Butch Patrick became a successful child actor even though he did not plan for it. He played the role of Eddie Munster, a playful and warm child in the sitcom, The Munsters, which aired from 1964 to 1966. The Munsters became the favorite TV series for many American children, especially because Patrick’s lifestyle as a 7-year-old child was simple, friendly, and relatable.
Initially, Patrick was not cast as Eddie Munster, but when Happy Derman, who first played the role, was considered unfit, the producers decided to cast another child actor. They reached out through his agent, and he got the role of Eddie Munster.
What is Eddie Munster a.k.a. Butch Patrick up to now?
It has been six decades since The Munsters aired, and Patrick appeared as Eddie Munster on TV for the first time. The actor recently noted that having heard testimonials about the show from many people, he has now realized that he “was an important part of their childhood.” Even after years of technological improvements, they now have a “younger generation” who does not need to struggle to watch the series, especially the ones whose parents or grandparents enjoyed the sitcom when they were as young.
Patrick shared that he did not find it difficult to play the role of a funny werewolf despite it being his first time on set. “It was just me being me,” he said and also recalled how much he enjoyed every time he spent among the cast and crew as it was memorable for him. Now, Patrick is grateful for having contributed to people’s lives positively, and he is not weary of being appreciated often.
Being a successful child actor did not prepare Patrick for what was ahead. After he came into the limelight as Eddie Munster, he felt like he did not belong among others in Hollywood, so he found solace in drinking and was more comfortable among his friends. But his satisfaction soon “became a lifestyle and led on for way too long.”
His alcohol addiction continued for about forty years until he sought help at Oasis Treatment Center in California in 2010. The treatment lasted 90 days, after which he lived in a sober house for two years and has now remained sober since then. Patrick highlighted the importance of breaking free from his addiction to his lifestyle and the impact it has on his relationships now.
