At the age of 64, Lisa Loring has away. She was most remembered for playing Wednesday Addams in the sitcom The Addams Family. The gifted performer lost her life after three days on life support due to a major stroke brought on by excessive blood pressure.
The information was corroborated by Chris Carbaugh, Loring’s agent, in a statement to CNN. According to Carbaugh, “She brought to life one of the most enduring figures in Hollywood history.” Lisa cherished telling stories about her past and interacting with her worldwide following. Jenna Ortega, who just updated Wednesday for a new generation, is surely one of her admirers.
Despite the recent recognition Ortega has received for her rendition of the character with the pigtails, Loring was the one who created the role in the first place. Wednesday was just a nameless character in a newspaper cartoon before she appeared in the classic sitcom. Wednesday was given life by Loring, who also gave her the sardonic delivery and brooding personality that made her famous.
Actors have imitated the legendary character using Loring’s portrayal as inspiration over the years. Both Ortega and Christina Ricci, who portrayed the role in the movies The Addams Family and Addams Family Values, developed a dry, sardonic delivery style for their lines. Their attire frequently served as a nod to Loring’s creation of the renowned figure.
But Ortega also made another unforgettable tribute to Loring. The scene where Wednesday busts a move at the Rave’N school dance is probably well-known to viewers of the Netflix series Wednesday. Ortega actually choreographed it herself, it turns out. She drew inspiration from a variety of sources for the choreography, but she also made sure to pay tribute to Loring in her performance. Wednesday, played by Loring, may be seen dancing in the original sitcom by doing a cute leg shuffle. Ortega made sure that her Wednesday replicated that special dance as well.
On The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Ortega discussed the dance and said, “I knew there were certain things I wanted to perform.”
I honored Lisa Loring, the original Wednesday Addams, by doing so. I mimicked her shuffle just a little bit. Naturally, they stopped recording when I did it, but it still exists! I’m sure it is!
A timeless persona was made possible by Loring.
The unique maneuver is undoubtedly there for keen Wednesday fans to see. It’s admirable that Ortega honored the woman who started it all, even though she may have given the pigtailed avatar to a new generation. Ortega’s character would not be able to exist in the way that she does without Loring. The gifted actor undoubtedly contributed to giving a character that continues to captivate viewers decade after decade some life. Family, friends, and admirers all agree that Loring will be sorely missed.
