Batman and Family Guy actor, Adam West, dies age 88

Adam West, best known for playing Batman, died age 88 on Friday night (9 June).

West played the iconic superhero on the campy 1966-68 television series, Batman.

He passed away on Friday night in Los Angeles, following a brief battle with leukaemia.

In a statement, his family said: ‘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 worked intermittently after Batman’s cancellation, including a 2001 episode of The Drew Carey Show where he played one half of a gay couple.

He then became the voice of Mayor Adam West in popular animation, Family Guy.

Although West leaves behind a wife, six children, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, fans recount the homoerotic undertones of the brief Batman series.

Fans recall the relationship between Batman and his sidekick Robin, played by Burt Ward.

The comic’s creator, Bob Cain, said: ‘I suppose the homosexuals like the TV show because of those tight outfits Adam West and Burt Ward wear.’

In a 2011 interview with The Archive of American Television, West addressed the homoerotic undertones.

He said: ‘The premise of Batman was very simple on the surface. You’ve got these two guys living together in Wayne Manor, assuming no one would recognize them in their costumes.

‘Dick Grace [Robin] became like a foster son to Bruce Wayne [Batman].

‘Two guys living together, wearing tights, caused a lot of gossip.

‘And even more, there were some books written about their relationship as a homosexual situation. My attitude and Burt’s too was always just, gay or straight – whatever! Just add them to the ratings.

‘If gays loved the show, good – wonderful,’ he said.

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