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The answer depends on what you mean by “original.” Charles Addams created Wednesday as part of his Addams Family cartoons. Lisa Loring was the first actress to play her on television, in the 1960s series that debuted in 1964. If you mean the creator, the answer is Addams. If you mean the first screen portrayal, the answer is Loring.
Creator: Charles Addams
The Addams Family first appeared in The New Yorker in 1938. Bob Mankoff, the magazine’s former cartoon editor, has described a 1938 cartoon as the earliest he could find with recognizable members of the family, writing: “The first one I can find with any of the recognizable characters is this one, from 1938.”
That date marks the family’s debut, not necessarily Wednesday’s first individual appearance. An Illinois State University character overview (2023) dates Wednesday’s first appearance in the cartoon series to 1944, six years after the family debuted. The New Yorker also reports that family members were not individually named until the television adaptation in 1964, so the name “Wednesday” belongs to the television era rather than to the earliest drawings.
First television Wednesday: Lisa Loring
Lisa Loring originated the role on screen. Her portrayal came in the 1960s series that debuted in 1964, the adaptation that gave the family members their names. The series is available on home video as The Addams Family: The Complete Series, which is a collection of the television show, not of Addams’s cartoons.
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- A terrifyingly terrific Pop! Wednesday Addams wants to join your Pop! Television family
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Later portrayals
Christina Ricci played Wednesday in the feature films released in 1991 and 1993. Jenna Ortega plays the character in Netflix’s streaming series Wednesday, which began in 2022. Netflix’s official cast guide covers that series and its performers.
Portrayals compared
| Version | Medium | Dates | Who played or drew Wednesday |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original cartoons | Single-panel cartoons in The New Yorker | Family debut 1938 (The New Yorker); Wednesday’s first cartoon appearance 1944 (Illinois State University overview, 2023) | Drawn by Charles Addams; no performer |
| Television series | Live-action television | Debuted 1964 | Lisa Loring |
| Feature films | Live-action films | 1991 and 1993 | Christina Ricci |
| Streaming series | Netflix series | From 2022 | Jenna Ortega |
How to use the word “original”
- Creator: Charles Addams, who drew the family in The New Yorker from 1938.
- First television Wednesday: Lisa Loring, in the series that debuted in 1964.
- Later performers: Christina Ricci in the 1991 and 1993 films, and Jenna Ortega in the Netflix series. These are adaptations from different eras, not competing claims to the character’s origin.
Date caveats
The 1938 date comes from The New Yorker and refers to the family’s debut. The 1944 date for Wednesday’s first cartoon appearance comes from a single university character overview, so treat it as that source’s dating rather than a universally agreed one. Dates for home video releases and streaming availability change over time, so check current listings before buying or watching.
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- PERFECT GIFT FOR FANS - Ideal for comic, movie, and series enthusiasts, these collectable Bitty Pops! bring excitement and joy to any occasion, appealing to both kids and adults.
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Rank #4
- WEDNESDAY 3.75 INCH FIGURES: Posable 3.75" figures of the iconic Wednesday Addams and vibrant Enid, bringing the eerie and quirky world of Wednesday to life. Each figure measures 1.25 (L) x .75 (D) x 3.75 (H) inches.
- IMMERSIVE PLAY FOR ALL AGES: These finely detailed figures bring the mysterious, offbeat charm of Wednesday to life, allowing you to relive the thrilling adventures of your favorite iconic characters.
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- PERFECT FOR EASTER, PARTIES, AND STOCKINGS: Looking for a unique gift? This is an ideal Easter basket addition, party favor, stocking stuffer, or travel toy. Ideal for on-the-go fun, or as a unique collectible!
- FUN FOR ALL AGES: A must-have for Wednesday fans and collectors who love the blend of gothic mystery and quirky fun. Recommended for ages 8 and up.
Rank #3
- WEDNESDAY ADDAMS TOY FIGURE – Treat fans of mystery to the Wednesday Addams Figure, based on the character and TV series, which includes a posable model, stand with storage, and more
- MYSTERY PLAYSET WITH SECRET ACCESSORIES – Includes a brick-built figure of Wednesday with 2 face and outfit options, Thing character, a stand with 2 secret lockable drawers and various accessories
- RECREATE ICONIC SCENES – Fans of the TV series ages 10 and up can build a Wednesday doll in her uniform or rebuild her in the dress she wore to the Rave’N Dance, then pose her on the stand
- COLLECTIBLE WEDNESDAY SET – A buildable character model made for play and display with lots of recognizable items from the hit TV series
- DISPLAY GIFT – Looking for a gift for a very particular fan? Here’s a detailed LEGO set that makes a birthday gift for kids or surprise for fans of the TV series and the ever-curious Wednesday
Rank #2
- The Monster High x Wednesday collection pays tribute to the darkly witty and downright eerie television series with a screamium line of dolls.
- A striking vision in her trademark black, this Wednesday Addams doll reimagines the show's titular character and her iconic gothic style through a Monster High lens.
- A tie, statement belt, and spiderweb tights complement Wednesday's Nevermore Academy uniform. Chunky platform boots feature her cello on one heel and her beloved scorpion Nero on the other.
- She comes with her loyal confidante Thing sporting his signature stitches, as well as a glossy black backpack with skullette and spiderweb details.
- Check out the entire Monster High x Wednesday line for more delightfully dire dolls. They make memorable gifts for collectors and fans alike. Each sold separately, subject to availability.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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