Batman (1989) cast: Where are they now?

Michael Gough

With over 40 years of performances to his name by the time he appeared in Batman, Michael Gough was already a star of the big and small screens when he took on the role of Alfred Pennyworth. Prior to that, he was perhaps best known for his roles in the Hammer horror movies, particularly that of Sir Arthur Holmwood in 1958’s Dracula.

But Alfred redefined his career, as he was introduced to a whole new audience as the iconic butler of Bruce Wayne. Gough also notably held the record as one of the only two actors to appear in all four of the original Batman movies, reprising the role in 1992’s Batman Returns, 1995’s Batman Forever, and 1997’s Batman and Robin. He also appeared in Nostradamus in 1994 and Burton’s Sleepy Hollow in 1999, which would be his final film performance before retirement.

He came out of retirement to reprise the role of Alfred Pennyworth in six Batman-themed commercials for On-Star, and provided voicework for two more Tim Burton movies (Corpse Bride and Alice in Wonderland).

He died at the age of 94 in 2011. His first Batman, Michael Keaton, paid tribute to him with a touching sentiment: “To Mick – my butler, my confidant, my friend, my Alfred. I love you. God bless. Michael (Mr. Wayne) Keaton.”