The 1966 ‘Batman’ movie was based on the TV series of the same name and featured most of the show’s original cast

NEED TO KNOW

• The 1966 Batman movie marked the big screen debut of iconic villains like The Joker, The Penguin and The Riddler

• Adam West and Burt Ward later reprised their roles as Batman and Robin in other related projects
• Cast members like Lee Meriwether, Cesar Romero and Burgess Meredith went on to have successful acting careers after the film

Batman’s enduring reign in cinema began with his full-length film debut 60 years ago.

The superhero was first brought to life on-screen in the 15-part movie serial of the same name in 1943. More than two decades later, producer William Dozier adapted it into the hit ABC television series of the same name, which he later turned into a feature film starring Adam West in the titular role, according to the AFI Catalog.

Batman premiered on July 30, 1966, and marked the big screen debut for three of the Caped Crusader’s major villains: The Joker (Caesar Romero), The Riddler (Frank Gorshin) and The Penguin (Burgess Meredith).

So, what happened to the cast of the 1966 Batman movie? Here’s everything to know about where the stars’ lives and careers took them after the film premiered.

01 of 07

Adam West as Bruce Wayne/Batman

Following the Batman movie, West continued to play Batman in the TV series until it wrapped in 1968.

Though the actor told PEOPLE in 1986 that his fame for playing the Dark Knight made it “impossible” for him to land a leading role, he continued to act over the next six decades and found success in doing voice work and making cameos in series like 30 Rock and Family Guy.

West briefly returned to play Batman in the late ‘70s for several animated and live-action series like The New Adventures of Batman, Super Friends and Batman: The Animated Series. He later told Variety that since so many people loved Batman, he “might as well love it too.”

He died at the age of 88 on June 9, 2017, after being diagnosed with leukemia and was survived by his wife and six children, Variety reported.

02 of 07

Burt Ward as Dick Grayson/Robin

After debuting as The Boy Wonder in the ABC series, Burt Ward played the role in the 1966 film.

He continued to play Robin in the show until 1966 and reprised the role in the 1977 series The New Adventures of Batman and the 1979 series Legends of the Superheroes, per his IMDb.

The actor also landed roles in others films and shows, including voiceovers. But Ward switched gears and started rescuing animals with his wife.

He told ReMIND Magazine in July 2025 that they have saved over 15,000 dogs and cats, and launched a line of pet food.

“Batman and Robin, we’re saving Gothamites every week from heinous villains,” Ward told the outlet. “And I am now the canine and cat crusader.”

03 of 07

Lee Meriwether as Catwoman/Kitka

Though Julie Newmar played Catwoman in the TV series, Lee Meriwether replaced the actress in the DC Comics film adaptation, per AFI Catalog.

She told Studio 10 in April 2018 that she was the “luckiest of all the Catwomen” because she got to work with Romero, Gorshin and Meredith.

Following the movie, the actress starred in series like The Time Tunnel, Barnaby Jones, The Munsters Today and All My Children, per her IMDb.

Meriwether has been married to her husband, Marshall Borden, since 1986 and has two daughters, according to her website.

04 of 07

Cesar Romero as The Joker

Romero originated The Joker on-screen in the 1966 film and in the ABC series, telling the 2000 A&E docuseries Biography that it was easy to get into character with “an outfit like that.”

Already an established film actor, he continued to act in shows like Falcon Crest and other TV movies until his death on Jan. 1, 1994, following complications from a blood clot, per the Associated Press (via The New York Times). He was 86.

05 of 07

Burgess Meredith as The Penguin

Meredith was the first person to ever play The Penguin on-screen, bringing the villain’s signature top hat and bow tie to life.

Though had made a name for himself on Broadway, he said Batman was “the first time my own kids have wanted to watch me,” according to The New York Times.

Following the 1960s movie and TV series, the Emmy-winning actor went on to star in multiple shows like Search and Gloria, per his IMDb. He also appeared in films like Clash of the Titans and played Mickey Goldmill in the Rocky franchise.

The actor died at 89 on Sept. 9, 1997. He was survived by his wife and two children.

06 of 07

Frank Gorshin as The Riddler

After landing his breakout role as The Riddler in Batman, Gorshin went on to earn a regular spot on The Edge of Night as Smiley Wilson, per IMDb.

He was also an impersonator who performed live in Las Vegas and performed on Broadway, The New York Times reported.

During the 2002 run of his one-man show Say Goodnight, Gracie, he developed lung cancer and kept his diagnosis private until the show wrapped.

He died three years later in May 2005 at the age of 72 and was survived by his wife and son.

07 of 07

Alan Napier as Alfred

Alan Napier was one of the first actors to play Batman’s trusted butler and confidant, Alfred.

After the 1966 movie, the British actor continued to appear in a few series and TV movies, his final project airing several years before his death on Aug. 8, 1988, per the Los Angeles Times and his IMDb.

He was survived by his daughter and stepdaughter.

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