The legendary actor Adam West (aka William West Anderson) who played the role of comic book character Batman in an ABC network program in the sixties passed away on 9th of June in Los Angeles at the age of 88. With a career spanning seven decades, West played different versions of himself on series such as Family Guy and The Simpsons doing voice over for animated characters. Reports state that he passed away after a short battle with leukemia.
To the Batcave! With my 3yo grandson ? pic.twitter.com/vyhlUYNAyF
— Adam West (@therealadamwest) April 18, 2017
West changed his name soon after entering the industry reasoning Adam sounded good with his middle name West. He then appeared in the iconic Batman TV series on ABC network which was a typical sixties kitsch production, becoming an iconic series with it “Wham! Pew!” appearing on the TV screen making it one of a kind series of that time. However, the series flopped as fast as it had become famous declining after the first two seasons.
Great meeting the legendary @stevewoz at the San Jose comicon last weekend pic.twitter.com/1L77pVQGy5
— Adam West (@therealadamwest) April 28, 2017
West, who was severely typecast after his success se Batman in his youth, confessed in his later years that it took him some time to make his peace with the character of Batman given its profound effect on his life. He also published an autobiography in 1994 named Back to the Batcave. He got his star on the Hoywood Walk of Fame on April 5, 2012.
He found a new connection to a new generation in 2000’s when he appeared on Family Guy playing Adam West, the corrupt and greedy city Mayor. Having distinctive voice and delivery style, West got very famous with his voice over performances. West also appeared as himself on the 200th episode on the famous and successful TV series The Big Bang Theory as himself marking the 50th year of the release of the Batman.
West is survived by his family who soon after his death released a statement expressing their deep love and emotions for West. “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,” the statement read.
Our beloved AW passed away last night. He was the greatest. We'll miss him like crazy. We know you'll miss him too – West Family pic.twitter.com/8bkEq1C2ao
— Adam West (@therealadamwest) June 10, 2017
His death was followed by condolences and loving messages from friends and fans around the globe. RIP Adam West. You will be missed.
#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. pic.twitter.com/Bu0OOaRgX9
— @HamillHimself (@HamillHimself) June 10, 2017
The most beloved, yet most underappreciated, #BatMan of them all – #AdamWest! You'll always be the true "caped crusader" to me.#RIPAdamWest
— Donnie Wahlberg (@DonnieWahlberg) June 10, 2017
God bless #AdamWest passing away at 88, he was my first #Batman and the forever #Mayor of #Quahog #RIPAdamWest pic.twitter.com/0wIYxLyBF5
— Al Roker (@alroker) June 10, 2017
#AdamWest my after school hours were filled with excitement watching you battle fantastic… https://t.co/BcNiJBUIql pic.twitter.com/pVlcBcv1qH
— John Barrowman MBE (@JohnBarrowman) June 10, 2017