Opinion: I Can’t Believe Adam West Has Been Gone for a Year
The definitive voice for a generation of Batman fans was Adam West.
I grew up watching the 1960s “Batman” TV series long before Michael Keaton’s Batman hit the big screen in 1989 and I can't believe it's been a year since his passing.
It is hard to imagine that at one time Adam West struggled to find work as a serious actor after his “Batman” days.
Adam West was born in Walla Walla, making him a Northwest native. I recall his booming voice in multiple Batman cartoons alongside Casey Kasem as Robin.
I think my favorite appearance of Adam West as Batman was in 1978’s “Legends of the Super Heroes” special that ran once on NBC. I remember wanting to watch the show but I hadn't finished my math homework and my foster mom wasn't about to allow me to watch the show without finishing my homework. I had tears in my eyes and rushed to complete my homework but still missed about ten minutes of the show.
I was 8 and enamored with the whole show. I still have a bootleg copy on VHS that I bought over 20 years ago so I finally got to see that missing ten minutes of the show.
Adam West struggled and once was uncool, but is cool again — and thanks to the next generation, he’s a pop icon these days thanks to the TV series "Family Guy" and Seth McFarlene.
I never wavered in my loyalty to Adam West through the years and enjoyed his screen appearances whenever I could watch them including the 1990's TV parody series called "Danger Theater"
I will say it’s tough to see our idols age and after watching the newest Batman cartoon voiced by Adam West and Burt Ward, I hear the strain of the voice and slowed patter, but never amiss was the definitive voice of Batman.
Adam West passed away last year on this date at the age of 88.
I encourage you to pick up a copy of the old “Batman” TV series and share it with your kids.
It’s never too late to celebrate the uniqueness of Adam West’s performances as Batman and let the next generation experience what we loved as kids.
Good Night, Dark Knight.