Wednesday Addams, the morbidly charming daughter of the Addams Family, has captivated audiences for decades. From her humble beginnings in Charles Addams' New Yorker cartoons to her current reign as a Netflix queen, portrayed by Jenna Ortega, Wednesday's journey is filled with fascinating trivia and unforgettable portrayals.
The Evolution of Wednesday: More Than Just Pigtails
While Jenna Ortega has become the modern face of Wednesday in the hit Netflix series 'Wednesday', she stands on the shoulders of giants. Nine actresses have donned the iconic black dress and braids, each bringing their unique spin to the character. Lisa Loring was the first to portray Wednesday in the 1960s sitcom 'The Addams Family', offering a tamer, more innocent version of the character.
From Page to Screen: Wednesday's Origins
Charles Addams first introduced the Addams Family in 1938, but it wasn't until 1944 that Wednesday, initially unnamed, made her debut. The name 'Wednesday' was suggested by actress and poet Joan Blake, inspired by the line 'Wednesday's child is full of woe' from the nursery rhyme 'Monday's Child'. A fitting name for a girl obsessed with the macabre!
Beyond the Gloom: Hidden Talents and Quirks
Did you know Wednesday's middle name is Friday, a nod to her birth on Friday the 13th? She loves raising spiders, even keeping one named Homer as a pet. Despite her dark persona, Wednesday possesses unexpected talents, including ballet and painting, albeit with a typically morbid twist (think trees adorned with human heads). She even had a doll named Marie Antoinette, who suffered a grim fate at the hands of her brother Pugsley.
Catching Up With The Addams Family
While waiting for 'Wednesday' Season 2, fans can immerse themselves in the Addams Family universe by watching 'The Addams Family' (1991) and 'Addams Family Values' (1993), currently streaming on Hoopla. These films offer a broader view of the entire Addams clan, featuring iconic performances by Anjelica Huston as Morticia, Raul Julia as Gomez, and Christina Ricci as Wednesday. These films offer a perfect companion to the Netflix series.
With 'Wednesday' Season 2 scheduled to release on September 3, 2025, fans have plenty of time to delve into the rich history and captivating character of Wednesday Addams.