WE had to say another sad farewell to a childhood hero of mine last week – Adam West.
Like a lot of lads my age, I have vivid memories of buttoning my blue duffel coat at the neck and then wearing it as a cape.
In fact, kids probably pretend to be Batman in a similar way today!
I’ve got a wonderful memory of meeting the incredibly charming Adam and Burt Ward – who played his sidekick, Robin – having my photograph signed and then going for a ride in the original Batmobile.
What a day.
As such a big fan I was definitely Holy Gobsmacked! Or maybe that should be Holy Chuffed To The Gutties, if the Caped Crusader came from Scotland.
Adam called the character The Bright Knight – a reflection of an era when the character was camp and funny, rather than the brooding and gritty interpretations we get these days.
He loved pulling on the famous cowl – even though it was roasting.
“The tights were itchy, and it was really, really hot,” he once said. “Believe me, it was 180 degrees under that cowl. But it was magic. I would pull it on and I would think, ‘Let’s go out and play Batman & Robin!’”
Speaking of feeling like it’s 180 degrees – I’m in New York at the moment during an absolutely sweltering heatwave. Where’s Mr Freeze when you need him?
I watched the Tony Awards last week, the Oscars of the Broadway Theatre world.
A comedian summed up the event quite brilliantly – the most famous person at the Tonys is the least famous person at the Oscars!
There are still some incredible stars here, though.
When I arrived I watched Bette Midler perform in Hello Dolly – she was fantastic.
She then landed the gong for best actress in a musical and gave a speech that went on a wee bit.
The dreaded orchestra music started up, to let her know her time was up.
Bette is 71 though and has been in this industry for 50 years – she told the orchestra to be quiet!
Except she did it, as your granny might say, using the vernacular.
“Bette Midler for president!” she declared while walking off stage. Brilliant!
Mark Hammill, also known as Luke Skywalker presented a lifetime achievement award to James Earl Jones, better known as Darth Vader.
Could that be considered an early Father’s Day gift?
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