This year?s always-popular Heartfest celebration, which benefits the Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Preventative Cardiology Center, turned to Baltimore native John Astin to get the ball rolling at its recent VIP reception at Martin?s West.

Astin, a celebrated actor made famous for his portrayal of Gomez Addams in the popular 1960s TV show “the Addams Family,” was the honored guest, and that couldn?t have pleased event co-chairman Ed Speno more. “We are honored to have John at Heartfest,” he said, adding that Astin, 76, has become an integral part of the Johns Hopkins University family as the founder and director of the school?s new Theater Arts Program.