Images: Adam West
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Before Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, George Clooney, Christian Bale and Ben Affleck donned Batman's cape in a stream of Hollywood blockbusters, there was Adam West.
West's deadpan portrayal of the comic hero in a campy 1960s TV series brought the Caped Crusader into the national consciousness with a "bang!" The Dark Knight had been a brooding presence on the pages of comic books since 1939 and on the big screen in 1940s-era movie serials.
West died Friday night after "a short but brave battle with leukemia," his family said Saturday on a verified Facebook page.
FILE - This Jan. 13, 2003 file photo shows actor Adam West in the Hollywood area of Los Angeles. On Saturday, June 10, 2017, his family said the actor, who portrayed Batman in a 1960s TV series, has died at age 88.
Associated Press
FILE - In this June 27, 1989 file photo, Adam West, left, stands beside the old Batmobile driven by owner Scott Chinery in Philadelphia. On Saturday, June 10, 2017, his family said the actor, who portrayed Batman in a 1960s TV series, has died at age 88.
Associated Press
FILE - In this March 19, 2006 file photo, Burt Ward, left, and Adam West pose for photos while walking the red carpet prior to the TV Land Awards, in Santa Monica, Calif. On Saturday, June 10, 2017, West's family said the actor, who portrayed Batman in a 1960s TV series, has died at age 88.
Associated Press
FILE - This Jan. 14, 1989 file photo shows Adam West in New York. On Saturday, June 10, 2017, his family said the actor, who portrayed Batman in a 1960s TV series, has died at age 88.
Associated Press
FILE - In this Dec. 11, 1985, file photo, Adam West poses for a photo in Los Angeles. On Saturday, June 10, 2017, his family said the actor, who portrayed Batman in a 1960s TV series, has died at age 88.
Associated Press
FILE- In this Nov. 17, 2012 file photo, Adam West arrives at Variety Power of Comedy at Avalon Hollywood in Los Angeles. 10, 2017. On Saturday, June 10, 2017, his family said the actor, who portrayed Batman in a 1960s TV series, has died at age 88.
Associated Press
FILE - In this Feb. 23, 2002 file photo, a fan holds a signed photograph of actor Adam West, right, during the 50th Autorama in Detroit. On Saturday, June 10, 2017, his family said the actor, who portrayed Batman in a 1960s TV series, has died at age 88.
Associated Press
FILE - In this May 29, 2015 file photo, a Batman costume worn by Adam West in the 1960s television show is on display next a Superman costume worn by Christopher Reeve in "Superman IV" at the Louisville Slugger Museum in Louisville, Ky. On Saturday, June 10, 2017, West's family said the actor has died at age 88.
Associated Press
FILE - In this March 19, 2006 file photo, Burt Ward, left, and Adam West pose for photos while walking the red carpet prior to the TV Land Awards, in Santa Monica, Calif. On Saturday, June 10, 2017, West's family said the actor, who portrayed Batman in a 1960s TV series, has died at age 88.
Associated Press
FILE - In this Sunday, Jan. 27, 1989 file photo, actors Adam West, left, and Burt Ward, dressed as their characters Batman and Robin, pose for a photo at the "World of Wheels" custom car show in Chicago. On Saturday, June 10, 2017, West's family said the actor, who portrayed Batman in a 1960s.
Associated Press
FILE - This June 14, 1989 file photo shows Adam West in New York. On Saturday, June 10, 2017, his family said the actor, who portrayed Batman in a 1960s TV series, has died at age 88.
Associated Press
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