When something goes awry in Gotham City, authorities in the Batman series shine a beam into the sky in the shape of the superhero’s famous logo to summon him to throw on his cape and get to work. In honor of the recent passing of Adam West, the real-life actor who embodied the role of Batman on TV in the 1960s, a Bat-Signal will light up the sky over City Hall tonight.
Mayor Eric Garcetti and LAPD chief Charlie Beck will conduct the ceremony at 9pm from the Spring Street steps of City Hall, along with some “surprise Bat-guests,” according to a statement from DC Comics. Fans of the franchise and the late actor are encouraged to dress up in costumes as their favorite characters from the series.
Adam West starred in 120 episodes of Batman from 1966 to 1968. He brought a sense of humor and camp to the role, which would become the signature of his career. When the comic strip was first adapted to television, executives saw it as a show strictly for kids but, due in part to West’s charisma, the show became a hit with adults as well. The actor passed away last Friday at the age of 88 after a battle with leukemia.
For fans not able to attend tonight’s ceremony in Downtown L.A., West’s family is encouraging charitable donations to the Adam West Memorial Fund at St. Jude’s Research Hospital or to Camp Rainbow Gold.
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