mellon Posted May 19, 2005 Share Posted May 19, 2005 'The Riddler' Frank Gorshin Dies at 72 May 18, 12:54 PM EST The Associated Press BURBANK, Calif. -- Frank Gorshin, the impressionist with 100 faces best known for his Emmy-nominated role as the Riddler on the "Batman" TV series, has died. He was 72. Gorshin's wife of 48 years, Christina, was at his side when he died Tuesday at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center, his agent and longtime friend, Fred Wostbrock, said Wednesday. "He put up a valiant fight with lung cancer, emphysema and pneumonia," Mrs. Gorshin said in a statement. Despite dozens of TV and movie credits, Gorshin will be forever remembered for his role as the Riddler, Adam West's villainous foil in the question mark-pocked green suit and bowler hat on "Batman" from 1966 to '69. "It really was a catalyst for me," Gorshin recalled in a 2002 Associated Press interview. "I was nobody. I had done some guest shots here and there. But after I did that, I became a headliner in Vegas, so I can't put it down." West said the death of his longtime friend was a big loss. "Frank will be missed," West said in a statement. "He was a friend and fascinating character." Gorshin earned another Emmy nomination for one for a guest shot on "Star Trek," a 1969 episode called "Let That Be Your Last Battlefield." In 2002, Gorshin portrayed George Burns on Broadway in the one-man show "Say Goodnight Gracie." He used only a little makeup and no prosthetics. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cheaptrick77 Posted May 19, 2005 Share Posted May 19, 2005 Oh, man ! He was my favorite villain on the 1960s Batman TV show ! What a great demonic giggle he had ! ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
delriorojo Posted May 19, 2005 Share Posted May 19, 2005 The best Kirk Douglas impression ever! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bilbo Posted May 19, 2005 Share Posted May 19, 2005 My favorite villian too Cheapy! :cry: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RETIREDFAN1 Posted May 19, 2005 Share Posted May 19, 2005 He was GREAT on that episode of Star Trek as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cheaptrick77 Posted May 19, 2005 Share Posted May 19, 2005 Originally posted by delriorojoThe best Kirk Douglas impression ever! Apparently a pretty good George Burns, as well .......... 'too bad I missed that Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texashurdler Posted May 20, 2005 Share Posted May 20, 2005 i have all of those old batman episodes on dvd...lol seen most of them Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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