Adam West, a look back at Batman

Milton Berle returns for a second time as guest-host on ABC-TV's "Hollywood Palace" in color, March 5, 1966 and welcomes television's brightest, new star Batman, portrayed by Adam West, who will join Berle in a skit on the weekly variety spectacular. (AP Photo)

Actor Adam West, shown in costume on January 23, 1966, stars as the Caped Crusader battling the forces of evil on the new Batman television series.

Taking on the most challenging assignment of his crime-fighting career, the Caped Crusader, Batman played by Adam West, clashes head on with United Underworld in its attempt to take over the world, Aug. 1, 1966. The scene is part of the new film "Batman". Unfortunately even Batman's new array of super weapons, including the Batcopter, cannot prepare him for such bizarre events as the attack of a flying shark. (AP Photo)

Cohorts of "The Riddler" (not in photo) load the tied and drugged Batman into a waiting van in the television series, "Batman," Feb. 21, 1966. (AP Photo/David F. Smith)

Valley Hospital Art Gallery - Ken Branch Batman (Adam West) and Robin (Burt Ward).

03/31/2001. SECAUCUS, N.J. T.V.'S BATMAN, ADAM WEST, SIGNS AUTOGRAPHS AT THE MEGA MEADOWLANDS EXPO CENTER SHOW.

Adam West

"Adam West, left, and Burt Ward pose for an undated production still during the filming of their new television film, ""Return To The Batcave: The Misadventures of Adam and Burt."" The movie, which reunites the ""Batman"" series stars in a comedy adventure, airs at 9 p.m., Sunday, March 9, 2003.

Adam West and Julie Newmar taking a ride in the Bat-copter.

"**FILE** Actor Adam West, shown in Twin Falls, Idaho in this Jan. 25, 2002 file photo, will play himself in ``Return to the Batcave: The Misadventures of Adam and Burt'' airing Sunday, March 9, 2003, on CBS. West will star alongside Burt Ward, who was Batman's sidekick Robin in the 1960s television series ""Batman."" (AP Photo/Lisa M. Collard, Ho)"