Original Wednesday Addams actress dies, age 64

Lisa Loring, the actress who brought the first iteration of Wednesday Addams to life, sadly passed away on Saturday, January 28 at the age of 64.

Although modern audiences are more than likely familiar with Cristina Ricci or Jenna Ortega’s version of Wednesday, Loring portrayed the character for the first time at just six years old on the ’60s sitcom The Addams Family.

Her friend Laure Jacobson announced the passing of Loring, revealing that she died of a “massive stroke”.

“It is with great sadness that I report the death of our friend, Lisa Loring,” Jacobson said in a statement

“Four days ago she suffered a massive stroke brought on by smoking and high blood pressure.

“She had been on life support for 3 days.

“Yesterday, her family made the difficult decision to remove it and she passed last night.”

Born February 16, 1958, Loring began modelling at age three and made her first television appearance in an episode of Dr. Kildare, in 1964.

In addition to roles in The Pruitts of Southampton, As the World Turns and slasher films such as Blood Frenzy, Iced, and Savage Harbor, Loring made a name for herself as the daughter of Gomez and Morticia Addams in the American television series The Addams Family from 1964 to 1966, appearing in 64 episodes.

As news of Loring’s passing broke, fans from near and far paid tribute to the late star and reflected on her “iconic” performance as Wednesday Addams.

Rest in Peace Lisa Loring, the original Wednesday Addams.

The original Wednesday dance with Ted Cassidy from the 1964 episode, Lurch Learns to Dance. pic.twitter.com/ri3wTorYUo

— Danny Deraney (@DannyDeraney) January 30, 2023

Rip dear Lisa Loring. Delightful in the role of the youngest member of The Addams Family, your iconic presence as the original Wednesday will forever be remembered. You were an important part of our cultural history. I was so happy I met you. I hope you knew how much we loved you pic.twitter.com/Srf9XtFmTm

— Barbara Crampton (@barbaracrampton) January 30, 2023

Man, who would’ve imagined in 1964 that John Astin, who’s now almost 93, would be the last surviving cast member of “The Addams Family” sitcom.

R.I.P. Lisa Loring. pic.twitter.com/ZEong8sQPz

— Brad Preston (@bradpreston) January 30, 2023

SAD FAREWELL
Lisa Loring recently suffered a massive stroke and died last night. She would have turned 65 next month. I love that Christina Ricci and Jenna Ortega always paid respectful tribute to the OG Wednesday. For those of us in our 60s this is like losing an old friend. pic.twitter.com/PUdoou8vy7

— James L. Neibaur (@JimLNeibaur) January 30, 2023

Heartbreaking. Lisa Loring, so delightful as Wednesday Addams, has passed passed away. Wishing her peace with Carolyn Jones and the rest of the Addams Family who welcome her with open arms on the other side. Of the original cast, only John Astin remains. ???????? pic.twitter.com/bgMj9CQLDl

— R. J. Crowther Jr. (@RJCrowtherJr) January 30, 2023

Loring is survived by her two daughters and grandchildren Emiliana and Charles.