Beyond Eddie Munster: Butch Patrick’s Surprising Screen Appearances
Most people remember Butch Patrick — who was born on August 2, 1953 — as Eddie Munster, the adorable werewolf kid with a widow’s peak and a pet dragon hiding under the stairs. However, before and after his time at 1313 Mockingbird Lane, Patrick built a fascinating career, and his work stretched far beyond the spooky sitcom that made him famous.
Here are five projects you might not realize featured Patrick in a starring or memorable role. Then let us know in the comments how many of these you remember!
The Two Little Bears (1961)
20th Century-Fox Film Corp./Everett Collection
Long before The Munsters, a seven‑year‑old Patrick made his feature‑film debut as Billy Davis, one of two little kids who can turn into bears, in a tale tailored to younger audiences. It set the tone for his early career in wholesome juvenile roles.
80 Steps to Jonah (1969)
Everett Collection
In this lesser‑known drama, Patrick portrays Brian, in a story that pivots around Wayne Newton’s Jonah, a drifter on the run from the police after being blamed for a crime he didn’t commit. The film focuses on social themes of the late 1960s, like bias and connecting with people from different backgrounds. While it’s not a starring role, it reflects his shift into more mature parts as a teen actor.
The Phantom Tollbooth (1970)
Everett Collection
Patrick took on an enchanting dual role in this live‑action/animated feature as Milo, the central boy in the Chuck Jones-directed adaptation of Norton Juster’s beloved book. In the live‑action segments, he plays Milo before he enters the animated world, and his voice and animated likeness guide Milo through a land of wordplay, logic puzzles, and colorful characters. Though delayed in release by a couple of years, the film cemented his voice‑acting skills and expanded his range.
Headmaster (1970)
Everett Collection
In Andy Griffith‘s short‑lived drama, Patrick guest‑stars as Ritchie in the pilot episode “May I Turn On?.” Set at a prestigious California boarding school, the show puts Patrick in a more grounded environment, playing one of the many students under Griffith’s supervision as headmaster. Though the series lasted only 14 episodes, Patrick’s billing is notable for that transitional period in his 1970 work.
Lidsville (1971–1973)
Everett Collection
This psychedelic Saturday‑morning gem from Sid and Marty Krofft had Patrick play Mark, a teen who tumbles into a world populated by walking, talking hats. Mark helps magical hat‑people resist the evil Horatio J. HooDoo (played by Charles Nelson Reilly). Patrick anchors the fantasy across all 17 episodes.
Remind 
1970s Fall TV
September 2023
Take a trip back to the ’70s by looking at the TV Guide Magazine Fall Preview primetime lineups.
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