Adam West, the actor best known for starring in the 1960's Batman TV show, has died after a short battle with leukemia.
According to West's publicist, molly Schonoveld, he died in Los Angeles surrounded by family. West's family offered the following statement:
"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."
West's acting career started in the 1950s as a host of a children's TV show in Hawaii. In the 60s, he was in a several Western TV shows like Lawman, Colt. 45, and Sugarfoot. The actor made his feature film debut in The Young Philadelphians as with Paul Newman. In 1966, West landed his iconic Bruce Wayne/Batman role, and starred in 120 episodes of the series and one feature film.
West reprised his role in several animated shows that include The New Adventures of Batman, Tarzan and the Super 7, and The Batman/Tarzan Adventure Hour. He was also known for voicing in Family Guy.
When Variety asked West what the role of Batman meant for him over the decades, here's what he said:
"Money. Some years ago I made an agreement with Batman. There was a time when Batman really kept me from getting some pretty good roles, and I was asked to do what I figured were important features. However, Batman was there, and very few people would take a chance on me walking on to the screen. And they'd be taking people away from the story. So I decided that since so many people love Batman, I might as well love it too. Why not? So I began to reengage myself with Batman. And I saw the comedy. I saw the love people had for it, and I just embraced it."
Rest in peace, Adam West.
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