3. Adam West
Appeared in: Batman (1966 – 1968), Batman: The Movie (1966)
Adam West may not have been the first actor to put on the cape and cowl, but he may just be the most important. Taking on the role for the campy 1966 Batman TV series (and its big-screen spin-off), West’s tongue-in-cheek interpretation of the Caped Crusader introduced the character to a whole new generation and is even credited for rescuing the comic books from cancellation.
Unlike his modern-day counterparts, West didn’t need to rely on a chiseled physique or intimidating costume. Instead, he used the limitations of the time to his advantage, embracing the satirical tone of the show to present Batman as this larger-than-life (and slightly ridiculous) hero of a larger-than-life (and slightly ridiculous) world. His ability to deliver even the most satirically ridiculous of lines with a deadly serious expression just highlighted how much of a professional he was.
With his handsome appearance and an innate ability to pull off the richest clothes imaginable, he was an incredible Bruce Wayne who, aside from a few lines here or there, would still have a place in a modern day production. And though we didn’t see it often enough, he also explored the differences between Batman and Bruce rather well.
West’s Bright Knight was a symbol of hope; someone who could be relied upon whenever you were in trouble and would ultimately stop at nothing to protect you. Despite the campy tone, he always portrayed Batman as a motivated human being – one that saw himself as no superior to anyone else, and this, of course, ensured that he became a role model for an entire generation.
As far as comic-accuracy goes, few can compete with Adam West. Sure, his Caped Crusader may not resemble the intimidating Dark Knight terrorising the pages of DC Comics today, but in the 1960s, he couldn’t have been more loyal to the source material. From his hopeful portrayal to his rapport with Burt Ward’s Robin, West’s offering will, for many, always remain the definitive version of Batman – and it’s easy to see why.
We miss you, old chum.