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6 times the Addams family wore something other than their iconic costumes
Gomez donned a different kind of striped suit for moon bathing and Pugsley horrified Morticia in his boy scout uniform.
Besides maybe Andy’s sheriff uniform or Fonzie’s leather jacket, it’s hard to think of more iconic sitcom costumes than the ones worn by each member of the Addams family. Gomez’s pinstripe suit, Wednesday’s white collar and, of course, Morticia’s spooky black dress are all ingrained in pop culture.
There were a few occasions, however, when a member of TV’s kookiest family decided to wear something different. Sometimes they needed an outfit for a specific activity, like moon bathing, sometimes they just felt like putting on something different, like Pugsley’s horrifically normal boy scout uniform.
Here are six times someone in the Addams family wore something different than the costume they are most famous for.
1. Uncle Fester’s Crazy Wig
In “Uncle Fester’s Toupee,” Gomez and Morticia help Fester pick a hairpiece to impress his romantic pen pal who is coming to visit. Before picking a shorter, neater wig, Fester tries on one which matches his electric personality. Gomez even compliments him, saying he’s “the spitting image of cousin Bleak, the time the boll weevils got in his hair.”
2. Lurch’s Suit for the Butler’s Ball
The Addams Family episodes centered around the stoic butler Lurch are fan favorites and “Lurch Learns to Dance” is no exception. After a dance teacher can’t keep from fainting, the members of the Addams family decide to show Lurch a few steps to prepare him for the Butler’s Ball. Wednesday even picks out his outfit, a “Little Lord Fauntleroy” suit complete with hat and giant lollipop. An earlier scene with Lurch in ballet tights is also worth an honorable mention.
3. Pugsley’s Boy Scout Uniform
We’ll start with the most horrific outfit, at least according to Gomez and Morticia. When they see their beloved Pugsley dressed as a boy scout and reject his pet octopus in favor of a cute puppy, they fear the worst — that he’s becoming normal! As the title of the episode “Morticia and the Psychiatrist” implies, the Addams seek professional help but the therapist is just as confused as anyone.
4. Morticia’s Maid Outfit
Another great Lurch episode is “Mother Lurch Visits the Addams Family.” Ellen Corby, a few years before becoming Grandma Walton, guest stars as Lurch’s demanding mother. Gomez and Morticia decide to play along as a butler and maid so Lurch can pretend to own the house to impress his mom. Gomez gives up his pinstripe suit for a butler’s bowtie and Morticia dons an apron and hat.
5. Gomez’s Moon Bathing Suit
In “Uncle Fester’s Illness,” the normally electric Fester can’t seem to conduct a current. Morticia suggests moon bathing to make him feel better and while Fester isn’t sure, Gomez can’t wait. Gomez even breaks out his striped moon bathing swimsuit for the occasion.
6. Pugsley and Wednesday’s Halloween Costumes
If any show needs to have a Halloween episode, it’s The Addams Family and the iconic sitcom actually has two, one in each season. The first one, “Halloween with the Addams Family,” features Pugsley and Wednesday dressed up in the scariest costumes they can think of. Pugsley sports a suit and tie and Wednesday wears a cute poofy skirt with matching bows in her hair. Gomez and Morticia are, of course, aghast. Grandmama proudly declares “They’ll scare the wits out of people!”
