First viewed by skeptics as a second attempt at an Addams Family, The Munsters became a fan-favorite show on CBS. Though it only ran for two seasons, the series was nominated for a Golden Globe Award and has enjoyed a cult-like following from television fans that continues to this day.

However, the story of the Munster family wasn’t over in 1966 when the series aired its final episode. Shortly after, the film Munster, Go Home! (1966) was released.

During an interview with The Reporter Dispatch, the film’s stars, Fred Gwynne and Al Lewis, discussed taking a much-needed break after filming had wrapped.

“Now that the TV series is cancelled and the movie has been released, we consider ourselves mentally retired,” said Gwynne.

Of course, working on the series together had brought Lewis and Gwynne closer, and the two became good friends off-screen. “Even our wives get along,” said Gwynne. “For my wife, that’s a miracle.”

Their camaraderie deepened their bond as performers, as Gwynne acknowledged he’d love to work with his Munster’s co-star again someday.

“In a way I’d love to do another series with Al,” said Gwynne. “But I wonder whether it’s the answer to my million-dollar ambition or just another step away from being an actor and toward becoming a performer.

Meanwhile, Lewis nursed aspirations to find success in production. “I eventually want to work on the other side of the camera,” said Lewis. “I’ve been in Hollywood for two and a half years, and I think they do very good work, but I believe I could do better.”