Adam West’s passing has been heartbreaking news for fans of all generations. It’s also provided the subsequent opportunity to reflect on the joy and inspiration we’ve gotten from TV’s Batman emeritus, Quahog mayor and man of criminally underrated charm and panache. His status as an American pop culture icon (and one with unmistakable voice at that) is not up for debate. Adam West was that level of an entertainer.
Following the news that West had passed on at age 88 after a brief battle with leukemia, reaction began to swell online with heartfelt tributes from fans, friends and anyone that’s ever been snared in by the actor’s unique charisma.
“Farewell Adam West. You were MY Batman.” wrote Baby Driver director Edgar Wright on Twitter. “Such a super funny, cool, charismatic actor. Loved the show as a kid, still love the show now. POW!”
Farewell Adam West. You were MY Batman. Such a super funny, cool, charismatic actor. Loved the show as a kid, still love the show now. POW! pic.twitter.com/6QAZnOhtMs
— edgarwright (@edgarwright) June 10, 2017
“#AdamWest was such a wonderful actor & so kind, I’m so lucky to have worked w/ him & tell him how much he meant to me & millions of fans.” shared Mark Hamill.
#AdamWest was such a wonderful actor & so kind, I'm so lucky to have worked w/ him & tell him how much he meant to me & millions of fans. pic.twitter.com/Bu0OOaRgX9
— Mark Hamill (@MarkHamill) June 10, 2017
Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane shared an absolutely touching statement celebrating West’s talent for comedy and his incredible impact as a person.
https://twitter.com/SethMacFarlane/status/873595796720975872
The tributes, as you might expect, have been flooding in with each passing hour.
https://twitter.com/jamieleecurtis/status/873572351899717632
Sad to hear of Adam West's passing. A legend as Batman but also, Ty Lookwell https://t.co/BtEBu6uH49
— Elijah Wood (@elijahwood) June 10, 2017
Rest In Peace ADAM WEST. Batman first but forever CATMAN on #FairlyOddparents. Thanks for the laughs, Cat Crusader. #bestcrimefighterever pic.twitter.com/IIgWgewg9Z
— Butch Hartman (@realhartman) June 10, 2017
RIP Adam West. You'll always be Batman to me.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) June 10, 2017
https://twitter.com/wilw/status/873596319151017984
Rest in Peace Adam West. We met once in 1987 and I was too embarrassed and too foolishly "cool" to tell you what you meant to my childhood.
— Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) June 10, 2017
https://twitter.com/89SteveSmith/status/873586834579873792
Farewell, Adam West.
— Michael McKean (@MJMcKean) June 10, 2017
Ah dear Adam West. He was always so kind when we met. A real gent. Once when I was a kid we found ourselves in front the batmobile. I got in
— Val Kilmer (@valkilmer) June 10, 2017
https://twitter.com/robinlordtaylor/status/873579132755509248
My heart is broken. He was SUCH a nice guy… #AdamWest will live on forever in so many ways. Sending love to his family 💔 #Batman #Catman pic.twitter.com/9Cea1ytuPn
— tara strong (@tarastrong) June 10, 2017