Adam West, the iconic Batman of the 60s TV series, has died following a battle with leukemia at the age of 88.
Adam West was the third Batman actor to play Batman. The comic book character came to screen for the first film serial ‘Batman’ with Lewis Watson in 1943. Robert Lowery replaced him in 1948 when the serial name was changed to ‘Batman and Robin’. West played the Batman for all three seasons and 120 episodes between 1966-1968.
Michael Keaton was next for the movies ‘Batman’ (1989) and ‘Batman Returns’ (1992). Subsequent Batmans were Val Kilmer, George Clooney, Christian Bale and most recently Ben Affleck in ‘Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice’ (2016).
Adam West on The Big Bang Theory
Adam West exemplified heroism. Kind, funny and an all around great guy. Thank you for showing us all how it's done. @therealadamwest
— Ben Affleck (@BenAffleck) June 10, 2017
West’s family announced his passing on Twitter.
Our beloved AW passed away last night. He was the greatest. We'll miss him like crazy. We know you'll miss him too – West Family pic.twitter.com/8bkEq1C2ao
— Adam West (@therealadamwest) June 10, 2017
Adam West started out in films in 1959 and scored his first major role playing opposite Chuck Connors in Geronimo (1962).
West was cast mainly in Westerns including Laramie and The Real McCoy but also appeared in the Sci-Fi movie ‘Robinson Crusoe on Mars (1964) and the final Three Stooges movie ‘The Outlaws Is Coming’ (1965).
Batman producer William Dozier saw west playing Captain Quik in a Nestle Quick commercial and cast his as Bruce Wayne/Batman for his show.
Adam West as Batman ‘The Batusi’
In 1999 when Seth MacFarlane created Family Guy, West was recruited to play Mayor West. It was a job he held for the rest of his life and appeared in over 100 episodes.
Best of Adam West of Family Guy
In a statement MacFarlane said, “Family Guy has lost its mayor, and I have lost a friend. Adam West was a joy to work with, and the kind of guy you always wanted to be around. His positivity, good nature, and sense of fun were undeniable, and it was always a big jolt of the best kind of energy when he walked in to record the show. He knew comedy, and he knew humanity.
“I am beyond fortunate to have had the privilege of working with him, and he will be profoundly missed by all of us. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you have given, Mr Mayor. You’re irreplaceable”.
But just in case he is replaced … I suggest Mayor Ward take the job in tribute.
