John Astin

John Allen Astin, born on March 30, 1930, is an American retired actor and director with an extensive career in stage, television and film roles, particularly in character roles. Astin is best recognized for his role as patriarch Gomez Addams in 'The Addams Family' (1964–1966), restating the role in the television film 'Halloween with the New Addams Family' (1977) and the animated series 'The Addams Family' (1992–1993). He starred in the TV film 'Evil Roy Slade' (1972) and featured in notable films such as 'West Side Story' (1961), 'That Touch of Mink' (1962), 'Move Over, Darling' (1963), 'Freaky Friday' (1976), 'National Lampoon's European Vacation' (1985), 'Teen Wolf Too' (1987) and 'The Frighteners' (1996). Astin was also nominated for the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film for his directorial debut, the comedic short 'Prelude' (1968).

Early in his career, Astin performed in theater, making his first appearance on Broadway as an understudy in 'Major Barbara' (1954) before landing a TV series lead, the ABC sitcom 'I'm Dickens, He's Fenster', acting Harry Dickens. Subsequently, he starred in ABC sitcom 'The Addams Family' for two years. From his comedic brilliance in The Addams Family, Astin also appeared in CBS show 'Batman' playing the Riddler. Having later appeared in multiple telefilm series, Astin was nominated for awards for several roles including 'Tales from the Crypt' and ABC-TV's 'The Addams Family'. Having a successful acting career, Astin taught at his alma mater, Johns Hopkins University, demonstrating his dedication to arts and theater studies. Firmly reflecting on his career, Astin has expressed immense satisfaction, having done hundreds of TV shows and movies and declared his love for acting.