RIP: Vic Mizzy, writer of “Addams Family” theme
RIP: Vic Mizzy, writer of “Addams Family” theme
Like many people, I would walk home from school singing daft theme tunes from television. The writer of two of these, the “Addams Family” theme and “Green Acres”, has just died in Los Angeles at the age of 93 in October 2009. Vic Mizzy was the master of silly but catchy tunes, and was kept busy well into his 80s, as he wrote the soundtrack for Sam Raimi‘s “Spider-Man 2” and many other shows.
From toy accordion to serious piano
Mizzy was born in Brooklyn, New York, into a culture that prized formal musical training, particularly in piano and violin. A precocious talent, he mastered a toy accordion at age three and soon transitioned to piano, studying seriously through adolescence. Although initially drawn to classical repertoire, Mizzy turned decisively toward popular music, developing his skills through performance and self-directed study.
By his early teens, he was playing piano in school orchestras and local bands, arranging music by ear when resources were scarce. At 14, he met lyricist Irving Taylor, forming a long-standing partnership that propelled both into professional songwriting. While studying at New York University, they gained national attention through radio competitions, leading to early commercial success and steady work writing for Broadway performers.
Mizzy also worked as a studio pianist and arranger, refining his orchestration skills. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy alongside Taylor, continuing to produce popular songs. After the war, he achieved a series of hit compositions and expanded into teaching and advanced musical theory.
Television and film
Transitioning into television and film, Mizzy became a prolific composer, scoring numerous series and films. He is best known for creating the iconic theme for The Addams Family, which he performed himself. His credits include Green Acres, Mr. Ed, and multiple Universal Pictures films, particularly collaborations with Don Knotts.
Throughout his career, Mizzy combined technical skill with a distinctive comedic sensibility. Later projects included soundtrack releases and new recordings under his own label, underscoring his enduring creativity and influence.
The New York Times obit sums up his career well: “‘None of his output, however, could overshadow those snapping fingers in The Addams Family. And that was fine with Mr. Mizzy. ‘That’s why I’m living in Bel Air,’ he said last year on the CBS program Sunday Morning. ‘Two finger snaps and you live in Bel Air.’”