Adam West passed away Friday night in Los Angeles at the age of 88. A rep confirmed that he died after a short battle with leukemia.
Although the beloved actor is most known as Batman from the 1960’s series of the same name, Adam West had a very successful television career before playing The Bat. Some of the popular shows he had guest appearances in included Petticoat Junction, The Detectives, Maverick, 77 Sunset Strip, Colt .45, and Bonanza.
It was in 1966 when West landed the role of Batman. The show filmed 120 episodes and aired on ABC for 3 seasons, from January 12, 1966 to March 14, 1968, two months after the first season of the television series concluded. Batman: The Movie, which features some of the most iconic moments from West’s portrayal as Batman, was released by 20th Century Fox in July 1966. The film starred Adam West, Burt Ward, Lee Meriwether, Cesar Romero, Burgess Meredith, and Frank Gorshin.
Although Adam West went on to star in many series and films, the actor was typecast. He reprised his role as Batman many times, from SuperFriends: The Legendary Super Powers Show (1984) to The Simpsons (2002). He also went on to star as himself, bringing his unmistakable personality and voice to projects. Over the last 17 years, he as starred as Mayor Adam West, among other roles, in Seth MacFarlane’s animated hit Family Guy.
Fans will get to see Adam West as Batman one more time. The animated film Batman vs. Two-Face is currently in post-production. It also stars William Shatner (Harvey Dent / Two-Face), Thomas Lennon (Chief O’Hara), Julie Newmar (Catwoman), Steven Weber (Alfred), and Burt Ward (Dick Grayson / Robin).
There’s no doubt that Adam West helped define many of our childhoods, whether as Batman or Mayor. This is definitely a sad day for his many fans.
