Introduction
Carel Struycken is a Dutch-American actor and performer, best known for his role as Lurch in the popular television series, The Addams Family. Despite his towering height of 7 feet tall, Struycken has managed to make a name for himself in Hollywood, appearing in a variety of films and TV shows throughout his career. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the life of Carel Struycken, including his personal life, career highlights, and some interesting facts about the actor.
Early Life and Career
Childhood and Education
Carel Struycken was born on July 30, 1948, in The Hague, Netherlands. He was born with a rare medical condition called acromegaly, which caused him to grow to an exceptional height. Despite his physical differences, Struycken had a relatively normal childhood, attending school and participating in sports like basketball and volleyball. After finishing high school, he went on to study film and photography at the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague.
Early Career
Struycken’s first foray into acting came in the form of a small role in the Dutch film, Max Havelaar, in 1976. He continued to work in the Dutch film industry for several years, appearing in a variety of films and TV shows. In 1980, he made his way to Hollywood, where he landed his first major role as the alien navigator in the film, The Man Who Fell to Earth, starring David Bowie. From there, Struycken went on to appear in a number of popular films, including Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, The Witches of Eastwick, and Men in Black.
Personal Life
Marriage and Family
Carel Struycken has been married to his wife, Susan, since 1987. The couple has two children together, a son named Anton and a daughter named Claire. Struycken is known for being a very private person when it comes to his personal life, and he rarely speaks about his family in interviews.
Legal Troubles
In 1998, Struycken was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana. He pleaded guilty to the charge and was sentenced to 30 days in jail. Despite this setback, Struycken has continued to work in the entertainment industry, appearing in a variety of films and TV shows over the years.
Interesting Facts
Height
At 7 feet tall, Carel Struycken is one of the tallest actors in Hollywood. He has often been cast in roles that require a tall, imposing figure, such as Lurch in The Addams Family and Mr. Homn in Star Trek: The Next Generation.
Other Roles
In addition to his work as an actor, Struycken is also a performance artist and photographer. He has exhibited his work in galleries around the world and has even created his own brand of coffee, called Carel’s Coffee.
Age
Despite his impressive height, Carel Struycken is now in his seventies. He continues to work in the entertainment industry, and fans are eager to see what he’ll do next.
Legacy
Carel Struycken has left an indelible mark on Hollywood, thanks to his unique physical appearance and memorable performances. He is a beloved figure among fans of The Addams Family and has inspired countless aspiring actors and performers over the years.
