Biography
John Astin is an American actor and director. Born John Allen Astin on 30 March 1930 in Baltimore, Maryland, he studied mathematics at Washington & Jefferson College before transferring to Johns Hopkins University, where he pursued drama. He began his career in the theatre and with voice-over work for commercials, making his film debut in a small role in West Side Story (1961).
Astin achieved prominence as Gomez Addams in the television series The Addams Family (1964–1966), reprising the role in later productions including the animated series. His other film roles include appearances in That Touch of Mink (1962), Move Over, Darling (1963), Evil Roy Slade (1972), Freaky Friday (1976) and National Lampoon's European Vacation (1985) as Kent. He directed the short film Prelude (1968), which received an Academy Award nomination for Best Live Action Short Film. He has also worked extensively in voice acting and guest roles on television.
