Adam West, the actor whose cartoonish portrayal of DC Comics superhero “Batman” made him a popular culture icon, has died at the age of 88, according to a statement by his family.
The actor “passed away peacefully last night after a short but brave battle with leukemia,” the statement read.
“He was a beloved father, husband, grandfather, and great-grandfather. There are no words to describe how much we’ll miss him,” it added.
West’s turn in the campy 1966 television series solidified his place in the hearts and imagination of fans everywhere, and made him a fixture at comic book conventions around the country. West’s television incarnation of “Batman” was a stark departure from the darker, brooding anti-hero depicted in DC Comics and subsequent movies.
“We know you’ll miss him too and we want you to know how much your love and support meant to him throughout the years,” his family said. “Hug your loved ones today.”