RIP

We’re still reeling from the loss of Adam West, TV’s original Batman and “Bright Knight” icon of superhero fans. The actor lost a battle with leukemia this weekend, and now Batman co-stars Julie Newmar and Burt Ward weigh in, along with Family Guy producers and many more.

My 18-month-old daughter is suddenly very into superheroes. Every night before bed we do story time; this week she’s become obsessed with a board book called My First Batman Book. Since she likes when I sing the words of her books to her, I naturally began singing the theme to the classic 1960s Batman as part of our nightly ritual. And she liked that so much that this morning, for the very first time, I showed her the old show’s opening credits.

We’ve lost one of comic and TV culture’s most enduring favorites, as original Batman star Adam West has passed away. The smooth-voiced star became iconic for his portrayal of the ‘60s Caped Crusader, earning a place in the pop culture pantheon over the decades.

Peter Sallis, best known for his roles in British sitcom Last of the Summer Wine and voicing the inventor Wallace in Wallace & Gromit has passed away at 96.

A sad day for fans of Powers Boothe, as the revered character actor has apparently passed away. The sinister-voiced star was well-remembered for his role as one of Deadwood’s big bads, as well as appearances in everything from Sin City to Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

The film world lost one of its great today. Jonathan Demme, the director of some of the most influential and beloved movies in history, has died. According to Indiewire, the cause was “esophageal cancer and complications from heart disease.” He was initially treated for the disease in 2010, and then suffered a reoccurrence a few years ago. Demme was just 73 years old.

Every Eddie Murphy and Dave Chappelle fan will remember Charlie Murphy; edgier stand-up comedian and source of the famous “True Hollywood Stories” that launched Chappelle’s Show into the stratosphere. Sadly, Charlie Murphy is no longer with us, having passed away at age 57.

Don Rickles’ talents were seemingly limitless: An outrageous insult comic, a gifted dramatic actor, a welcome sight on stages and screens (big and small), and a constant presence whose career endured for decades, often surpassing his contemporaries. And now he’s gone on to join them, as the legendary Rickles passed away today, April 6, at the age of 90.

Chances are, any modern game show of the dating or talent variety owes some debt to The Gong Show and Dating Game creator Chuck Barris. Regardless of what you remember him by, the prolific TV host and producer has now sadly passed away at age 87.

Lovers of classic film have lost one of their greatest champions. Robert Osborne, the longtime host of Turner Classic Movies, has passed away at the age of 84. Here is the statement from TCM, via Twitter: