Felix Silla, who played Cousin Itt on “The Addams Family,” died Friday after a battle with cancer, his representative Bonnie Vent confirmed to USA TODAY. He was 84.
“It is with deep sadness that I share the news that Felix Silla has passed away,” Vent said in an emailed statement. “He was a client and friend. He had so many stories, from starting out in the circus, to so many classic television shows either doing stunts or playing a character.”
One of Silla’s most iconic roles was playing Cousin Itt on the 1960s black- and- white sitcom where he donned a full body-length hair piece, bowler hat and sunglasses. No one ever saw Silla’s face in the role, and when he spoke, it was in gibberish only the characters on “The Addams Family” could understand.
“Felix knew a lot about making characters come to life with no dialog,” Vent said.
Felix Silla as Cousin Itt in "The Addams Family." (Photo: Bonnie Vent)
Silla also had notable roles as Lucifer in “Battlestar Galactica,” as Twiki and Odee-x in “Buck Rogers in the 25th Century” and an Ewok on a hang glider in 1983 “Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi.” He often had roles wearing costumes that obscured his face.
Tributes for Silla poured in on social media.
“Rest In Peace dear, sweet Felix Silla. You’ll always be my favorite Gremlin,” wrote Erin Murphy on Twitter.
Chip Coffey tweeted: “So sad to hear that actor Felix Silla has passed away. He was a great guy every time I saw him at various events. RIP, Felix.”
“RIP to the great Felix Silla,” tweeted Tim Weisberg. “Such a kind, sweet and hilarious man. Got to hang out with him a few times, wish we could have had a few more.”
He is survived by his wife, Sue, and daughter, Bonnie. His son, Michael, died last year at 45.
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