3. Adam West
The classic 1966 Batman TV series is renowned for its campy approach but one thing that people often overlook is that it was also incredibly clever. Its outlandish appeal lent itself to some of the wittiest writing the Batman franchise has ever seen, and nobody handled that better than Adam West, who remained committed to playing everything straight.
There is a scene in the series in which Batman and Bruce Wayne have to communicate with “each other” via two phones set up by Commissioner Gordon and Chief O’Hara, forcing the man behind the mask to think on his feet. The way that Adam West effortlessly switches from one phone to another, and by extension one persona to another, is absolutely captivating and it should be studied by future generations.
That scene highlights the subtle differences in West’s approach to the two identities. His Batman is known for his direct, confident and committed approach to dialogue, while Bruce is more gentle, unsure of himself, and slightly arrogant. It’s all about the differentiation of the two personalities, and West not only understood the assignment, he excelled in it.
West’s Bruce Wayne is one of the aspects of the show that wouldn’t be out-of-place in a modern Batman story. He’s so charming and charismatic, suave and larger-than-life; worthy of the reputation that precedes him. He’s a genius who knows how to walk the line between the two sides of his personality, and West himself is a genius for nailing the characterization.
Adam West was an incredible actor and he deserves far more praise than he gets. Without question one of the finest actors of his generation and a remarkable Batman (And Bruce Wayne).