Adam West, who will always be known to many people around the world as Batman, has passed away. The actor was 88.
Born in 1928 in Walla Walla, Washington, West was drafted into the United States Army where he served as an announcer on American Forces Network television. Before starring in Batman West appeared in several TV Westerns including episodes of The Outer Limits.
All of which were minuscule in comparison to Batman, which first premiered in 1966, and was a pop-cultural hit. The show was known for not only showcasing the art, culture, and identity of the 1960s but the show set the stage for all future representations of Batman. West was forever linked to the character for the rest of his life.
While that character forever typecasted West’s acting career, he would later embrace the acting role, reprising his role as Batman and often playing parodies of the character.
West would continue working in the entertainment industry through his voice over work. As an older actor, he played “Timothy North” on the hit TV show Kim Possible. He also played the deranged mayor of Quahog, Adam West.
West died after a long battle with leukemia. His family’s statement read, “Our dad always saw himself as The Bright Knight, and aspired to make a positive impact on his fans’ lives.”
DC Comics posted a tribute to the actor on Twitter saying, “The DC family is deeply saddened by the passing of Adam West, a Batman beloved by generations. Our thoughts are with his loved ones.”
Fans, celebrities, and entertainers shared their condolences through social media. Star Wars actor, Mark Hamill, posted on Twitter saying “#AdamWest was such a wonderful actor & so kind, I’m so lucky to have worked w/ him & tell him how much he meant to me & millions of fans.”
“Adam West exemplified heroism. Kind, funny and an all around great guy. Thank you for showing us all how it’s done,” Ben Affleck said via social media.