Batman Star Adam West Has Passed Away At Age 88

It's with great sorrow that I report fan-favorite Batman star Adam West has passed away. He was 88 years old and he died after a short battle with leukemia. His family offered the following statement:

“Our dad always saw himself as The Bright Knight, and aspired to make a positive impact on his fans’ lives. He was and always will be our hero."

A spokesperson for the actor added: 

“A true American icon and beloved father and husband, he will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and millions of fans around the world."

I grew up watching reruns of the original 1960's Batman series and I've always enjoyed seeing him pop up in other films and TV shows over the years. It's so sad to hear that he's passed on, but he's left behind a legacy of greatness.

West's career as an actor all began in the 1950's as a host of a children's TV show in Hawaii. In the 60's he appeared in a few western TV shows that include Colt .45, Sugarfoot, and Lawman. In 1959 he made his feature film debut in The Young Philadelphians with Paul Newman. He also appeared in Geronimo, The Three Stooges, The Outlaws Is Coming and more.

It was in 1966 that he landed the role of Bruce Wayne/Batman. He appeared in 120 episodes of the series, and in that time there was one Batman feature film made. I love the campiness of his Batman series! 

West went on to reprise his role in various animated shows that include The New Adventures of Batman, The Batman/Tarzan Adventure Hour, Tarzan and the Super 7, and others. My favorite voiceover work that he did, though, was when he voiced The Gray Ghost in Batman: The Animated Series. He also lent his signature voice to a couple other Batman series such as The Batman and Batman: The Brave and the Bold. Of course, we can't forget the voice work he did for Family Guy!

Variety previously asked West what the character of Batman has come to mean to him over five decades, and this is what he said:

“Money. Some years ago I made an agreement with Batman. There was a time when Batman really kept me from getting some pretty good roles, and I was asked to do what I figured were important features. However, Batman was there, and very few people would take a chance on me walking on to the screen. And they’d be taking people away from the story. So I decided that since so many people love Batman, I might as well love it too. Why not? So I began to reengage myself with Batman. And I saw the comedy. I saw the love people had for it, and I just embraced it.”

West is survived by his wife, Marcelle Tagand Lear, and his six children, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family and friends.