Who Plays Wednesday’s Grandmother? Meet Joanna Lumley as Grandmama Hester Frump

Season 2 of Netflix’s Wednesday gave fans plenty of new twists, strange mysteries, and unforgettable characters. But one of the most talked-about introductions was Wednesday Addams’ grandmother, Grandmama Hester Frump. Regal, shrewd, and just the right amount of eccentric, Hester is unlike any grandmother we’ve seen before in the Addams universe.

So, who steps into this larger-than-life role? None other than the legendary Joanna Lumley.

Joanna Lumley Joins the Addams Family

Joanna Lumley is a British acting icon, beloved for her role as Patsy Stone in the hit sitcom Absolutely Fabulous and celebrated for decades of work in film, television, and stage. Known for her commanding presence, sharp wit, and unmistakable voice, Lumley brings a new level of sophistication to the Addams family.

Her casting as Grandmama Hester Frump is a perfect match — blending elegance with eccentricity and humor with an undercurrent of danger. It’s a portrayal that instantly feels at home in the darkly whimsical world of Wednesday.

Who Is Grandmama Hester Frump?

In Wednesday, Hester Frump is Morticia Addams’ mother and Wednesday’s grandmother. She is a formidable figure in the outcast community, running Frump Mortuaries, one of the most successful outcast-owned businesses in the country.

Her fortune and influence make her a powerful ally, but her relationship with Morticia is complicated. There’s a long-standing rift between them, tied to a mysterious family incident involving Morticia’s sister, Ophelia. That tension adds delicious drama whenever Hester steps into a scene.

Hester is not the typical “kindly old grandmother.” She is shrewd, politically connected, and entirely capable of holding her own in the murky world of supernatural intrigue.

Why She’s Important in Season 2

Grandmama’s arrival isn’t just a fun addition to the family tree — she plays a pivotal role in the main storyline. When Wednesday needs help in her investigation, it’s Hester’s resources and cunning that prove invaluable.

One standout moment comes when Wednesday persuades Hester to purchase a cemetery. This isn’t just an odd family investment — it’s a strategic move that allows Wednesday to uncover a disturbing secret: urns supposedly containing the remains of deceased patients from Willow Hill are actually filled with animal ashes. This clue cracks open part of the season’s biggest mystery.

Joanna Lumley’s Performance

Lumley’s portrayal is a scene-stealing mix of charm, mischief, and quiet menace. She plays Hester as someone who knows far more than she lets on, and every word she delivers carries a subtle edge. Whether sharing screen time with Wednesday or clashing with Morticia, Lumley commands attention without overshadowing the rest of the cast.

Her arrival also expands the family dynamic, creating a fascinating three-generation triangle between Wednesday, Morticia, and Hester.

Final Thoughts

Casting Joanna Lumley as Grandmama Hester Frump was a masterstroke for Wednesday. She’s elegant yet dangerous, warm yet calculating — the perfect embodiment of an Addams matriarch.

If Season 2 is any indication, Grandmama’s presence will continue to shake up family dynamics and help drive Wednesday’s dark investigations forward. Fans can only hope we see even more of her in the future.