Members Bonoman Posted May 18, 2005 Members Share Posted May 18, 2005 BURBANK, California (AP) -- Actor Frank Gorshin, the impressionist with 100 faces best known for his Emmy-nominated role as the Riddler on the old "Batman" television 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 television 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 1966-69. "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 a guest shot on "Star Trek." 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. "I don't know how to explain it. It just comes," he said. "I wish I could say, 'This is step A, B and C.' But I can't do that. I do it, you know. The ironic thing is I've done impressions all my life -- I never did George Burns." Gorshin's final performance will be broadcast on Thursday's CBS-TV series "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Sixgun77 Posted May 18, 2005 Members Share Posted May 18, 2005 you guys know that the Don and Mike Show is going to be all over this story. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Fran da Man Posted May 18, 2005 Members Share Posted May 18, 2005 He definately was one of the all time greats. Excellent character actor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members vanlatte Posted May 18, 2005 Members Share Posted May 18, 2005 I remember watching his stand up on cable back in the day...he was really good. Funny, could sing, great impressions. RIP Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members jbryant8159 Posted May 18, 2005 Members Share Posted May 18, 2005 Originally posted by vanlatte I remember watching his stand up on cable back in the day... RIP For me, "back in the day" was only 4 VHS stations and 2 fuzzy UHF stations. Cables were something mass transit was dragged along by, ala San Francisco. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Bluesman0511 Posted May 18, 2005 Members Share Posted May 18, 2005 Originally posted by vanlatte I remember watching his stand up on cable back in the day...he was really good. Funny, could sing, great impressions. RIP Hey Van, what are you doing posting on this thread? You're supposed to be depressed and confused over on that other thread... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Bluesman0511 Posted May 18, 2005 Members Share Posted May 18, 2005 But seriously folks, how many of you remember the role he played on Star Trek with the black and white grease paint on his face. He almost made that look real... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Cortfan Posted May 18, 2005 Members Share Posted May 18, 2005 Dayum, he was here in Memphis, just a few weeks ago doing the George Burns thing. He was great in everything he did, as a actor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members BillyMethany Posted May 19, 2005 Members Share Posted May 19, 2005 Originally posted by Bluesman0511 But seriously folks, how many of you remember the role he played on Star Trek with the black and white grease paint on his face. He almost made that look real... I do! I always LOVED his "Riddler" tho - put that fool Jim Carey's Riddle to shame! And that crazy laugh... Goodbye Frank! We miss you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members bonscottvocals Posted May 19, 2005 Members Share Posted May 19, 2005 I watched the old "Batman" series first run and forever in reruns. Now, one of my twin 5 year olds loves the old show, and I have hunted down all the tapes and dvd's I could find. God bless you, Frank for giving us something to laugh about, and you'll be remembered in the mind of my child. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members fintucfin Posted May 20, 2005 Members Share Posted May 20, 2005 Originally posted by Bluesman0511 But seriously folks, how many of you remember the role he played on Star Trek with the black and white grease paint on his face. He almost made that look real... He was a great actor, we'll miss him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members sevenroy Posted May 20, 2005 Members Share Posted May 20, 2005 Originally posted by BillyMethany I do! I always LOVED his "Riddler" tho - put that fool Jim Carey's Riddle to shame! And that crazy laugh...Goodbye Frank! We miss you! I think the 90's animated series Riddler was pretty well based off of his version. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members The Insomniac Posted May 20, 2005 Members Share Posted May 20, 2005 Originally posted by Bonoman Gorshin's final performance will be broadcast on Thursday's CBS-TV series "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation." I just saw that tonight. He had a small but memorable part. He did some impersonations in his role. He looked healthy and alert. RIP Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Johnny BoomBoom Posted May 20, 2005 Members Share Posted May 20, 2005 Only ever remember seeing him in the origianl Batman when I was younger! He was very good in the role - and has set the bar for everyone else to achieve in that role! RIP! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Bonoman Posted May 20, 2005 Author Members Share Posted May 20, 2005 Originally posted by The Insomniac I just saw that tonight. He had a small but memorable part. He did some impersonations in his role. He looked healthy and alert.RIP I thought that too! I can't believe after watching that that he was as ill as he was! Truly the mark of a great actor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members vanlatte Posted May 20, 2005 Members Share Posted May 20, 2005 Originally posted by Bluesman0511 Hey Van, what are you doing posting on this thread? You're supposed to be depressed and confused over on that other thread... Yea yer right, I should be wallowing in self pity and dispair. I'll get back to that... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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