ken Weatherwax, Pugsley Of The Addams Family, Dies After Suffering Heart Attack At 59". inquisitr.com. December 9, 2014. Retrieved December 9, 2014.

External links