MovieChat Forums > The Addams Family (1964) Discussion > John Astin gave up top billing to Caroly...

John Astin gave up top billing to Carolyn Jones

posted 3 years ago by MonStar (13552)
9 replies | jump to latest

https://www.metv.com/stories/john-astin-fought-the-good-fight-to-keep-gomez-from-being-bald

John Astin was signed to the TV show first, and his contract gave him top billing. The article explains that they could not find an actress to fit their vision for Morticia, until they got Carolyn Jones. She wanted top billing and Astin thought she was perfect for the part. He said that he gladly lined out the top billing provision in his contract, giving it to her.

[–] PaladinNJ (21772) 2 years ago

He's always been very humble in real life.

[–] Freddy (1325) 2 years ago

he was a nice person to do that so many don't realize you will shine even if you are an extra remember the blob

[–] strntz (12773) 2 years ago

Maybe it's because I'm not a celeb, but I find it interesting that anyone would insist on being top-billed for anything.

[–] kwestmo (4385) 2 years ago

it's an ego business, so billing matters to some. me, i would take the higher paycheck.

in this case I will speculate that Ashton figured the right actress in the role enhanced the show's chance of success.

Even tho it was a two season show it is iconic and I believe the chemistry of Jones and Ashton is a large part of that.

[–] liscarkat (19416) 2 years ago

Who is Ashton?

[–] kwestmo (4385) 2 years ago

Astin. Thanks for the heads up

[–] Bossdog677 (1582) 2 years ago

And still John Astin is the one we remember.

[–] goldenagefilmstv (178) 2 years ago

We remember BOTH. They were superb together!! Everyone agrees they had great chemistry, and were perfectly cast.

In fact, I think *everyone* was perfectly cast in that show, which was a major factor in its success.

[–] goldenagefilmstv (178) 2 years ago

@MonStar

I had always assumed it was "ladies first" as regards the two leads in the opening credits.

In any case, I don't think it matters much.