The original Batman series debuted back in the late 60s and swiftly became the show to watch on those large, cumbersome, antiquated boxes they called TV. The show would make stars of its main cast and save Batman (the comic book) from near cancellation. As bizarre and campy as the show would often get, the Batman mythos has always had a history with the world of the weird (such as his potential crossover with… Godzilla. Yes, Godzilla… Whatever happened to that bizarre mishmash?) However, it was the actors who made the show’s campy quirks work.
Whether it was the established guest stars or the breakthrough actors who finally had their moment to shine, the actors embraced the camp and made the show a success. While the majority of the cast is no longer with us, one cast member remains, continuing to remind us of that fun-filled Technicolor, bygone era. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and gander at that cast member, as well as reminisce about the zany 60s hit, shall we?
8 The Batman Series Was A Cultural Phenomenon
The 60s were famous for many things: Woodstock (the good one), the Beatles, the Vietnam War, and Batman. When the show debuted back in 1966 with the now iconic “surfer” themed music and cartoon intro, It was an instant hit. Batman swiftly became the thing to watch on TV and spawned a cultural phenomenon dubbed “Batmania” (not to be confused with “Beatlemania” … a lot of “mainas” back in the 60s.) Soon everyone in the country was watching, wearing, playing, and even consuming Batman.
7 'Batman' Made A Star Out Of Adam West
We currently have a new Batman in Robert Pattinson, and while many have wanted to portray The Dark Knight, only a select few have donned the pointy ears and cape. However, the first actor to portray the Caped Crusader and bring him to the main stream was Adam West. West was a struggling actor before landing the part of Batman. The popular TV series would make West a bona fide star practically overnight. While West may not have been the richest actor to don the cowl, he was the first to not only make the character his own but also help in making the role iconic (by the way, he didn’t need molded plastic to improve his physique, that was pure West.)
6 'Batman' Attracted The Top Stars Of The 60s
Batman became known not only for its campy humor but also its special guest villains. The show featured a slew of famous stars from the era portraying Batman’s infamous rogue’s gallery. With stars from stage, screen, and even the world of comedy. It was common place on the series to see Cesar Romero (The Joker), Frank Gorshin (The Riddler), Burgess Meredith (The Penguin), and even Vincent Price (Egghead) featured from week to week.
5 Despite The Show’s Success, It Was Canceled After 3 Seasons
Alas, all good things must come to an end. Though the series was immensely popular at the beginning of its run, it began to fizzle as “Batmainia” seemed to wither and fade. The show experienced a major decline in ratings and despite a desperate effort to save the show with the addition of Bat Girl (played by Yvonne Craig), the show was canceled after only 3 seasons.
4 Most Of The 'Batman' Cast Passed Within 30 Years Of One Another
As the years passed many of the shows featured cast would pass away. Beloved guest villains as well as other cast members would be mourned by fans of the show, and, in the case of Cesar Romero and Burgess Meredith, have even been honored by Hollywood with a star on the walk of fame.
3 Sadly, Adam West Would Join The Majority Of The Cast, Passing In 2017
Adam West, who charmed audiences as the colorful, campy Batman (not to mention a run as himself on Family Guy) would sadly pass away from leukemia in June 2017. His seemingly fun-loving attitude and good-natured acceptance of the role that made him famous were aspects of the actor’s personality that landed him a plethora of fans.
2 Burt Ward Is The Last Surviving Member Of The Original 'Batman' Cast
Bert John Gervis Jr., known professionally as Burt Ward, delighted fans of the series as the spunky, one-liner spewing, catchphrase having sidekick, Robin: the Boy Wonder. At the ripe old age of 76, Ward is not only still with us, but is spry and full of energy. Ward currently owns his own company called Gentle Giants (a pet food company) and engages in charity work, founding the Gentle Giants Rescue and Adoptions, Inc.
1 And Burt Ward Has Quite The Story To Tell
Over the years Ward has divulged a few tantalizing tidbits about what went on when the cameras were turned off and that portraying The Boy Wonder could sometimes be a tad on the dangerous side. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Ward said this about his tumultuous first day on the job, "They don’t want to take a chance of Adam getting hurt, so they hired me to do it.” The reporter would ask Ward if it really was that dangerous to which Ward would reply, “Oh yeah! In fact, the more bones I break, the more money I make.” Holy hazard pay, Batman… am I right?