- Harvard University class of 1951.
- By choice, never part of the Hollywood or Broadway social whirl, Gwynne lived a quiet life in suburban Bedford, New York and, after his second marriage, in a renovated farmhouse in rural Taneytown, Maryland. Most who knew him described him as a good friend and neighbour who liked to keep his personal and professional lives separate.
- In addition to acting, Gwynne was the talented author and illustrator of several popular children's books, including "A Chocolate Moose for Dinner", "The King Who Rained" and "A Little Pigeon Toad".
- When NBC approached him to reprise his role of Herman Munster for a 1981 TV movie The Munsters' Revenge (1981), Gwynne was initially not interested. However, his second wife suggested that he ask the network for a large paycheck which they will probably refuse. However, when NBC surprisingly agreed to his demands, he accepted the role.
- Was originally under consideration for the part of Henry Warnimont on Punky Brewster (1984) until a casting director referred to him as Herman Munster, instead of his real name. An offended Gwynne abruptly withdrew from consideration and George Gaynes wound up with the part.
- Five children with Jean Reynard (Foxy Gwynne): three sons Evan Gwynne, Dylan Gwynne (died in 1963, drowned in the family pool) and Keiron Gwynne (became mentally handicapped after an illness at a little over a year old). Two daughters - Madyn Gwynne and Gaynor Gwynne.
- In his most popular post-The Munsters (1964) role, that of Judge Chamberlain Haller in My Cousin Vinny (1992), one of the sight gags is that the good judge looms a full foot taller than his antagonist, Vinny Gambini, as played by Joe Pesci.
- Following the cancellation of "The Munsters," Fred Gwynne refused to discuss his part in the TV show. Then not long before his passing, he relented slightly by sharing his thoughts on his most famous character.
- Between 1975 and 1982, he appeared in 79 episodes of "The CBS Radio Mystery Theatre".
- In 1964, along with Al Lewis and the Munstermobile (with car designer George Barris at the controls), he appeared in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
- Herman Munster, Gwynne's character on The Munsters (1964), was ranked #19 in TV Guide's list of the "50 Greatest TV Dads of All Time" [20 June 2004 issue].
- Was a member of the Harvard a cappella group, the Krokodiloes.
- Refused to grant interviews, preferring to maintain a low profile when not working.
- Performed in Harvard's famous drag troupe Hasty Pudding Theatricals from 1949-1951. Harvard University Class of 1951 Performed in Harvard's famous Hasty Pudding drag revue from 1949-1950.
- In his later years as an actor, Fred Gwynne received much critical acclaim in the theatre.
- He was of English (maternal) and Northern Irish (paternal) ancestry.
- Second wife was over 20 years his junior.
- Worked as a salesman at Seal Lock Burial Vault, Forest Hills, New York in the early 1950s (The McCloskey family later changed this Woodhaven Boulevard business into a florist shop, still operating in 2007.).
- Received rave reviews for his performance of Big Daddy, in a Broadway production of "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.".
- He turned down the role of history teacher Mr. Arnold Hand in Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982) due to the sexual content of the film. Fellow television character actor Ray Walston was cast in the role instead. Ironically, five years later Gwynne appeared as Michael Douglas' boss in the smash hit Fatal Attraction (1987) which was a somewhat sexually explicit film.
- Reportedly, Fred Gwynne was relieved when "The Munsters" show was canceled, having grown tired of Herman Munster.
- The animated show South Park (1997) has used Gwynne's likeness and vocal affectation in his role as Jud Crandall in Pet Sematary (1989) as a recurring character on the show. The character, an unnamed farmer, usually appears out of nowhere to warn others about ancient curses, mysterious deaths, and strange circumstances surrounding a particular location or topic. In Marjorine (2005), the character specifically warns a previously-unawares couple not to bury their supposedly dead son in an ancient Native American burial ground, much like in Pet Sematary. The farmer first appeared on the show in Butters' Very Own Episode (2001), and most recently in Tegridy Farms Halloween Special (2019).
- Was featured/parodied in Playboy's Little Annie Fanny (The Unhappy Comic - April 1963) as Freddy (Annie served as a kind of "visual relief" on-stage), and represented by Annie's agent, Solly, a recurring character based upon Phil Silvers.
- Biography in: "Who's Who in Comedy" by Ronald L. Smith, pg. 199-200. New York: Facts on File, 1992. ISBN 0816023387.
- Served in the United States Navy during World War 2 on a submarine chaser in the Pacific Theater. He was on active duty during the Battle of Saipan.
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