For decades, The Addams Family has been known for its kind demeanor, juxtaposed with the spooky scenery and dark humor that makes up its personality. Premiering in 1964, the television series gave viewers a look at a different type of American family. But, in an era in which hard work was praised, patriarch Gomez Addams never worked a traditional 9-to-5 job, yet could live in a mansion, with the family's extravagant lifestyle presumably supported by a series of outrageous investments (many of which lost money, much to Gomez's glee). So, it's little surprise questions have been raised about how the Addams Family made its fortune in the first place.

Before Gomez established himself as a family man, he had inherited a substantial sum. His family line dates back generations, and reveals that Gomez is actually of royal blood. While he isn't at the same level as the king of England, he hails from Castilian royalty and British aristocracy. This heritage also helps to explain why Gomez is always in a three-piece suit, and smoking the finest cigars (at a cost of $1,000 per week).

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Gomez Addams Is a Successful Businessman, Despite Himself

That said, while Gomez doesn't look like he works hard, he's actually a hugely successful businessman, with incredible skill in negotiating. In the 1991 film The Addams Family, Gomez works closely with his lawyer, Tully Alford, and unwittingly derails any chance for Alford to steal money from the family. The film also gives audiences a scope of the Addams fortune is. For example, after a labyrinthine excursion to the vault, Gomez shows Fester a room filled with family heirlooms, gold and jewels.

While it could be assumed Gomez's entire fortune is inherited, he's also a hard worker who has incomparable luck with his investments. For example, in his lifetime, Gomez has bought a swamp for scenic value, only to discover an oil deposit beneath. He's also purchased a mummified hand that turned out to be part of an Egyptian pharaoh, and deemed priceless. There's no logical explanation for Gomez's luck, but he never takes it for granted, and uses the money to better his wife, Morticia, and their family, above all else.

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Much of the Addams Family Wealth Is From Odd Investments

Gomez and Morticia from The Addams Family

Gomez has also invested in businesses that cover various professions, yet still fit within his interests. Some of his holdings include a salt mine, a tombstone factory and a buzzard farm. However, he also has stock in an insurance company, which is one of his least-peculiar investments. Nevertheless, Gomez Addams has demonstrated he knows how to spend his money, and can invest in what he loves while also turning a handsome profit.

The Addams Family is one of the most loving and peculiar families in pop culture. But thanks to Gomez, they can afford the best of the best when it comes to the lavish and macabre. Not only is he fortunate, but Gomez also has the business knowledge to make smart investments that allow him to indulge in his desires and provide for his family. He may not have achieved his fortune in the most typical fashion, but Gomez proves he knows how to work hard to build and maintain it.