Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Adam West dead: Iconic Batman actor passes away aged 88

The star is best remembered for his tongue-in-cheek 1960s Batman TV series

Jacob Stolworthy
Saturday 10 June 2017 11:38 EDT
Comments
(20th Century Fox)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Adam West, star of the 1960s television series Batman, has died at the age of 88.

The actor passed away in Los Angeles on Friday after being treated briefly for leukaemia.

“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.

West remained a working actor until his death, doing recurring voice work for animated projects including Family Guy – in which he played himself – and Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders.

He also made cameos as himself on US sitcoms 30 Rock and The Big Bang Theory.

Joker: Adam West played himself in animated sitcom ‘Family Guy’ (Getty)
Joker: Adam West played himself in animated sitcom ‘Family Guy’ (Getty) (Getty Images)

Mr West made his film debut in 1959’s The Young Philadelphians alongside Paul Newman before finding universal recognition with his tongue-in-cheek portrayal of the Caped Crusader in Batman. The series earned cult status thanks to its camp humour and onscreen fight graphics depicting the words 'Wham!' and 'Pow!'.

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

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in