Burt Ward, “Robin” Holy Boy Wonder Batman Secrets! (Interview) - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

TMC · 07-10-2023, 05:30 AM

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Burt Ward, Robin the Boy Wonder, from Batman the Original Series, has a great time talking with John Cato in this Behind the Scenes interview.

Burt talks about all the mishaps and dangerous stunts he was put through that almost killed him on the Batman set and his beyond belief initial audition for Batman and the fact that it was his first television audition ever! In addition, Burt talks about his dear friend, Adam West, their special bond, hysterical pranks on each other and Adam's suspicious death .Burt talks about the Joker, the Riddler and all the famous guest stars on the show. Burt also discusses his present passion for saving large dogs and his company, Gentle Giants. If your a Batman fan you will love this!!! If you are a dog lover you will also love the last portion of the interview where Burt shows his passion for big dogs as well!!

Hosted by John Cato, actor, voiceover artist, and moderator for over 20 years for the television and movie industry. John's background brings a unique insight and passion to the podcast.

00:00:00 Introduction
00:00:43 Burt talks about the insane stunts and injuries he sustained on Batman
00:18:17 Bruce discusses his acting break and the crazy first audition for Batman
00:25:29 How Burt found out he got the role of Robin
00:29:16 Burt's natural chemistry with Adam West
00:33:07 Burt's personal relationship with martial arts icon, Bruce Lee
00:39:38 Burt talks about all the amazing guest stars on Batman
00:46:59 Burt talks about the Robin catchphrases
00:49:50 Burt discusses the rock star crowds that showed up for personal appearances
00:55:13 Burt's tie in to pro wrestling
00:58:27 Burt has to turn down the lead in "The Graduate" and let it go to Dustin Hoffman
01:00:31 Burt's suspicions around Adam West's death
01:04:56 Burt and Adam's practical jokes and pranks on each other
01:07:34 Burt's life passion for big dogs and his company Gentle Giants

Duster76 · 07-10-2023, 01:41 PM

I didn't listen to the entire interview, most of these stories have been circulating for years and both Ward and Adam West have been guilty of grossly exaggerating the truth over the years. For example, during the interview he makes the ludicrous contention that ABC was not an actual network until Bewitched and Batman came along, claiming that ABC ran syndicated programming.

He also contends he was offered the role of Benjamin Braddock (The Graduate), that's not true. The process of casting the lead part was thorough, many of Hollywood's young and upcoming male actors were interested in the part. Auditions were held, Charles Grodin's audition went very well, Hoffman's was just so-so, but the screen test was a different story. Hoffman not only knocked it out of the park but over the el train that ran past the park. So again, the idea that Burt Ward with no acting experience outside of Batman would have been able to detail the character of Benjamin Braddock enough to win the role is a folly. Look at the rest of Ward's career, look at his credits, they speak volumes.

biffbronson · 08-06-2023, 03:56 PM

Burt revealed he'd lost his mind when he lobbied to play Robin in Tim Burton's "Batman," the '89 movie. He was 43 years old when that was filmed...! Not to mention that the character was not in either of Burton's films, Batman and Batman Returns, though Dick Grayson was originally planned to appear in the first one.

07-10-2023, 01:41 PM	#2
Duster76 Member Senior Member Join Date: Mar 01, 2008 Location: New jersey Posts: 1,656	I didn't listen to the entire interview, most of these stories have been circulating for years and both Ward and Adam West have been guilty of grossly exaggerating the truth over the years. For example, during the interview he makes the ludicrous contention that ABC was not an actual network until Bewitched and Batman came along, claiming that ABC ran syndicated programming. He also contends he was offered the role of Benjamin Braddock (The Graduate), that's not true. The process of casting the lead part was thorough, many of Hollywood's young and upcoming male actors were interested in the part. Auditions were held, Charles Grodin's audition went very well, Hoffman's was just so-so, but the screen test was a different story. Hoffman not only knocked it out of the park but over the el train that ran past the park. So again, the idea that Burt Ward with no acting experience outside of Batman would have been able to detail the character of Benjamin Braddock enough to win the role is a folly. Look at the rest of Ward's career, look at his credits, they speak volumes.

08-06-2023, 03:56 PM	#3
biffbronson Sentimental Fool Forum Star Join Date: Aug 22, 2009 Location: Near Notre Dame Posts: 10,510	Burt revealed he'd lost his mind when he lobbied to play Robin in Tim Burton's "Batman," the '89 movie. He was 43 years old when that was filmed...! Not to mention that the character was not in either of Burton's films, Batman and Batman Returns, though Dick Grayson was originally planned to appear in the first one.