Today Cool Classics takes a look at the Life and Career of Ken Weatherwax, who play Pugsley on the Addams Family TV Series. This story is not what any of expected for him.
Thank You everyone for the Prayers and Well Wishes! I am not sure when or if I post again on Cool Classics. Been focusing on work and spending time with my daughters. I recently started making a few videos of us exploring old or Freaky places, along with doing some public services, like cleaning up places and cemeteries. If you interested, here is the link to the channel. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-piRt_0SWQWU.html Again, thank you for being so Cool!
I enjoy your Cool Classics videos but understand you only have so much time to devote so do what you feel drawn to do. I'll stay subscribed though in case you do continue to post here. Best wishes whichever path your future takes!
Ken's mother was oh so blessed to have him as her son. When he said he would not allow her to got a nursing home and be forgotten, he darn well kept that promise.
I Did the same for my mom and dad... but, sadly because of that i had to watch both of them die... not only that, in my arms.. it's a terrible thing to go through :(
@@Glitch-Gremlin You did a tremendously selfless and beautiful thing for both of your parents. At the same time, I'm so sorry that you had to go through that. I hope to be as strong and kind as you when the time comes for me to do the same, someday
@@Glitch-Gremlin As a retired nurse I did this professionally, and I am about to run into the small damn wall you did, however, I do know one thing no can care for my mother better than me, and in my opinion you did better than anything I could have done, and I did many far too many however the one thing I can tell you is hearing is most often one of the last things to leave which means their heard you long after you thought their was nothing there, and most parents would be happy to have someone their love near them, you did that I could do for your parents, but I will do this for mine! For me, it is a gift you give them for giving you life, yes it hurts, but life it is all about pain and healing that pain! The good news you pass with fly colors, however I am up next here to hoping I do as good as you! It is easier said than done, believe me I do get it!
this is why its not good to live according to other ppl negative opinions , he did not realize the same ppl that was picking on him also felt bad about them own selves
I worked with Kenny at Warner Brothers, he took a career of working as a Grip. He was such a cool soft spoken guy. He was always a pleasure to be around. He never bragged about being in the movies. He was a very humble guy. I am honored to have known him, work with him and hangout with him after work. R.I.P. my friend
Jeez what a small world. I had a grandmother who worked at COLUMBIA and SCREEN GEMS. I Can attest to the close family like attachments that were present on a lot of those film sets. And that included cast crew rechnicians and studio employees . I think each knew how luckly they were to work in such a career.that other people envied.
He seemed to be a truly good and kind soul. How much he obviously loved his mother and his pup made me think so highly of him....not many families have that kind of bond. I knew a couple of people who acted (one still does and is fairly well known) and I know they got teased a lot in school by other kids, probably out of jealousy.
@Josephcatsanchez6590 that nice to know that and I just found out that he had died that's sad to know that he had died and that he went through some harsh stuff from jealous people his age called children like nitpicking at him about his size they had to say something to cover-up their own self esteem
All three of them sounds like real good people. I like how one of them became a mentor, other one became a mother figure and the third one became like a brother. It sounds like a really good working conditions. Thinking about Drew Barrymore how she was sent to rehab when she was some 9 years old... huge difference.
Sometimes the parents start bullying the kids way before school, don't encourage proper hygiene and set the kids up for being bullied at school as well as home. Real cruelty and evil exists in this world.
I remember watching "The Kid" when I was a young teen, and crying my eyes out like never before, at the scene where he was being taken away! It still gets to me now! The powerful emotions in that scene have never been rivalled, in my opinion!
@@patgalvez4563 AND Actor kids. That was the main part of the bullying I'm sure. It's often about "You're famous, so you think you're better than us. We'll show you!!!" Even if they don't even know the person.
i think he had other childhood issues. maybe child neglect, family pushed him too much in show biz, no real family love or attention? he felt lost once his other family in the show was gone.
I was in basic training at Ft Ord when he was there. We were told he was there by one of our drill Sargent's. That was Feb- March 1973. RIP Brother from one vet to another!
That was a truly fascinating biograhpy. I'm so sorry to hear about all the bullying he endured over just playing a role. But i was happy to hear he found peace during his final years. Very sad he passed away.
He left his tent only , as he was recovered by the Great Shepherd! To me this is not a tragic ending but a great and Glorious victory in Christ! "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish "“Truly I tell you, anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not come under judgment but has passed from death to life." John chapter 10 and 5
That's great that Butch Patrick, Ken's counter part from the Munsters, was at Ken's funeral. Also Paul Peterson of the Donna Reed show who started an organization to help former child actors deal with life after childhood stardom. Ken, Butch, Lisa, and Paul all had something in common.
I had boy crush on PAUL PETERSEN. I Figured he would go on and be a big star so handsome and cool and a boomer. Of course his career fizzled and next time he surfaced it was from his media exposure about child stars in Hollywood. Right there I said if he couldn't make it nobody could. I had forgotten type casting that was a big problem but not for a lot of younger people. I just wanted one of my idols to be successful and prove themselves.
He seemed to be such a loving person and it is nice to know he had a loving mother and his time on set of “The Addams Family” was filled with caring co-workers.
Excuse me, "find Jesus", do you per chance mean find belief in a particular religion? Don't you think it's more important to be a good person than find a particular religion? Besides, Christianity is as far from the real Jesus as you can get; I never knew Ken Weatherwax & am not prepared to make a judgement about him, but you seem to equate finding a particular religion with finding Jesus himself when those two aren't the same. As for authentic messages from heaven, they exist in the messages given by the Great White Brotherhood through Mr Bob Sanders. The Bible mixes truths with falsehoods & slanders God, so it's very important not to equate finding the Bible with finding God. Perhaps many christians are good people but the religion slanders God & therefore is a big evil.
Wow, his mom was an amazing woman. You don't often hear stories of Hollywood parents who are doing it right. I'm sorry for all his struggles, and I really appreciate you ending this video on such a happy and comforting note.
I heard of Ken’s passing at the time it happened and was very saddened by his death. I went to school with ken in 1968 at Walter Reed Jr. high school in North Hollywood, we were in the same chorus class in 7th and 8th grade. He was a very sweet and funny guy, I liked him very much and have never forgotten him. I’m very sad to hear about the trials and tribulations he suffered as an adult. I never saw the bullying he went through, but we only had one class together. It’s not uncommon for kids in Hollywood to be bullied when they go to regular school, kids are cruel. There were many Hollywood kids at our school, almost everyone in LA knows someone in the business. Thank you for posting this video, I’m very glad that Ken’s memory is kept alive through videos like this one.
He had a tough time ,it’s sad for him,people and children can be very cruel,and the mental scars can last a life time.I am delighted he found the peace and happiness he wanted and needed,He actually sounded like a remarkable man with many talents,with a loyal and loving heart.RIP
Much was missed in this story….I knew Kenny,.he was a Grip in the motion picture industry…He had a difficult transition from child star to adult..He was a good and decent guy……He never talked about his struggles..It was obvious he wasnt a very happy person…Blue collar Hollywood protects the actors on set and off…,we take care of our own…many stories like Kenny….I also know Jane Mansfields son and grandson …and Van Johnson’s illegitimate son..thats a story in itself……R.I.P KW..
I absolutely love listening to you tell these stories. My daughter who is now 28 was bullied in school because she has a stutter. Kids were so cruel but she dealt with it with dignity and grace. It wasn't easy and does still affect her to this day but it also made her a stronger person who, did then and still does today stick up for anyone she sees who gets bullied. RIP Ken I pray he finally found peace and contenment ❤
Thank you for being a supportive and understanding parent of a child who stutters. Mental emotional scars are much harder to face without some family or friend who can validate your worth. But having a relationship with God and a purpose in life is far more important and can be life saving.
That is the most unforgettable biography I ever watched. For most of his life, he suffered adversities and I am so glad he got the peace and happiness he deserved before he died!!!
I was surprised how deeply Ken's life story touched me. For context, I am a 65 yr old male, as a young man I watched Ken as Pugsley (and his brother's character "Porky" on Lassie) and did not think much of them at the time or since but as I get older, my childhood actually seems closer to me now than it did in my 30s, 40s or 50s. This youtube channel connects me to the real people behind the characters. After the Addam's Family ended Ken's story and all the bullying he suffered followed by low self-esteem was very hard to hear, and to me, very unexpected. After all, he was a true celebrity. That fact alone (or so I thought) should have made his life better. But his story had a powerful & happy ending because he died a brother-in-Christ! I will see and hug him one day!
Does anyone remember Flipper the Dolphine,he died in his holding tank and his trainer went on to fight for animal rights and better treatment of animals...
Thank you for his story. Ken was one of my favorite actors grwoing up at that time. I loved that show! I never knew his difficulties though. Wow. Inspiration comes from the most unsuspecting places sometimes. I too suffer from massive self esteem issues. Ken's story has given me new hope. Funny thing about it is I was just discussing the Book Of Matthew and where the name of the food pantry "Loaves And Fishes" came from an hour ago. Two fish and five loaves fed 5000 men and their wives and children with twelve basketfuls of leftovers. Thank you so much. The timing couldn't have been better. Serendipitous. I believe in Divine Intervention and it just saved this guy.
Keep your chin up! Yes i totally believe in divine intervention also and karma. Things totally happen for a reason ppl cross paths with certain ppl fpr a reason etc. U stay strong . Many ppl love you, ❤️ your here for a reason
Any child that suffers bullying grows up to really carry such pain and suffering. I'm glad he found peace before he passed. Thank you for sharing his story with us.
I met Ken at the private school, Sherwood Oaks. In 1969. We became friends. I too also worked in the Studios. So I would run in to him at different Studios through the years. Starting with Universal Studios. I lost track with Ken in the mid 90's. Thank you for this video on Ken. He will always be my friend.
John, Jackie, and Carolyn embodied family with the kids. It’s great to know that Jackie wanted to ensure that the kids were alright and thriving despite it not being his job or what anyone else would do: he took his experience to heart and showed why the Coogan Act must be honored by productions!
I was bullied too, and I was only slightly overweight. I was in Florida bullied for being from Mass. That is something I couldn't get away from until I moved from that area. Sad that even as adults they couldn't stop
I hope that there is room in the current offerings that pass as entertainment for this story of redemption to be made into a movie. The message is timeless and much needed.
Very sad story, but I agree that it had a very positive ending. I would have thought that he would have had more money, because he sold his mother's home, the proceeds of which I presumed would be split between him and his brother. I think this story highlights the dangers of childhood fame. It is horrific how cruel kids can be, such as Ken's school-mates. I also think this is a story of the perserverence of the human spirit and how it can come back from devestating adversity. I come away with an admiration for Ken. Thank you for doing such a great job creating this documentary!!
I looked and looked but could not figure it out. All I can think is that maybe his mother was cashing out equity on the house during the 90's, while she was sick. Just so she could pay expenses and stay there.
Yeah I was thinking the same thing and especially him living on the road all those years and not having to pay rent he could've saved a substantial sum but on the other hand he started drinking heavily and who knows what else, and we all know money is easy to blow if you don't have a good handle on things. At least he was in a good place when he passed and not in poverty.
@@windhammer1237 Yes it seemed like he was working a lot in what would seem like decently paying jobs and not really spending much money, Alcohol is basically the cheapest drug there is.
I'm glad Ken did find happiness in his last years. Rest in peace Ken & Lisa & Carolyn & rest of the Addams Family cast. I loved this show as a kid growing up. It was so different 🎉❤😂.
Completely astounding story, I so loved to watch the Addams family. You deliver amazing details to us every single time, the part about Jackie Coogan was truly heartwarming, what a wonderful bond he had with the children, thank you so much.
You really do an amazing job. I love your videos. You are so gentle and kind. You really help us see the humanity behind the characters we knew and loved. I'm in tears. Thank you.
Once again our dear Cool Classics, the finest online narrator, shines light on the truth of those who entertained us. I was bullied both in and outside the so-called home and my heart cries for those who also suffer. Thank you for turning my tears of sorrow to joy for Ken who died knowing love that brightened his present days, leaving his past to wither away in the shadows. And Shame On Storage Companies That Destroy What They Can See Are Highly Personal Items. They can easily scan photos which require no physical space and release them for a reasonable amount keeping in mind they trashed everything else!😢
Wonderful to learn how protective and nurturing the adult actors were to the child actors! ( If you don't know about Jackie Coogan's child actor years, look him up. The way he was treated by his parents led to the creation of the Coogan Law, alluded to in this video.)
Wow, thank you for doing this story of his life❤! What a sad, dramatic, yet loving, kind, heartbreaking 💔 story. I'm so grateful he finally found happiness and peace in life!! What a beautifully done story on him❤
Watching this video in the documentary Pugsley move me so much I'm glad you put it out there I never knew all this was happening to his life I can relate to many of it I hope one day they make a movie of this story of his life is a testament of The Weeknd makan no matter what's blocking us in our lives we can still go forward no matter what
I typically upvote everything that I watch, but it’s at 666 upvotes, and that seems fitting for an Addams Family video 😊 - Oh good! Someone else broke the streak, so I can upvote!
21:00 I broke in tears. I spent years taking care of my dad. Now I have an empty house and my cat. I miss him everyday. And I choose to believe, things will get better. "I'm no good", I think we're being there, at the lowest. Don't give up. Terrific content Cool Classics as always. Thank you.
You rascal! I had just asked when you were going to do Elizabeth Montgomery's story, and then this video about Ken popped up. Enjoy your videos sooo much, and had to watch it immediately. Thank you for telling Ken's story.
Yep, I started this one, hoping to have it out before Halloween. Jumping around between, Addams Family, Munsters, Batman and Bewitched. Trying to complete them all. Elizibeth Montgomery Is still on my list. 💜👍
What a WONDERFUL memorial to Ken. He certainly entertained me for many years. I'm sorry that he went through so kuch angst, but I am also glad he finally found his "family." 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Thank you for this kind tribute to Ken. If anyone is having some life challenges, I hope they see your video and it gives them strength when they learn Ken’s story.🥰🙏
This was absolutely lovely. Thank you for sharing his fascinating story. There were many things in his story I'm sure everyone can relate to. Thankful he went to that church & found the peace he was looking for. God Bless You & stay safe.
Thank you so much for this kind exploration of one child actor’s life. What a gentle, caring soul. What a wonderful son. Hearing that Ken finally found the solace and the friendship he needed was wonderful. Matthew has always been my favorite book in the Bible, and I’m very glad it helped him. It is too bad that Ken died as relatively young as he was, but considering the stress and mental health suffering he lived through, he did well. Rest in peace Ken. You were always loved.
This story touched me on so many levels. It’s heartbreaking to hear that because of a character he portrayed, he was bullied. I believe people come and go in each and every life for a reason. That preacher saved him. You did a fantastic job telling his story. I love this channel❤
This, ? Mr.Cool Classics, will forever be your best video, Ken Weatherwax, lived thru a 'hell not of his own making," and your description makes this abundandtanly apparent; thank you for doing so!
Kids can be terribly cruel to one another. They learn it through their parents. As far as the bullying goes in schools, the teachers are fully aware of what goes on and many times they take part in it. I'm glad I went through school before social media came out. It's got to be a million times more difficult to get through the growing up years with having to deal with bullying on the internet. This was a great piece on Ken Weatherwax, I never knew any of it. And it's good to know that he wound up finding happiness.
Pugsley Addams is NOT a weird little boy. What 10 year old would not want to play with an octopus, and dynamite? In fact, the weirdest thing about him is how polite he was.
More times than not, the parents of the bully are themselves, bullies, and will excuse their child’s appalling behaviour. They accept no responsibility.
Thats just how it was in those days. Pretty much up until Columbine, then things started to change. I used to be told, "You've got to learn to fight your own battles" or I'd hear adults say, "I believe in letting kids work out their own differences". Never left any schools though, wasn't an option. Had to just tough it out. Worst part was our school district had this strange policy where anyone that got caught fighting got expelled, doesn't matter if it was fending off an assault, they didn't care. Oddly, assaulting another kid didn't get you expelled. Only if the kid fought back would both kids get expelled. It was a policy that tended to favor the bullies.
@@wendywendy7016right cause they're scared of the child and they want to stay in with the child that they don't even care about never did and never Will
What a gem!! I love to go treasure hunting on RU-vid!! I am too young to have been able to enjoy The Addams Family (the original) when it was on the air but learning all about Ken’s life, I was able to understand some of the things he went through. I found this story very inspirational. Thank you so much for putting in the work and then sharing! 😊
This has to be the BEST video that you have ever done so far. His story is remarkable. What a beautiful soul. I'm so glad that he found Jesus before he passed.It's good to know that the set of the Adams family was a nurturing place to be. It was truly one of my favorite shows. Keep doing what you're doing. I love your work.
I've enjoyed this video very much...saddened, but also enlightened. I never knew of this story about Ken's life. I wish I could go back in time and have a come-to-Jesus talk with all those who bullied him.
