Lisa Loring, the original Merlina from 'The Addams Family,' dies

Lisa Loring, the actress who played Wednesday Addams in the first film adaptation of The Addams Family, has died at age 64. Her daughter Vanessa Foumberg, informed The Hollywood Reporter of her death.

The actress passed away surrounded by her two daughters, Marianne and Vanessa Foumberg. "She went peacefully with her daughters Vanessa and Marianne holding her hands," Vanessa said. The actress passed away Saturday night at Providence St. Luke's Hospital. She was previously treated at St. Joseph Medical Center in Burbank for complications from a stroke caused by high blood pressure.

Loring is best known for her role as the disturbing little girl Merlina (Wednesday), in ABC's original Black comedy, The Addams Family. She began playing the role in 1964. Her performance in the series spanned two years and set the tone for future portrayals of Wednesday in subsequent versions, including the one that inspired Jenna Ortega's role in the hit Netflix series.