Obit: TV’s Pugsley, Ken Weatherwax has died

by James L. Neibaur

12-8-2014

Ken Weatherwax

Ken Weatherwax, the actor who played Pugsley on TV’s ‘The Addams Family,” and later worked behind the scenes in movies, has died. He was 59 years old.

Weatherwax played the chubby boy of the Addams Family on the popular TV series (1964-1966). His contribution has continued to maintain popularity, via reruns, with new generations of fans. Unable to find acting work after the series ended, Weatherwax returned to public school and endured mocking from other students, which he reacted to negatively. He was kicked out of several schools and enlisted in the army at age 17. He later found steady, productive work building sets for films.

Not bitter about his lack of continued acting roles, Weatherwax always recalled the Addams Family as a good experience, and as an adult was happy to be recognized by fans. He would appear at autograph shows regularly. He has appeared in Addams Family tribute shows and reunions, and also has been interviewed in documentaries about the series, and about TV during the sixties. Weatherwax has also appeared on Fox network’s “O’Reilly Factor,” discussing the difficulties he had after the series ended, and how his life turned around once he entered the army.

Weatherwax’s aunt was actress and dancer Ruby Keeler. His brother Joey Vieira is an actor who, as Donald Keeler, played Porky on the first three seasons of Lassie with the late Tommy Rettig.

Weatherwax died in his sleep of a heart attack on Sunday morning, December 7, 2014. With hispassing, the only regular cast members from The Addams Family still living are John Astin, Lisa Loring, and Felix Silla.

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