Butch Patrick’s famous role as The Munsters’ Eddie Munster nearly did not happen as another named Happy Derman was initially cast for the role. In fact, Happy starred in the pilot alongside Joan Marshall but was later replaced by Patrick who was deemed a better fit.
At 11, Patrick took on the character which was the only child of Fred Gwynne’s Herman and Yvonne De Carlo’s Lily in the ‘60s monster classic. He admittedly got into character seamlessly because Eddie was just like him in real life.
Why Butch Patrick almost didn’t play Eddie Munster
With Happy off the cast because he was too aggressive in delivery, Patrick’s agent arranged for him to move down to Los Angeles from his grandmother’s home in Illinois. After a screen test with actress and dancer Yvonne De Carlo, Patrick was to resume set almost immediately.
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For Patrick, playing Eddie did not feel like work as he got to ride around in the little coachman seat of what he considered the coolest car at the time, the Munster Koach. He reportedly showed up every time with a big smile on his face and an admirable enthusiasm to get into character.
Life after ‘The Munsters’
After The Munsters, Patrick focused on TV, starring in productions like Lidsville, The Smith Family and The Phantom Tollbooth movie. He still enjoys the thrill of his most popular role, managing The Munsters’ website and attending conventions to catch up with fans.
Away from the spotlight, the 71-year-old is a father of two with Leila Murray, whom he wed in 2016. Although he has been more private in recent years, the iconic actor is ever ready to come out of his shell to keep the Munster culture alive and give back to the fanbase.
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