The industry lost one of its favorites today in the passing of Adam West, who has come to be infamously known for his delightful take on the Dark Knight in the 1960’s Batman television series.
The news hit even harder because most didn’t realize he was fighting with Leukemia, though evidently, it was a recent occurrence. Fans and friends are still coming to terms with the news, and have started sharing their thoughts about the beloved actor on social media.
Videos by ComicBook.com
Whether it was his banter with Burt Ward at conventions or his cameos on shows like The Simpsons and The Big Bang Theory or even the original Batman series itself, West has always been an entertainer. You’ll see a great deal of that in tweets from his fans, sharing their favorite moments from the show or pictures they got to take with him before he died.
You’ll also notice how many childhoods Adam West inspired. The Batman series became the defacto Dark Knight interpretation for many, and to this day there are those who swear by it as their favorite. Many, this writer included, have the words “Same Bat Time, Same Bat Channel” etched in their memories, and you’ll see plenty of love for that here as well.
It’s a wonderful way to remember West, and he probably wouldn’t have it any other way.
Hit the next slide to see how the internet is reacting to the passing of a Batman legend.
Dave Itzkoff
For many, the sheer fun and entertainment value was the best part of the show, including Batman’s various gadgets and vehicles.
For Dave Itzkoff, it was all about the surfboard, saying “RIP Adam West, and farewell to the only Batman who could credibly pursue the Joker on a surfboard.”
Sometimes a plane or a Batmobileย just won’t do.
RIP Adam West, and farewell to the only Batman who could credibly pursue the Joker on a surfboard. https://t.co/xRReklPkYt pic.twitter.com/zJvKnmA5DZ
โ Dave Itzkoff (@ditzkoff) June 10, 2017
Neil Gaiman
Like many, Neil Gaimanย had a special place for Adam West’s depiction of Batman and even got to meet the man himself in 1987.
As he shares in a heartfeltย post about West’s passing, he wishes he had told him more.
“Rest in Peace Adam West. We met once in 1987 and I was too embarrassed and too foolishly “cool” to tell you what you meant to my childhood.”
Rest in Peace Adam West. We met once in 1987 and I was too embarrassed and too foolishly “cool” to tell you what you meant to my childhood.
โ Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) June 10, 2017
Jim Ross
The 60’s Batman series expanded the Dark Knight’s reach beyond any limits of genre or age, and even influenced the youth of legendary wrestling announcer Jim Ross.
Ross shared a memorable clip of West facing down Julie Newmar’s Catwoman with the caption “Sorry to hear another part of my youth has passed away. Thx Adam West, if that was your real name.”
Sorry to hear another part of my youth has passed away. Thx Adam West, if that was your real name. @JerryLawler
โ Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) June 10, 2017
https://t.co/v9KysRql3j
Jo-Anne Rowney
For many the 60’s Batman series was their first introduction to the character. The campiness and fun of the show made it possible for all ages to enjoy the duo’s adventures, including Jo-Anne Rowney.
Rowney said “RIP Adam West He was our introduction to Batman. My dad’s fav”.
RIP Adam West He was our introduction to Batman. My dad’s fav pic.twitter.com/Gq74VfJQzR
โ Jo-Anne Rowney (@JoAnne_Rowney) June 10, 2017
Marc Guggenheim
While the DC Comics shows on the CW are different in tone and style to their Batman 66 predecessor, many highly regard the show and the actors involved for the show they were able to put together.
That includes Marc Guggenheim, who said “RIP Adam West. Far more brilliant than he got credit for being.”
West has always had a great grasp on comedy, seen in his many cameos and appearancesย since his Batman days.
RIP Adam West. Far more brilliant than he got credit for being. https://t.co/xUAvIJ0vCS
โ Marc Guggenheim (@mguggenheim) June 10, 2017
David Taylor
Adam West was 88 years young in many fans’ eyes, including that of David Taylor.
Taylor was like many people, hoping this day would never come. In his caption he wrote “WOW.
I guess it is true.
There are just some people you hoped would be around forever.
#RIP Adam West.
Old chum. ?”
WOW.
โ David Taylor (@DT2ComicsChat) June 10, 2017
I guess it is true.
There are just some people you hoped would be around forever. #RIP Adam West.
Old chum. ?https://t.co/drf9HKyfi0
Jason Bischoff
While you might have never met him, West’s Batman was larger than life and inspired the childhood’s of many around the world.
That was certainly the case for Jason Bischoff, who gave a heartfelt sendoff to his hero.
“My dear friend Adam died last night. We only met once , but he had lived in my imagination since I was two. Rest well, old chum. #adamwest”
My dear friend Adam died last night. We only met once , but he had lived in my imagination since I was two. Rest well, old chum. #adamwest pic.twitter.com/jskEY1Y01N
โ Jason Bischoff (@shadowpiper) June 10, 2017
BossLogic
For many Adam Wests’ Batman is the best Batman, but even if he wasn’t it’s likely you’ll never forget him as the iconic Dark Knight.
Artist BossLogicย shared gratitudeย the wonderful character West brought to life onscreen, sharing a portrait he created with the caption “We will never forget you @therealadamwest thank you for everything :’)”
We will never forget you @therealadamwest thank you for everything :’) pic.twitter.com/FmtMTkZdFk
โ BossLogic (@Bosslogic) June 10, 2017
Sean Finnegan
Adam West might have been 88 years old, but he was still traveling to conventions all around the United Statues up until recently.
That included New York Comic Con, where he took a picture with Batman fan Sean Finnegan. Finnegan shared the photo with his thoughts on West, saying “I met Adam West once at New York Comic Con. He was sweet and genuine and everything I thought he’d be. The world will miss his presence.”
I met Adam West once at New York Comic Con. He was sweet and genuine and everything I thought he’d be. The world will miss his presence. pic.twitter.com/Gnz0m1Bb7h
โ Sean Finnegan @ E3 (@shotbyfinnegan) June 10, 2017
Troy Baker
Adam West seemed to embody the role of Bruce Wayne, effortless in execution.
That’s part of what made the campiness of the show work because West’s dryer take on the character helped ground all the shark repellent and surfboards.
Actor Troy Baker shared some kind words, saying “He was the giant upon whose shoulders all that have donned the cowl have stood.
Thank you for your kind & encouraging words, #AdamWest”
He was the giant upon whose shoulders all that have donned the cowl have stood.
โ Troy Baker (@TroyBakerVA) June 10, 2017
Thank you for your kind & encouraging words, #AdamWest
Before You Go
MORE: Black Panther: Adam West, TV’s Batman, Dies At 88 / First Details On Shuri Revealed / Chris Hemsworth Rocks Epic Thor: Ragnarok Shirt With Director