Adam West (1928-2017)

Posted by: Erin Ward in Notable Deaths | July 12, 2021

Adam West

Actor

September 19. 1928 – June 9, 2017

Adam West, the actor best known for playing Batman on the television show during the 1960’s has passed away after a short battle with leukemia according to multiple reports. He was 88.

Prior to landing the role of Batman, West was steadily gaining popularity and an up and coming star in Hollywood. The Batman role would see him launch his career to new heights. Unfortunately, his portrayal of the caped crusader known as Batman would lead to him being typecast for much of his career. Something he initially despised but grew to embrace later in life.

West was born William West Anderson to a farming family in Walla Walla Washington. At the age of 15 his parents divorced and West moved with his mother to Seattle. There, he completed a degree in literature from Whitman College before being drafted into the US Army. The army was where he got his first taste of show business working as an announcer for American Forces Network television.

After he was discharged from the army, West changed his name and pursued a career in acting. He quickly found success appearing numerous westerns on television and in films. With each role, West’s popularity grew a little more. He landed a role alongside Paul Newman in “The Young Philadelphians” (1959) and eventually received a starring role as Colonel Dan McReady in “Robinson Crusoe on Mars” (1964).

It was in 1966 that he landed the role that would define his career. Batman was a pop culture icon of the 1960’s full of campy humor, puns, and action in technicolor. The show aired twice a week and was a tremendous hit.

The success of the show led to toys, models, games and other promotional material being mass produced and sold everywhere. Every child in America knew who Batman was.

Eventually the ratings began to decline and after three seasons and a feature length film, Batman was cancelled.

After the show ended, West attempted to land serious roles but could not break the typecast Batman had left on him. Throughout the 1970’s and 1980’s, West appeared in a number of small roles in largely forgotten projects.

To the public, West would always be Batman, it was something he could never shake. This was something he initially despised and regretted ever playing Batman. Eventually, he would grow to embrace the role and his attachment to it. He would appear in projects poking fun at the role, attend fan conventions, and appear in parodies.

Although largely out of the public eye during retirement, West continued to act appearing in small guest roles on television and working as a voice actor including the hit television show “Family Guy” (2000-Present).

West leaves behind a wife and six children.

Following the news of his death, celebrities took to Twitter to express their condolences.

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

RIP Adam West. You will always be Batman
— Will Arnett™ (@arnettwill) June 10, 2017

When I was a kid POW BLAM Adam West was Batman! With his pal Robin and his tongue planted firmly in his cheek he brought me so much joy. ;^}
— Jim Carrey (@JimCarrey) June 11, 2017

Rest in peace to a true tv legend who defined the caped crusader role for so many others #adamwest
— Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) June 10, 2017

RIP Adam West. First person I saw who was funny, badass & cool all at once.
— Kumail Nanjiani (@kumailn) June 10, 2017

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