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John Astin
Age: 79
Height: 5' 11"
Birth Place: Baltimore, Maryland, USA
Born: Mar. 30th, 1930
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John Astin's Main TV Roles
NOTE: Complete List of Works can be found at
IMDB
BIOGRAPHY: Dark haired, usually mustachioed US actor with a cheeky grin who achieved pop culture status through his portrayal of the kooky patriarch "Gomez Addams" in the hit TV series "The Addams Family" (1964), John Astin was born March 30, 1930, in Baltimore, MD. He attended Johns Hopkins University and studied mathematics. However he discovered a passion for the theater and began performing in minor plays and doing voice-over work for commercials. He first got noticed in a small role in West Side Story (1961), then appeared in several other films before being cast as "Gomez Addams". While "The Addams Family" was initially a huge hit, its popularity petered out after two years, and Astin moved on to other work including the offbeat Bunny O'Hare (1971), playing a grizzled but not particularly bright gunfighter in the western spoof Evil Roy Slade (1972) (TV), an appearance in the Disney comedy Freaky Friday (1976) and dual roles in European Vacation (1985).
He has since lent his comedic talents to numerous appearances as "Dr. Gangreen" in several corny "Killer Tomato" movies, and has contributed his voice to recreate "Gomez Addams" in the animated series "The Addams Family" (1992), and then played "Grandpa Addams" in the short-lived TV series "The New Addams Family" (1998). In addition, Astin has contributed voices to several animated shows, and still regularly appears in films.
TRIVIA:
- He and his wife Val are leaders of a Buddhist group in Santa Monica.
- Is a fan of the works of 'Edgar Allan Poe' (qv), and studies Poe's works extensively. He has regularly attended Baltimore's yearly celebration of Poe's birthday.
- He and his son Sean have both appeared in films that won Best Picture, four decades apart. John had a small role in _West Side Story (1961)_ (qv), while Sean had a lead role in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy.
- Appeared in three separate episodes of _"Night Gallery" (1970)_ (qv). During each episode, his character was killed, and during two episodes, his character found himself in Hell. Also directed three episodes of the show.
- Attended Washington and Jefferson College, graduated from Johns Hopkins University and did graduate work at the University of Minnesota.
- Biography in: "Who's Who in Comedy" by Ronald L. Smith. pg. 31-32. New York: Facts on File, 1992. ISBN 0816023387.
- During a speech given at Booker High School in Sarasota, Florida, he told the crowd of students that he never has, and never will watch any of the new Addams Family films. He did not give his reasons why.
- Children: (with Duke) 'Mackenzie Astin' (qv); (with Hahn) David Astin, Allen Astin and Tom Astin. Son 'Sean Astin' (qv) is adopted; and Sean and Mackenzie are actors.
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