Seven facts you may not know about Adam West

The world of fandom suffered a true loss when it was announced last weekend that William West Anderson, better known as Adam West had passed away at the age of 88 after a short battle with Leukemia. 

Although his career spanned seven decades, West was best known for his role as the caped crusader in ABC's campy Batman television series which ran from 1966 through 1968 and the feature length film that would follow.

Sighting rising production costs and declining ratings, ABC would cancel the series mid-way through the production of season three and West would ultimately fall victim to Hollywood typecasting - proving that sometimes you can be too good at your job.

Although he would pick up supporting roles over the next several years, Mr. West would not truly become a household name again until the revival of the Batman film franchise by Tim Burton in 1989.

So what did Adam West do post Batman?  Here are seven facts you may not know:

1. The end that almost wasn't: When ABC made the decision to cancel the Batman television series in 1968, NBC was approached to take over production.  However by the time NBC executives were ready to do so the sets had already been destroyed, West and his fellow actors were released from their contracts and the rest is history.

2. From Batman to Bond:  West would state in his autobiography that he was approached by producer Albert Broccoli and offered the role of agent 007, James Bond in the film Diamonds Are Forever. However he would choose to decline the role stating that the role should always be portrayed by a British actor.

3. The Caped Crusader seeks justice in the squared-circle: West was involved with the Memphis based United States Wrestling Association for a short period of time.  He appeared wearing a tracksuit and Batman's signature cowl and was engaged in a heated exchange with Jerry "The King" Lawler. 

4. West almost rejoins the Wayne family:  Although he would either appear in or lend his voice to 16 feature films and  22 television series between 1968 and 1989, Adam West would not see his career truly take off again until the release of Tim Burton's Batman film.  

West was approached to take on the role of Thomas Wayne, but the actor had his eyes set on the role of Batman which was to be portrayed by Michael keaton.  Not being able to secure the lead West would not attach himself to the project and Thomas Wayne would be played by David Baxt.

5. The Return of The Dark Knight: Although he was not personally attached to the success of the feature length Batman film, West would see his own career once again take off like the Batmobile! From 1990 to 2017 west would either appear in or lend his voice to over 30 movies and 40 television series including nine guest appearances on Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher - Batman truly is Politically Incorrect! 

6. "Bat" Man of the people: Adam West was an avid comic book and movie fan, having gone so far as to having his creative dentist imprint the Batman logo on one of his molars. Between 2007 and 2016 West would also make an an appearance at every San Diego Comic-Con. 

7. Wild Wild West: In an industry were your employ-ability is as much determined by your good looks as your skills as an actor, Adam West is one of a select group of actors who lived into their 80's and or 90's without retiring from acting or being unable to secure continued work.

How many of these facts did you know about Adam West?  Leave us a comment below and remember to follow us via cangeek.com.

Thanks for reading.