People Who Went To Penn: Charles Addams

The rumors are true: College Hall did serve as an inspiration for the Addams Family house. So it's no surprise that Charles Addams, the famous dark cartoonist and creator of the Addams Family, went to Penn.

Born in the great state of New Jersey, Addams wasn’t your typical suburban youngster. He was obsessed with coffins and skeletons and would often spend time at the closest cemetery. But hey, we all have our thing. After he graduated from Penn in the early 1930’s, he accepted a job at the The New Yorker, receiving only $35 per cartoon, equivalent to about three scoops of Capo gelato.

His cartoons soon gained traction and fans. Though most of his fan mail came from legitimate criminals, he was approached to adapt his famous Addams Family cartoon into a TV show. The famous series aired on ABC from 1964-66, and spawned many films and spin-offs.

Despite being a creepy cartoonist, Addams actually had a kick-ass social life and was quite the womanizer. He was often seen dartying with celebrities, like Greta Garbo and Jackie O. After two divorces, he married his third and final wife at a beautiful (read: creepy) wedding ceremony at a pet cemetery. Addams also had some pretty famous friends, such as Alfred Hitchcock and Ray Bradbury.

And yes, you guessed it! Charles Addams Fine Arts Hall was named after him. Hats off to you, our weird, weird friend.