Jenna Ortega Mourns Original Wednesday Addams, Lisa Loring

Jenna Ortega shared her first statement on the death of Lisa Loring. “Absolutely devastated,” Ortega wrote in an Instagram Story shared Jan. 31, according to Newsweek. Ortega recently had her breakout as the titular character in Netflix’s “Wednesday” series, but Loring was the first to portray the brooding character in the original ’60s sitcom. “Thank you for everything,” Ortega added, alongside a photo of Loring as Wednesday in her youth.

Loring died of a stroke at 64 years old on Jan. 28. Her daughter, Vanessa Foumberg, told Variety, “She went peacefully with both her daughters holding her hands.” In addition to being the original Wednesday, Loring also appeared in a few other series including “As the World Turns.” Her last screen appearance was in the horror comedy “Doctor Spine” in 2015.

“The Addams Family” sitcom ran for two seasons from 1964 to 1965. A reunion special aired a few years later for Halloween in 1977. Loring’s Wednesday was lighter than recent iterations, and she was known for her tenacious dance, which later served as inspiration for Ortega. Cristina Ricci also portrayed Wednesday in two film adapations released in the ’90s, and in recent years, Chloë Grace Moretz voiced the character in two animated movies.

Ortega received much praise for her portrayal in the stylish teen Netflix spinoff, and she earned her a Golden Globe nomination for best actress in a musical or comedy television series. Ortega is also nominated for outstanding performance by a female actor in a comedy series at the upcoming SAG Awards on Feb. 26.