Tributes after Batman star Adam West dies aged 88
ADAM WEST, the actor who played the original Batman in the classic 1960s TV series, died yesterday at the age of 88.
The star, famous for his tongue-in-cheek portrayal of the Caped Crusader and his alter ego Bruce Wayne, died at home in Los Angeles after a short battle with leukaemia. Marcelle, his wife of 47 years, was by his side.
In a statement, the family said: ‘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.’ Tributes poured in from fans including actress Jamie Lee Curtis, who wrote: ‘Holy heartbreak Batman. Adam West was a big part of my childhood.’
West, a former milkman, landed the role of Batman in 1966 after producers saw him in a milk commercial. He said he played the character ‘for campy fun’ because it was impossible to play it straight. He became known for being on the receiving end of quirky lines delivered by co-star Burt Ward, who played Robin, including West’s favourite: ‘Holy guacamole, Batman!’
West struggled to find work after Batman was cancelled after just three seasons in 1968. He was offered the role of James Bond in Diamonds Are Forever but turned it down, saying he felt 007 should be played by a Brit.
In recent years he voiced the character of Adam West, mayor of Quahog, in Family Guy.