Ted Cassidy was an American actor who is best known for his role as Lurch in The Addams Family, as well as for his deep voice in various narrations and character dubbing. His tall stature and unique voice made him a memorable figure in film and television.
Personal and Family Life
Ted Cassidy was born on July 31, 1932, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and raised in Philippi, West Virginia. He was married to Margaret Helen Jesse from June 14, 1956, until their divorce in September 1975. The couple had two children, Cameron and Sean Cassidy. His father, Ellwood Cassidy, and his mother, Emily Cassidy, were an essential part of his upbringing.
Career
Throughout his three-decade career, Ted Cassidy portrayed many characters, earning respect and popularity in the entertainment industry. He is particularly remembered for his role as Lurch, where his iconic line, “You rang?”, became famous. In addition to acting, he offered his deep voice for various animations and narrations, further showcasing his talent.
Death and Legacy
Ted Cassidy passed away on January 16, 1979, in Los Angeles, California, due to complications from heart surgery. After his death, his live-in girlfriend had his remains cremated and buried in the backyard of their home in Woodland Hills. His contributions to film and television have left a lasting legacy, particularly his unforgettable portrayal of Lurch.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid | 1969-09-23 | Harvey Logan |
| Flash Gordon: The Greatest Adventure of All | 1982-07-16 | Prince Thun (voice) |
| The Slams | 1973-09-26 | Glover |
| Poor Pretty Eddie | 1975-06-01 | Keno |
| Mackenna’s Gold | 1969-03-18 | Hachita |
| Jack and the Beanstalk | 1967-02-26 | The Giant (voice) |
| Planet Earth | 1974-04-23 | Isiah |
| Genesis II | 1973-03-23 | Isiah |
| Thunder County | 1974-01-01 | Renzo Gambini |
| The Limit | 1972-11-10 | Big Donnie |
| Halloween with the New Addams Family | 1977-10-30 | Lurch |
| The Return of the Incredible Hulk | 1977-11-27 | Narrator / Hulk (voice) |
| The Intruder | 1975-01-01 | Mr. Peterson |
| Dr. Strange | 1978-09-06 | Demon Balzaroth (voice) |
| Catch the Black Sunshine | 1972-01-01 | Striker |
| Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man | 1943-03-12 | Big Man |
| The Addams Family | 1964-09-18 | Lurch |
| The New Adventures of Huckleberry Finn | 1968-09-15 | Injun Joe |