For Butch Patrick, revisiting the past is not so scary.
The actor famously played children’s werewolf Eddie Munster in the ’60s hit situational comedy “The Munsters,” which ran from 1964 to 1966. Although the series lasted only two seasons, it left a lasting impression on many, including Kevin Burns, who amassed the world’s largest collection of props, souvenirs, and merchandise, “Munsters.” . let.
Before Burns died in 2020 at the age of 65, he did Emmy winner the producer befriended 68-year-old Patrick, who is determined to help preserve the legacy of his late friend.
Heritage auctions will begin “Monsters and Friends: With a Kevin Burns Collection” auction from November 4 to November 7. It features hundreds of items, including Patrick’s iconic costume, a Lily Munster dress, and Grandpa’s electric chair to name a few. Patrick, who hopes other fans will get a chance to capture a piece of television history, supports the sale.
Butch Patrick has a YouTube channel called ‘Koach to Koast’ where he shares his favorite memories from years past.
(Bobby Bank / Getty Images)
Patrick spoke to Fox News about what it was like to bring “Munsterji” to life, what he thinks of Rob Zombie’s remake, as well as some of his favorite memories from the shoot.
Fox News: Are you surprised that “The Munsters” has had cult followers since it ended in 1966?
Butch Patrick: Honestly, this is an amazing situation that rarely occurs. And I experience that in life.
There was something magical about the show. People were excited about him. He brought families together. People come to me all the time and say, “You’re part of our family.” And you know, every year a new generation of kids watches it with their parents and grandparents and they continue to enjoy it. I am grateful to be a part of everything.
Pat Priest, Al Lewis and Butch Patrick along with Fred Gwynne and Yvonne De Carlo of the Munster family in a promotional photo from the television series ‘The Munsters’, circa 1964.
(Photo by CBS / Getty Images)
Fox News: Looking back, what was your relationship with the cast?
Patrick: It was a very good relationship. It was a wonderful experience. Everyone on the show was very kind to the kids. They all had kids my age, luckily for me… I was also very professional and I acted wisely over my years, which I think helped. But we all got along great.
Fox News: How did you get the role of Eddie Munster?
Patrick: They chose another child and another Lily Munster, then known as Phoebe. But the net wanted Yvonne De Carlo. And then they changed the name from Phoebe to Lily. So they replaced Joan Marshall, who was a pilot as Phoebe, with Yvonne as Lily. Happy Derman, who was originally selected as Eddie, was also released. Then my agent ordered them to bring me from Illinois, where I lived at the time. From the airport, I went straight to the studio where I took a screen test. And the next thing you know, I had to apply for a job.
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Fox News: Who did you bond with the most on the set and why?
Patrick: probably [makeup artist] Mike Westmore because he was the first guy I would see in the morning. And you know, I was very excited about the whole makeup process. In addition, he was a handsome young boy who was single and drove a Jaguar, so I modeled after him. But as far as the cast is concerned, I would say Al Lewis.
Al Lewis and Butch Patrick work together on a motorcycle in a scene from the television series ‘The Munsters’, around 1964.
(CBS / Getty Images)
Fox News: What is your favorite memory from the time on set?
Patrick: It’s hard to say because there was always something fun going on. On Monday morning, by the way, we were reading our makeup-free scripts and I would just laugh because you could imagine what the episode would be like. And it was always really funny when we had to play it. Honestly, these are memories that really stick to me. And it was easy because we all connected so well.
Fox News: Your character had strong green makeup and shorts. How was that for you?
Patrick: Well, I didn’t particularly care about the dress. I don’t think any child would * laugh *. But I grew up. It was very easy to choose my outfit for the day.
Fox News: What’s the fun fact about the show that would surprise fans today?
Patrick: I don’t think people ever really realized how good in comedy Al Lewis and Fred Gwynne were in the background. They really worked as a team. They had an amazing comic time that I would honestly compare to Laurel and Hardy or Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. They were so good. And I think it turned out. So I think a lot of people would be surprised at how talented these guys were outside of makeup.
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American actor Butch Patrick as Eddie Munster in the television comedy horror film ‘The Munsters’, circa 1965.
(Silver Screen / Getty Images Collection)
Fox News: How did you find yourself when the show ended?
Patrick: You know, that’s Hollywood. You get a script, you do a series, and you get to work with an cast that becomes a family unit. For a while, you all work closely together. And then it’s over. Everyone goes back to their lives. An acting career is a really unique situation. It’s basically a series of temporary jobs and you get used to it.
You get in, do your job, and when it’s over, you move on to the next job. You get used to not being together for long. But I will say that there was a very likely family unit in this kit that went beyond makeup and special effects because it was genuine. And I think that’s exactly why the show is so successful.
Fox News: Did you stay in touch with any of your former teammates?
Patrick: Not right after. I was a 12 year old and they all went back to their adult lives. I went back to high school. But over time, I began to see them at various conventions and meetings. That’s when I started to stay more in touch with them.
American actors Fred Gwynne (1926-1993) as Herman Munster and Butch Patrick as Eddie Munster in the television comedy horror series ‘The Munsters’, circa 1965.
(Photo by Silver Screen Collection / Getty Images)
Fox News: When it comes to classic TV shows about families, you only have “Leave It to Beaver” and “Father Knows Best” available, to name just a few. Why do you think people resonated with the “Munster”, a completely different family?
Patrick: We had good talent to start with. We also had good scenarios. But people also had a lot of fun. He allowed us to shoot a comedy that wouldn’t be so funny in the “Beaver” environment. We could have avoided many more.
Fox News: When did you first find out that the series developed a cult?
Patrick: I knew something was going on when I saw reruns on TV all the time. Then I started coming to me with people and their kids and telling me how much they love the show. And it didn’t stop.
Fox News: Why did “The Munsters” end?
Patrick: “Batman.” You also switched from black and white to color. “Batman” had that. And then Fred and Al were almost ready to go home. They were from New York. That’s how the show went. And don’t forget that the shows were short at the time.
Butch Patrick said he never felt typified when he grew up in Hollywood.
(CBS photo archive via Getty Images)
We wouldn’t try to pull things off and squeeze ourselves out for another year. And I think it was actually better that way. Many shows in those days took place over three years and became very successful. And then their time ran out and they all moved on to the next thing.
Fox News: Have you ever felt typified while growing up?
Patrick: No, because I didn’t walk around in velvet shorts and do interviews * laughs *.
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Fox News: A remake of “Munsters” is happening to Rob Zombie. How do you feel about that?
Patrick: I’m happy. I think Rob Zombie is the perfect guy for the job and he has a big fan base. He’s also a real fan of the show, so I know people will like it. He is an experienced filmmaker and musician, so it will be really interesting and exciting to see what he does. Coincidentally, he’s also a personal friend, so I just keep my fists up and hope for the best.