Home » Arts & Entertainment » Fred Gwynne (Herman Munster) wore face paint that was actually a bright violet color because it captured the most light on the black-and-white film.

Fred Gwynne (Herman Munster) wore face paint that was actually a bright violet color because it captured the most light on the black-and-white film.

8 surprising facts about the great Fred Gwynne

Image: The Everett Collection

You know him best as Herman Munster. You laughed along with him on Car 54, Where Are You? The towering Fred Gwynne (he stood at 6′ 5″) was a one-of-a-kind talent on television. He led a fascinating life offscreen, too, living a quiet life devoted to his other talents.

Let’s take a closer look at Fred Gwynne.

1. He was an illustrator and children’s book author.

Gwynne is a Harvard grad. He studied at the school on the G.I. Bill. While at Cambridge, he sang in the a cappella group the Harvard Krokodiloes and drew cartoons for The Harvard Lampoon. He put those art skills to good use later in life, writing and illustrated picture books for kids. His titles like A Chocolate Moose for Dinner and The K… Continue Reading (3 minute read)

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