I wanted to write this month about a very popular TV series and the little boy who starred in it – the werewolf child “Eddie Munster. ” That would be Butch Patrick who played that character from 1964-1966.
That’s him with me last month in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania at one of my favorite conventions called Monster Bash. I was invited because of my role in Spider Baby. Oh what a fun weekend that was!
As fellow child actors, I didn’t know Butch, nor did we run in the same circles as I am 10 years older than he is. I knew who he was of course, since The Munsters was a very popular TV series and always fun to watch.
Lately however, we have seen each other at various autograph conventions, and I might add, that he is just darling. Butch always has a big smile and a warm hug, not only for me but for all of his many fans.
Butch started acting at 7 and beat hundreds of other boys vying for that role. He had previously done other television shows such as Ben Casey, Rawhide, The Real McCoys (in a recurring role), My Three Sons and even worked with Judy Garland.
When he was cast in The Munsters, he was living on the east coast and commuted every week to film the series. He later also did a commercial for Little Ceasars Pizza in which he played “Eddie Munster.”
Butch is still active today traveling all over the country doing personal appearances and has a huge collection of Munster related props, tee shirts, and all kinds of Munster merchandise.
Of course, every Halloween he is quite busy in the state of Georgia where he appears at the Monster Mausoleum along with the black 1965 Cadillac Hearse. Butch likes to say, he enjoys “chilling” with his fans (of which he has many).
He’s a warm and friendly guy and is always a delight, not only to me, but to everyone around him. I’m always happy to see him.
Until next time remember… It is our attitude in life that brings us joy in living.
