Entertainment Stars Mourn Adam West

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Upon hearing of the death of Adam West, who starred on the ABC-TV program, Batman, from 1966-68, many Hollywood stars and music figures mourned the loss of the man who played the dual role of Bruce Wayne and the Caped Crusader. West died Friday night (June 9) of leukemia, according to a statement by family members. West was 88.

Batman co-stars, rock stars and more are paying tribute.

Related: Our obituary

Burt Ward, who played opposite West as Bruce Wayne’s ward and as Batman’s sidekick, Robin, said in a statement: “I am devastated at the loss of one my very dearest friends. Adam and I had a special friendship for more than 50 years,” said Ward, 71. “We shared some of the most fun times of our lives together. Our families have deep love and respect for each other. This is a terribly unexpected loss of my lifelong friend. I will forever miss him. There are several fine actors who have portrayed Batman in films. In my eyes, there was only one real Batman that is and always will be Adam West. He was truly the Bright Night.”

On June 15, thousands of fans filled the streets in Los Angeles to see the Bat Signal illuminated onto City Hall. West’s wife and children, as well as Ward, were among those in attendance.

A closer shot of the #BatSignal shining on LA City Hall. All the feels. Just wish Mr. West could have seen it. #AdamWestTribute #Batman pic.twitter.com/sBCHtEt0Gu

— Jody Houser (@Jody_Houser) June 16, 2017

Our beloved AW passed away last night. He was the greatest. We’ll miss him like crazy. We know you’ll miss him too – West Family pic.twitter.com/8bkEq1C2ao

— Adam West (@therealadamwest) June 10, 2017

Fellow Batman Val Kilmer…

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

Watch West dance The Batusi

Actress Julie Newmar had a recurring role in the series as the villainess, Catwoman. Now 83, she said: “Stellar, exemplar, a king to the end,” Newmar said. “He was bright, witty and fun to work with. I will miss him in the physical world and savor him always in the world of imagination and creativity. He meant so much to people. A friend said: ‘The father that we wanted.’ That is a great gift, no matter how you live it.”

#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 (@HamillHimself) June 10, 2017

Rock star Alice Cooper wrote on his Facebook page: “So sad to hear of the passing of the one TRUE #Batman #AdamWest! He was a true American icon and a lovely man.”

The DC family is deeply saddened by the passing of Adam West, a Batman beloved by generations. Our thoughts are with his loved ones. pic.twitter.com/deI9n397aS

— DC (@DCComics) June 10, 2017

West appeared on the animated TV series, Family Guy, as Mayor Adam West. Series creator Seth MacFarlane wrote on Twitter: “Family Guy has lost its mayor, and I have lost a friend. Adam West was a joy to work with, and the kind of guy you always wanted to be around. His positivity, good nature, and sense of fun were undeniable, and it was always a big jolt of the best kind of energy when he walked in to record the show. He knew comedy, and he knew humanity.

“I am beyond fortunate to have had the privilege of working with him, and he will be profoundly missed by all of us. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that you have given, Mr. Mayor. You’re irreplaceable.”