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Fred Gwynne

ACTOR · BORN 1926 · DIED 1993

Fred Gwynne

Born
10 July 1926, New York City, New York, USA
Died
2 July 1993
Known for
The Munsters (1964), La luna (1979), Car 54, Where Are You? (1961), The Secret of My Succe$s (1987)

30 archived facts 7 topics 1 source Last reviewed Nov 2026

Fred Gwynne (10 July 1926 – 2 July 1993) was an actor best known for The Munsters, La luna and Car 54, Where Are You?.

30 Interesting Facts About Fred Gwynne

Interesting Facts (9)

  1. #001

    In his later years as an actor, Fred Gwynne received much critical acclaim in the theatre.

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  2. #002

    Was a member of the Harvard a cappella group, the Krokodiloes.

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  3. #003

    Herman Munster, Gwynne's character on The Munsters (1964), was ranked #19 in TV Guide's list of the "50 Greatest TV Dads of All Time" [20 June 2004 issue].

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  4. #004

    Second wife was over 20 years his junior.

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  5. #005

    Performed in Harvard's famous drag troupe Hasty Pudding Theatricals from 1949-1951. Harvard University Class of 1951 Performed in Harvard's famous Hasty Pudding drag revue from 1949-1950.

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  6. #006

    Reportedly, Fred Gwynne was relieved when "The Munsters" show was canceled, having grown tired of Herman Munster.

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  7. #007

    Biography in: "Who's Who in Comedy" by Ronald L. Smith, pg. 199-200. New York: Facts on File, 1992. ISBN 0816023387.

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  8. #008

    In his later years as an actor, Fred Gwynne won great acclaim in the theater.

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  9. #009

    Fred Gwynne was reportedly relieved when "The Munsters" was cancelled, having grown bored with Herman Munster.

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Production Story (3)

  1. #010

    Was originally under consideration for the part of Henry Warnimont on Punky Brewster (1984) until a casting director referred to him as Herman Munster, instead of his real name. An offended Gwynne abruptly withdrew from consideration and George Gaynes wound up with the part.

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  2. #011

    When NBC approached him to reprise his role of Herman Munster for a 1981 TV movie The Munsters' Revenge (1981), Gwynne was initially not interested. However, his second wife suggested that he ask the network for a large paycheck which they will probably refuse. However, when NBC surprisingly agreed to his demands, he accepted the role.

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  3. #012

    He turned down the role of history teacher Mr. Arnold Hand in Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982) due to the sexual content of the film. Fellow television character actor Ray Walston was cast in the role instead. Ironically, five years later Gwynne appeared as Michael Douglas' boss in the smash hit Fatal Attraction (1987) which was a somewhat sexually explicit film.

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Behind the Scenes (1)

  1. #013

    His second wife was 20 years younger than him.

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Characters & Cast (2)

  1. #014

    In his most popular post-The Munsters (1964) role, that of Judge Chamberlain Haller in My Cousin Vinny (1992), one of the sight gags is that the good judge looms a full foot taller than his antagonist, Vinny Gambini, as played by Joe Pesci.

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  2. #015

    Following the cancellation of "The Munsters," Fred Gwynne refused to discuss his part in the TV show. Then not long before his passing, he relented slightly by sharing his thoughts on his most famous character.

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Easter Eggs & References (2)

  1. #016

    Was featured/parodied in Playboy's Little Annie Fanny (The Unhappy Comic - April 1963) as Freddy (Annie served as a kind of "visual relief" on-stage), and represented by Annie's agent, Solly, a recurring character based upon Phil Silvers.

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  2. #017

    The animated show South Park (1997) has used Gwynne's likeness and vocal affectation in his role as Jud Crandall in Pet Sematary (1989) as a recurring character on the show. The character, an unnamed farmer, usually appears out of nowhere to warn others about ancient curses, mysterious deaths, and strange circumstances surrounding a particular location or topic. In Marjorine (2005), the character specifically warns a previously-unawares couple not to bury their supposedly dead son in an ancient Native American burial ground, much like in Pet Sematary. The farmer first appeared on the show in Butters' Very Own Episode (2001), and most recently in Tegridy Farms Halloween Special (2019).

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Career & Awards (4)

  1. #018

    In 1964, along with Al Lewis and the Munstermobile (with car designer George Barris at the controls), he appeared in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

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  2. #019

    In addition to acting, Gwynne was the talented author and illustrator of several popular children's books, including "A Chocolate Moose for Dinner", "The King Who Rained" and "A Little Pigeon Toad".

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  3. #020

    Between 1975 and 1982, he appeared in 79 episodes of "The CBS Radio Mystery Theatre".

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  4. #021

    Received rave reviews for his performance of Big Daddy, in a Broadway production of "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.".

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Life & Family (9)

  1. #022

    Harvard University class of 1951.

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  2. #023

    Refused to grant interviews, preferring to maintain a low profile when not working.

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  3. #024

    Fred Gwynne is buried in an unmarked grave at Sandy Mount United Methodist Cemetery in Finksburg, Maryland because he wished to be remembered as himself, not his famous character Herman Munster, and to avoid his resting place becoming a tourist attraction, a decision his family respected, with speculation that they waited for his wife to join him before any marker was considered, though none was placed.

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  4. #025

    Worked as a salesman at Seal Lock Burial Vault, Forest Hills, New York in the early 1950s (The McCloskey family later changed this Woodhaven Boulevard business into a florist shop, still operating in 2007.).

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  5. #026

    By choice, never part of the Hollywood or Broadway social whirl, Gwynne lived a quiet life in suburban Bedford, New York and, after his second marriage, in a renovated farmhouse in rural Taneytown, Maryland. Most who knew him described him as a good friend and neighbour who liked to keep his personal and professional lives separate.

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  6. #027

    Five children with Jean Reynard (Foxy Gwynne): three sons Evan Gwynne, Dylan Gwynne (died in 1963, drowned in the family pool) and Keiron Gwynne (became mentally handicapped after an illness at a little over a year old). Two daughters - Madyn Gwynne and Gaynor Gwynne.

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  7. #028

    He was of English (maternal) and Northern Irish (paternal) ancestry.

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  8. #029

    Served in the United States Navy during World War 2 on a submarine chaser in the Pacific Theater. He was on active duty during the Battle of Saipan.

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  9. #030

    In 1952, Gwynne married socialite Jean "Foxy" Reynard,[22] a granddaughter of New York City mayor William Jay Gaynor. Before divorcing in 1980, the couple had five children: son Kieron (1953-1998); daughter Gaynor (b. 1954); son Evan (b. 1956); son Dylan (1962-1963, drowning); and daughter Madyn (b. 1965).

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Sources & editorial notes

Reference databases

  • Wikipedia English Wikipedia article
  • IMDb IMDb name page (biography and trivia)

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