We don’t usually post tributes directly on the site when an actor dies, but there are occasions when I think the person is such a huge part of helping to create the geek culture we live in, and personally, a large part of setting me on the path of geekdom, I think he needs commemorating. In this case, that person was Adam West.
The original ‘Batman’ TV Series, referred to now as “Batman ’66”, was the first superhero I saw. Coming from a small suburban UK town in the 80’s, American comic books weren’t easy to come by, so Adam West, to me, WAS Batman. The show ran on weekend mornings kids tv in the UK, and I was totally hooked. Sure, the show was campy and funny, but wonderfully written, and just such a joyous experience. Plus, he had an amazingly cool car!
Last night, Los Angelenos joined together and said goodbye to Adam, when LA Mayor Eric Garcetti and Police Department Chief Charlie Beck lit a ceremonial Bat-signal at City Hall. This sweet and touching gesture was also attended by series co-stars Burt Ward (Robin), Lee Meriwether (Catwoman), along with Adams wife Marcelle West, and their family and friends.
Ralph Garman, actor, podcaster, and Batman superfan, who co-wrote BATMAN ’66 MEETS THE GREEN HORNET with his podcasting partner, writer/director Kevin Smith, was also in attendance at the ceremony. Ralph was largely responsible for getting Adam’s star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame and became good friends with Adam throughout that process.
So, as the Bat-signal shines onto City Hall, we have to say goodbye to a man who brought immense amounts of joy to people, not only in his role as Batman but also as Mayor Of Quahog in Seth MacFarlane’s Family Guy. Goodnight old chum. You will be missed.