Summary
The cast of Netflix's Wednesday includes actors who are older than the characters they portray, but their age difference doesn't negatively impact their performances.
Jenna Ortega defies her age with a remarkable portrayal of Wednesday Addams, a 16-year-old character, even though she is already 21.
Notably, Emma Meyers and Joy Sunday, among other actors in Wednesday, skillfully embody younger characters despite their actual age.
Netflix's Wednesday boasts an impressive ensemble, although the actors may not perfectly match the ages of their portrayed characters. As the latest addition to The Addams Family franchise, Wednesday has already become a resounding success on Netflix, breaking streaming records in its very first season. The series seamlessly combines comedy, drama, and mystery, while also receiving heaps of praise from both fans and critics for its imaginative reinterpretation of The Addams Family's beloved characters.
The triumph of Wednesday can be attributed in part to its exceptionally talented cast, comprising a mixture of seasoned actors and emerging talents. Moreover, the show benefits greatly from the visionary direction of Tim Burton, who not only helms half of the episodes in the first season but also serves as an executive producer. Nonetheless, the cast of Wednesday holds equal significance to Burton's directorial prowess, despite the actors not being the exact same age as the characters they bring to life.
14 Jenna Ortega (21) As Wednesday Addams (16)
13 Hunter Doohan (29) As Tyler Galpin (16-19)
Jenna Ortega, who portrays the iconic character Wednesday Addams, is only 21 years old, despite her character being depicted as 16 in the Netflix series. Ortega's exceptional portrayal of the lead role is evident through her prestigious nomination for a Primetime Emmy Award. The performance in "Wednesday" is undoubtedly one of Ortega's finest achievements in either film or television, and the fact that she is older than her character does not hinder her remarkable talent. With her youthful appearance, Ortega effortlessly embodies the essence of a high school student, erasing any concerns about her age becoming a distraction.
In Wednesday, Tyler Galpin is believed to be in the range of 16-19 years old, although his exact age is not explicitly mentioned. Interestingly, his actor, Hunter Doohan, is actually 29 years old. Despite this significant age difference, Doohan's appearance allows him to convincingly portray his character. While Tyler's age is not directly disclosed, it appears that he is intended to be slightly older than Wednesday Addams and her classmates, potentially by a year or two. Furthermore, as Tyler works as a barista instead of attending school, it can be inferred that he has recently completed high school, placing him around 18-19 years old.
12 Percy Hynes White (22) As Xavier Thorpe (16)
Percy Hynes White, who is currently 22 years old, brilliantly portrays the character of Xavier Thorpe, a 16-year-old in the series Wednesday. White's youthful appearance effortlessly matches the role, eliminating any concerns about his age appropriateness. It is largely thanks to White's exceptional performance that Xavier has become one of the most beloved characters in the show. Despite the age difference between White and his character, the casting decision has proven to be a wise choice. Xavier's significant involvement in the future plotlines of Wednesday is crucial, and White's portrayal ensures that the character is in capable hands.
11 Emma Meyers (21) As Enid Sinclair (16)
At just 21 years old, Emma Meyers brilliantly portrays the lively best friend of Wednesday Addams, Enid Sinclair, who is only 16 years old. In her exceptional performance in the first season of Wednesday, Meyers impressively captures the essence of a high school student despite being older than her character by five years. Enid's significance to Wednesday's future makes it even more promising that Meyers' portrayal has garnered such positive reception from fans.
10 Joy Sunday (27) As Bianca Barclay (16)
9 Moosa Mostafa (15) As Eugene Ottinger (14)
Joy Sunday, portraying the character of Bianca Barclay in Wednesday, is 27 years old which contrasts with her on-screen age of 16. Initially depicted as the main adversary of the titular character, Bianca eventually reconciles with her amidst the chaos caused by the Jericho murders. Despite the significant age difference, Joy Sunday convincingly portrays a high school student due to her youthful appearance. Additionally, her exceptional acting abilities further solidify her as an excellent casting choice for the role of Wednesday.9 Moosa Mostafa (15) As Eugene Ottinger (14)
Portrayed by 15-year-old actor Moosa Mostafa, Eugene Ottinger, the 14-year-old character from Wednesday, quickly becomes a favorite among viewers. Mostafa's age closely matches the character's, as he was only 14 during the filming of Wednesday season 1. His endearing portrayal of Eugene, fueled by a geeky charm, makes it impossible not to adore him in the series. Undoubtedly, Mostafa proves to be the perfect choice for this role.
8 Gwendoline Christie (44) As Larissa Weems (49-50)
Gwendoline Christie, who is 44 years old, portrays Principal Larissa Weems on Wednesday. The character's age is estimated to be around 49-50 in the show, although it is never explicitly stated. It is known that Principal Weems attended Nevermore Academy alongside Morticia Addams and graduated in 1991. Assuming she completed high school at the age of 18, like most students, it can be inferred that she is approximately 50 years old during the events of the show. While there is speculation about Principal Weems' potential return for Wednesday season 2, it should be noted that currently, she meets her demise at the age of 50.
7 Christina Ricci (43) As Marilyn Thornhill/Laurel Gates (42)
Playing the role of Marylin Thornhill, Wednesday's antagonist, is the talented Christina Ricci, who is 43 years old. Although it is later revealed that Thornhill is actually Laurel Gates in disguise, she is still presumed to be around 42 years old. Ricci's exceptional portrayal in this crucial role greatly contributes to the success of the show. Her ability to convey a helpful and caring persona throughout most of Wednesday season 1 is vital, as it prevents the true villain from being exposed and potentially spoiling the plot.
6 Riki Lindhome (44) As Dr. Valerie Kinbott (~40)
Dr. Valerie Kinbot, the esteemed therapist from Jericho, is expertly portrayed by Riki Lindhome, a 44-year-old actress. Although her character's age remains unspecified in the show, it can be presumed that she is around 40 years old. Dr. Kinbot holds great significance in the storyline and, albeit temporarily suspected of orchestrating the gruesome murders in Jericho, she ultimately clears her name before meeting her demise by the end of Wednesday season 1. Determining the exact age of her character is challenging, but it is likely that she is close to the age of the actress, placing her in her early 40s at the time of her passing.
5 Catherine Zeta-Jones (54) As Morticia Addams (50)
Catherine Zeta-Jones, a 54-year-old actress, exhibits great talent as one of the esteemed members of Wednesday's cast. In the series, she portrays the character of Morticia Addams, who is approximately 50 years old. Morticia completed her education at Nevermore Academy in 1991, and although her precise age is never explicitly mentioned, it can be inferred that she is around 50 during the events of season 1. Larissa Weems, also a former student of Nevermore, is another individual presumed to be around the same age. Regardless of her age, Zeta-Jones authentically embodies the role and visually suits the character perfectly.
4 Luis Guzmán (67) As Gomez Addams (50)
Luis Guzmán, at the age of 67, portrays the character of Gomez Addams on Wednesday. Although the exact age of Gomez isn't explicitly mentioned, his status as a member of the 1991 graduating class at Nevermore Academy suggests that he is around 50 years old in the show. Despite the significant age difference, Guzmán convincingly embodies the persona of Gomez Addams in his early 50s.
3 Isaac Ordonez (14) As Pugsley Addams (13-14)
Pugsley Addams, who is portrayed by Isaac Ordonez, is believed to be approximately 13 or 14 years old in Wednesday. Interestingly, Ordonez himself is 14, aligning perfectly with the age of his character. This synchrony between actor and character is a rarity within the cast of Wednesday. Despite the fact that the depiction of Pugsley has been significantly modified from the original Addams Family series, Ordonez flawlessly embodies the role and brings a rejuvenating perspective to the character.
2 Fred Armisen (56) As Uncle Fester (Mid 50s)
Fred Armisen, who is 56 years old, brilliantly portrays Uncle Fester in Wednesday. Fester, who is believed to be slightly older than his brother Gomez, is likely in his mid 50s. Although Uncle Fester has a brief appearance in Wednesday, Fred Armisen's performance is consistently hilarious and captivating. While it's possible that Fester's age in the show reaches 60, it is more probable that he is just a few years older than his brother Gomez.
1 Jamie McShane (57) As Donovan Galpin (Mid 50s)
Jamie McShane, 57 years old, portrays Sheriff Donovan Galpin in the series. Although his exact age is uncertain, flashbacks depict him as a young police officer during the time when Gomez and Morticia Addams were attending Nevermore. This suggests that he is older than them, placing him in his mid-to-late 50s. Depending on when he joined the police force, Sheriff Donovan Galpin could be anywhere between 52 and 60 years old.