1960’s ‘Batman’ TV Show Actor Adam West Dies at 88!

Television and film star Adam West has passed away at the age of 88 following a brief battle with Leukemia. West was best known for his role as the title character in the campy 60’s version of Batman on both the television series and the accompanying feature film. Although he would go on to play other roles, West found himself typecast for the remainder of his on-screen career after taking off Batman’s cowl.

The one role he was offered that afforded him the best chance at breaking the typecast, had he delivered a stellar performance, was that of super spy James Bond in Diamonds are Forever, a role West turned down because he felt Bond should always be portrayed by a British Actor. He would reemerge later in life to play himself on many occasions, most notably on Family Guy, where he had a recurring role, as well as a guest appearance on the 200th episode of Big Bang Theory.

Adam had been quoted as saying he played Batman “for laughs”, though he admitted that in order to do so, the role had to be taken seriously. West leaves behind six children and his wife of 36 years, Marcelle Tagand Lear.