Adam West (1928-2017) - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Zoneboy · 06-10-2017, 11:42 AM

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Adam West — an actor defined and also constrained by his role in the 1960s series “Batman” — died Friday night in Los Angeles. He was 88. A rep said that he died after a short battle with leukemia.

“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,” his family said in a statement.

With its “Wham! Pow!” onscreen exclamations, flamboyant villains and cheeky tone, “Batman” became a surprise hit with its premiere on ABC in 1966, a virtual symbol of ’60s kitsch. Yet West’s portrayal of the superhero and his alter ego, Bruce Wayne, ultimately made it hard for him to get other roles, and while he continued to work throughout his career, options remained limited because of his association with the character.

West also chafed against the darker versions of Bob Kane’s hero that emerged in more recent years, beginning with the Michael Keaton-starring, Tim Burton-directed adaptations that began in 1989, and followed by Christopher Nolan’s enormously successful Dark Knight trilogy.

In February 2016, CBS sitcom “The Big Bang Theory,” which had hosted a number of geek favorites over the years, celebrated its 200th episode — and marked the 50th anniversary of “Batman” — with an appearance by West.

Asked by Variety what the character of Batman has come to mean to him over five decades, West 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 made his feature debut in 1959’s “The Young Philadelphians,” starring Paul Newman.

Various supporting roles in movies and TV followed – including a part in the Three Stooges movie “The Outlaws Is Coming.”

The origins of the “Batman” series are actually quite complex, but the project eventually landed at 20th Century Fox, which handed it to producer William Dozier, who devised the show’s camp comedy sensibility.

Both West and Lyle Waggoner were considered for the part of Batman before West was cast, playing alongside Burt Ward as his sidekick Robin.

In a PBS special that touched on the show, Ward noted that West’s slow, portentous delivery was occasionally designed to eat up screen time, thus cutting into his co-star’s dialogue.

With actors like Cesar Romero (Joker) and Burgess Meredith (Penguin) comprising Batman’s rogue’s gallery of villains, the show became an almost instant success, urging viewers to tune in for the next episode at the “Same Bat-time.” The series spawned a movie — pitting the Dynamic Duo against a team-up of villains — before being canceled after three seasons due, primarily, to its high production costs.

The show came to be viewed with some contempt in comicbook circles, especially after the darker vision of Batman became dominant in the ’70s and ’80s.

West found serious film work scarce following the series, though he remained in demand for personal appearances as the character and voice work, including a recurring stint on “Family Guy” and animated versions of Batman. Other roles ranged from “The Happy Hooker” and “Hooper” to the Michael Tolkin-directed movies “The Rapture” and “The New Age.”

West wrote two books, one, titled “Back to the Batcave” and published in the mid-1990s, in which he said that he was “angry and disappointed” not to have been offered the chance to reprise the role in the Burton movies, despite being 60 at the time. The attendant publicity seemed to put West back on the cultural radar, at least as a source of nostalgia.

Born William West Anderson in 1928 in Walla Walla, Wash., the actor later adopted his stage name, and began his career in earnest when he moved to Hawaii in the 1950s to star in a local children’s program.

He is survived by his wife Marcelle, six children, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

MA · 06-10-2017, 11:48 AM

BBC is saying that he died of leukemia.

Retro4Life · 06-10-2017, 12:38 PM

This one shocked me. He wasn't a young man, but there were no reports of ill health and he seemed to work like a 30 year old.

RIP Batman. As I said in another forum, West really had fun with the role and never talked it down. I'm sure it hurt his subsequent career, but he was a gentleman about it.

Sure feels like we've lost a legend.

PhoenixAcres · 06-10-2017, 12:54 PM

I can't believe this.

I thought he was really healthy and doing well.

Adam West

MA · 06-10-2017, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhoenixAcres

I can't believe this.

I thought he was really healthy and doing well.

Adam West

He wasn't unfortunately.

opus · 06-10-2017, 01:10 PM

Farewell, old chum.

Mr. Television · 06-10-2017, 01:30 PM

R.I.P. Mr. West. Thanks for being a part of my childhood.

MrCleveland · 06-10-2017, 01:49 PM

Adam West will be missed...

EccentricGenius · 06-10-2017, 02:26 PM

Such a monumental loss for the entertainment industry. My mother broke the news to me this morning. Adam West was indeed a television legend. His performance as Batman truly defined popular culture, as well as the character himself. He will definitely be missed.

MA · 06-10-2017, 02:27 PM

My dad actually called to talk to me about this and I already knew.

bmasters9 · 06-10-2017, 02:57 PM

Some assorted pictures of Adam's shows (these captured from DVD releases of those series):

--First, his title credit from his most famous role, 60s ABC Batman (captured from WB all-in-one DVD of that series)

--Second, Adam in a general scene from that series as Batman (alongside his co-star Burt Ward, who was Robin); this also captured from that release

--Third, Adam as David Stockwood (alongside Robert Wagner) in the Hart to Hart episode "Love Game" (OAD Nov. 8, 1983 on ABC; captured from Shout! final-season DVD of that ABC series)

--Finally, his closing credit card from that episode (also captured from that release)

Svenfan1234 · 06-10-2017, 04:06 PM

D-Dey · 06-10-2017, 04:55 PM

You know, for some reason I kept thinking he was 90. Either way, I thought it'd be great if the Paley Center for Media did a tribute to him for his 90th birthday which would've included not only his work on "Batman," but his AOL commercial, his voicework in the Kim Possible episode "The Fearless Ferret," a "Catman" related episode of "The Fairly OddParents," the SNL parody of him by Michael McKean plugging "Back to the Batcave," and a few other things.

Regulus · 06-10-2017, 05:14 PM

1960'sTVfan · 06-10-2017, 08:00 PM

Sad news about Adam West, I know he was getting up in years but thought his health was still pretty good. I'm glad he lived to see the work he's most famous for, the Batman TV series, finally get it's release on DVD. I'm sure he was happy about that. R.I.P. Mr. West.

06-10-2017, 11:42 AM	#1
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,415	Adam West (1928-2017) Link Adam West — an actor defined and also constrained by his role in the 1960s series “Batman” — died Friday night in Los Angeles. He was 88. A rep said that he died after a short battle with leukemia. “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,” his family said in a statement. With its “Wham! Pow!” onscreen exclamations, flamboyant villains and cheeky tone, “Batman” became a surprise hit with its premiere on ABC in 1966, a virtual symbol of ’60s kitsch. Yet West’s portrayal of the superhero and his alter ego, Bruce Wayne, ultimately made it hard for him to get other roles, and while he continued to work throughout his career, options remained limited because of his association with the character. West also chafed against the darker versions of Bob Kane’s hero that emerged in more recent years, beginning with the Michael Keaton-starring, Tim Burton-directed adaptations that began in 1989, and followed by Christopher Nolan’s enormously successful Dark Knight trilogy. In February 2016, CBS sitcom “The Big Bang Theory,” which had hosted a number of geek favorites over the years, celebrated its 200th episode — and marked the 50th anniversary of “Batman” — with an appearance by West. Asked by Variety what the character of Batman has come to mean to him over five decades, West 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 made his feature debut in 1959’s “The Young Philadelphians,” starring Paul Newman. Various supporting roles in movies and TV followed – including a part in the Three Stooges movie “The Outlaws Is Coming.” The origins of the “Batman” series are actually quite complex, but the project eventually landed at 20th Century Fox, which handed it to producer William Dozier, who devised the show’s camp comedy sensibility. Both West and Lyle Waggoner were considered for the part of Batman before West was cast, playing alongside Burt Ward as his sidekick Robin. In a PBS special that touched on the show, Ward noted that West’s slow, portentous delivery was occasionally designed to eat up screen time, thus cutting into his co-star’s dialogue. With actors like Cesar Romero (Joker) and Burgess Meredith (Penguin) comprising Batman’s rogue’s gallery of villains, the show became an almost instant success, urging viewers to tune in for the next episode at the “Same Bat-time.” The series spawned a movie — pitting the Dynamic Duo against a team-up of villains — before being canceled after three seasons due, primarily, to its high production costs. The show came to be viewed with some contempt in comicbook circles, especially after the darker vision of Batman became dominant in the ’70s and ’80s. West found serious film work scarce following the series, though he remained in demand for personal appearances as the character and voice work, including a recurring stint on “Family Guy” and animated versions of Batman. Other roles ranged from “The Happy Hooker” and “Hooper” to the Michael Tolkin-directed movies “The Rapture” and “The New Age.” West wrote two books, one, titled “Back to the Batcave” and published in the mid-1990s, in which he said that he was “angry and disappointed” not to have been offered the chance to reprise the role in the Burton movies, despite being 60 at the time. The attendant publicity seemed to put West back on the cultural radar, at least as a source of nostalgia. Born William West Anderson in 1928 in Walla Walla, Wash., the actor later adopted his stage name, and began his career in earnest when he moved to Hawaii in the 1950s to star in a local children’s program. He is survived by his wife Marcelle, six children, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
	Last edited by Zoneboy; 07-02-2023 at 08:24 PM.

06-10-2017, 12:38 PM	#3
Retro4Life Accept No Substitutes Forum Veteran Join Date: Feb 04, 2009 Location: IL Posts: 6,708	This one shocked me. He wasn't a young man, but there were no reports of ill health and he seemed to work like a 30 year old. RIP Batman. As I said in another forum, West really had fun with the role and never talked it down. I'm sure it hurt his subsequent career, but he was a gentleman about it. Sure feels like we've lost a legend.
	__________________ Alex Reiger :[Trying to convince Louie not to antagonize Bobby] "It's not hard to make people feel bad about their lives. What's hard is making people feel good about their lives."

06-10-2017, 01:30 PM	#7
Mr. Television 23 Years at Sitcoms Online Forum Icon Join Date: Jun 06, 2003 Location: Somewhere you're Not Posts: 62,132	R.I.P. Mr. West. Thanks for being a part of my childhood.
	__________________ Sonny

06-10-2017, 01:49 PM	#8
MrCleveland Drew Carey from Hell Forum Star Join Date: Nov 10, 2007 Location: The City of Cleveland, in The State of Cleveland, in The United States of Cleveland Posts: 14,229	Adam West will be missed...
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06-10-2017, 02:57 PM	#11
bmasters9 Member Senior Member Join Date: Jan 06, 2007 Posts: 2,550	Some assorted pictures of Adam's shows (these captured from DVD releases of those series): --First, his title credit from his most famous role, 60s ABC Batman (captured from WB all-in-one DVD of that series) --Second, Adam in a general scene from that series as Batman (alongside his co-star Burt Ward, who was Robin); this also captured from that release --Third, Adam as David Stockwood (alongside Robert Wagner) in the Hart to Hart episode "Love Game" (OAD Nov. 8, 1983 on ABC; captured from Shout! final-season DVD of that ABC series) --Finally, his closing credit card from that episode (also captured from that release) Attached Images
	__________________ "CBS Sports presents...The Prudential College Football Report, sponsored by The Prudential, offering a full range of insurance and other financial services. The Prudential: the Rock...it's strong, it's on the move, it's bigger than life." (Don Robertson's spiel for The Prudential College Football Report in the 1986 season; modified from what it was in 1985)

06-10-2017, 11:48 AM	#2
MA Member Moderator Forum Idol Join Date: May 20, 2017 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 127,643	BBC is saying that he died of leukemia.

06-10-2017, 12:54 PM	#4
PhoenixAcres Member Moderator Forum Veteran Join Date: Jul 26, 2016 Location: United States Posts: 6,824	I can't believe this. I thought he was really healthy and doing well. Adam West

06-10-2017, 01:10 PM	#6
opus VB Forum Superstar Join Date: May 16, 2015 Location: VB Galaxy Posts: 32,576	Farewell, old chum.

06-10-2017, 02:26 PM	#9
EccentricGenius Member Forum Regular Join Date: Dec 30, 2015 Posts: 767	Such a monumental loss for the entertainment industry. My mother broke the news to me this morning. Adam West was indeed a television legend. His performance as Batman truly defined popular culture, as well as the character himself. He will definitely be missed.

06-10-2017, 02:27 PM	#10
MA Member Moderator Forum Idol Join Date: May 20, 2017 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 127,643	My dad actually called to talk to me about this and I already knew.

06-10-2017, 04:06 PM	#12
Svenfan1234 Member Forum Star Join Date: Dec 12, 2015 Posts: 11,200
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06-10-2017, 04:55 PM	#13
D-Dey Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Feb 11, 2000 Location: Long Island, New York, USA Posts: 5,530	You know, for some reason I kept thinking he was 90. Either way, I thought it'd be great if the Paley Center for Media did a tribute to him for his 90th birthday which would've included not only his work on "Batman," but his AOL commercial, his voicework in the Kim Possible episode "The Fearless Ferret," a "Catman" related episode of "The Fairly OddParents," the SNL parody of him by Michael McKean plugging "Back to the Batcave," and a few other things.
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06-10-2017, 05:14 PM	#14
Regulus Member Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 07, 2011 Location: Port Orange, Florida Avatar - Poiuyt Posts: 3,374
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06-10-2017, 08:00 PM	#15
1960'sTVfan Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Sep 30, 2009 Posts: 6,123	Sad news about Adam West, I know he was getting up in years but thought his health was still pretty good. I'm glad he lived to see the work he's most famous for, the Batman TV series, finally get it's release on DVD. I'm sure he was happy about that. R.I.P. Mr. West.