Actor. His best-remembered acting role was that of 'Bruce Wayne/Batman' in the television series "Batman" (1966 to 1968). The series elevated West to cult television star status for generations of audiences. Born William West Anderson, his father was a wheat farmer; his mother was a concert pianist and opera singer. His parents divorced during his youth. Adam took a strong interest in comic books, especially the 'Batman' series. He enrolled at Whitman College, where he participated athletically on the swim team, in addition to track, water polo, and skiing, while receiving his degree in English Literature. During his service with the United States Army, he acquired experience in television for military stations. After his discharge, West gradually worked his way into television, beginning with an episode from the series "The Philco-Goodyear Television Playhouse" (1954). He made his motion picture debut with a minor role in the Boris Karloff film, "Voodoo Island" (1957), and experienced a role of substance playing 'Bill Lawrence' in the Paul Newman picture, "The Young Philadelphians" (1959). Many will remember him as 'Colonel Dan McReady' in the low-budget, science fiction picture "Robinson Crusoe on Mars" (1964). Following numerous TV guest roles in such programs as "77 Sunset Strip," "Maverick," "Hawaiian Eye," and "Perry Mason," he landed the part of 'Detective Sergeant Steve Nelson' in the series "The Detectives" (1961 to 1962). In addition to "Batman," the TV series, he played the part in the 1966 film adaptation of "Batman, the Movie." After the series ended in 1968, he went on to a wide range of TV programs, in addition to films. West will be remembered by a later generation of TV audiences for his recurring role as 'Mayor West' in the series "Family Guy" (1999 until his death). He was the recipient of a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame in 2012. He remained an active performer until his death from leukemia.