The streets of Los Angeles are no strangers to celebrities, but sometimes even the most iconic faces can stroll by unnoticed, especially when time has lent them a new guise. Recently, a towering figure of 90s comedy fame was spotted in a rare public appearance that left fans double-taking. This Dutch actor, known for his towering height and an unforgettable role in a '90s comedy blockbuster, was seen casually shopping for groceries at Trader Joe's. But can you guess who he is?


At 76 years old, this entertainer has become an enigma, rarely seen in the public eye. On this particular day, he was dressed unassumingly in a grey zip-up hoodie, black sweatpants, and sneakers, a far cry from the spooky butler attire we're used to seeing him in. His head was shielded with a green bucket hat, and his eyes were hidden behind a pair of dark sunglasses. After returning his cart, he was pictured making his way back to his car with the aid of a walking stick.


Yes, it's Carel Struycken, the actor who famously portrayed Lurch, the Addams Family's butler, in the 1991 film 'The Addams Family.' With his towering 7-foot frame and deep, resonant voice, Struycken brought to life the character originally created by cartoonist Charles Addams. Lurch's imposing presence and minimal words became a hallmark of the Addams household, which included the eccentric Gomez and Morticia, their children Wednesday and Pugsley, Uncle Fester, Grandmama, and not forgetting Pugsley's pet octopus, Aristotle.

Struycken's portrayal of Lurch was so iconic that he reprised the role in the sequel 'Addams Family Values' in 1993 and the 1998 TV film 'Addams Family Reunion.' His co-stars included the likes of Anjelica Huston, Raul Julia, Christopher Lloyd, Christina Ricci, and Jimmy Workman, forming a cast that would become etched in the memories of a generation.

Beyond the Addams Family, Struycken's career has been diverse and fascinating. He was discovered in 1978 on Hollywood Boulevard and cast in 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.' He ventured into the galaxy far, far away with the role of Terak in the 'Star Wars’ spin-off film 'Ewoks: The Battle for Endor' in 1985. His collaboration with David Lynch and Mark Frost saw him play The Giant in the cult classic television series 'Twin Peaks' and its sequel series 'Twin Peaks: The Return' in 2017.

Struycken's unique look is due to acromegaly, a rare condition he was diagnosed with in his twenties. Acromegaly is caused by an overproduction of growth hormone and can lead to the enlargement of body parts such as hands, feet, and facial features. Despite the challenges, Struycken has had a successful career in Hollywood and lives in Los Angeles with his wife and two children.

The Addams Family has continued to capture imaginations with its macabre charm, leading to the recent Netflix spin-off 'Wednesday,' which launched in 2022. The show has already announced a second season, adding to the enduring legacy of the Addams clan.

For those who grew up watching 'The Addams Family,' seeing Carel Struycken today might be a jolt. But it's a heartwarming reminder of the passage of time and the lasting impact of the characters we've loved. Struycken's rare public sighting is a testament to the enduring nature of the characters he's played and the affection fans still hold for him.
So, dear readers, have you had any surprising celebrity sightings of your own? Have you ever bumped into a star from your favourite classic shows or movies? Share your stories with us in the comments below – we'd love to hear about your brush with fame, especially if it involves the stars who shaped our favourite screen moments!