Lisa Loring Cause of Death: Original Wednesday Addams dead at 64

Lisa Loring, who played Wednesday Addams in the original live-action Addams family series, has died, confirms our sister site Variety. She was 64.

Television writer and producer Laura Jacobson announced Loring’s death on Facebook on Sunday, writing, “It is with great sadness that I announce the death of our friend Lisa Loring.” According to Jacobson, four days earlier, the actress “suffered a massive stroke brought on by smoking and high blood pressure been,” and has been on life support for three days.

“Yesterday her family made the difficult decision to remove it and she died last night,” Jacobson continued. “She’s woven into the carpet of pop culture and in our hearts forever as Wednesday Addams.”

“Beautiful, kind, a loving mother, Lisa’s legacy in the entertainment world is huge. And the legacy to her family and friends – an abundance of humor, affection and love will long be remembered. RIP, Lisa. Damn girl… you were a lot of fun.”

Loring played Wednesday at the Addams family from 1964-1966. In a Season 2 episode, the youngest Addams taught Lurch her version of “The Drew,” a whimsical shuffle that’s gained traction online in recent years. Jenna Ortega, who plays the morbid teenager in Tim Burton’s Netflix series, paid tribute to Loring’s dancing in a Season 1 episode.

“I knew there were certain things I wanted to do. I paid my respects to Lisa Loring, the first Wednesday Addams. I did a bit of her shuffle that she does. Of course they cut out of camera when I did, but it’s there! I know it is!” Ortega narrated to Jimmy Fallon during a performance The Tonight Show.

Additional TV credits for Loring included As the world turns, Barnaby Jones, fantasy island, The girl from UNCLE and The Phyllis Diller Show.