But we’re not here to start a debate on which actress embodied the goth girl best. Instead, let’s take a stroll down memory lane and take a look at all the actresses who brought the role of Wednesday Addams to life in chronological order.
Lisa Loring (The Addams Family, 1964-1966)
The first time Wednesday Addams was portrayed by a real actress was in the 1964 series, The Addams Family. The character was portrayed by Lisa Loring when she was just six years old, which makes her the youngest actress to land the role. Although the series was in black and white, the series gave birth to Wednesday’s interest in bizarre pets and carry around a headless doll.
Cindy Henderson (The Addams Family, 1973)
In 1973, The Addams Family was brought to life in an animated series that started off as an episode in The New Scooby-Doo Movies. The episode, Scooby-Doo Meets the Addams Family, showed a different Wednesday Addams from what we know. The character was voiced by Cindy Henderson. If you ever wondered if Wednesday wore any other color, you’d be surprised that our favorite goth girl wore a pink dress in the series. Oh, and did we mention she had a cheerful disposition in the show?
Christina Ricci (The Addams Family, 1991; Addams Family Values, 1993)
Without a doubt, the most iconic actress to portray Wednesday Addams character on film is Christina Ricci. Her depiction is arguably one of the most beloved, especially from those who grew up in the 90s. Ricci did a fantastic job in portraying the grim character that she even returns in the new Wednesday series as an entirely new character.
RELATED: Who Does Christina Ricci Play on Wednesday?
Debi Derryberry (The Addams Family, 1992-1993)
Years later, The Addams Family were revived in a new animated series that aired between 1992 and 1993. Wednesday’s dark demeanor was toned down to be more child-friendly and voiced by Debi Derryberry. This version of Wednesday often smiled too, which is far different than the character we know today. Plus, her sinister thoughts remain inside her head.
Nicole Fugere (Addams Family Reunion, 1998; The New Addams Family, 1998-1999)
Nicole Fugere took the role of Wednesday Addams when she was just 12 years old. She was the only cast member who starred in both the movie, Addams Family Reunion, and the series, The New Addams Family. Fugere nailed Wednesday’s evil glare and monotonous tone.
Chloë Grace Moretz (The Addams Family, 2019; The Addams Family 2, 2021)
Chloë Grace Moretz portrayed the role of Wednesday in two animated films: The Addams Family and The Addams Family 2. This was the first time we got to see a coming-of-age story of Wednesday as every teenager does.
Jenna Ortega (Wednesday, 2022)
And here we are with the latest actresses to breathe life into the role of the princess of goth. It was like Jenna Ortega was born for the role after being cast by Tim Burton. Her dry sense of humor and blank stare were spot on. Not to mention, Ortega did a great job dancing without losing touch of her character’s personality. You can check out that famous dance scene here:
Which Wednesday Addams is your favorite?
Wednesday is now streaming on Netflix.
RELATED: Wednesday’s Jenna Ortega Confesses Doing Autopsies On Dead Lizards When She Was Younger
