7 Batman: The Animated Series Stars Who Appeared In The Original 1960s Batman Show
Several voice actors from Batman: The Animated Series had already made their mark in the world of Gotham long before lending their voices to the animated classic, having appeared as characters in the 1960s Batman series. Known for its campy humor, colorful villains, and larger-than-life performances, the original Batman show introduced a generation to DC’s Caped Crusader in a style radically different from the darker tone of BTAS. Batman: The Animated Series honored its 1960s predecessor by casting several actors from the show, bridging the gap between two very different interpretations of the Caped Crusader.
Despite stylistic differences, Batman: The Animated Series paid homage to its predecessor in several ways, including casting actors who had been part of the 1960s show. With its noir-inspired aesthetic and mature storytelling, Batman: TAS brought a new depth to Gotham City while keeping a connection to the beloved TV series. These performances not only demonstrated the actors" versatility but also celebrated Batman"s enduring legacy across decades of storytelling.
7 Adam West Voiced The Gray Ghost West Previously Played Batman Close Adam West, synonymous with the 1966 Batman TV series, made a memorable appearance in Batman: TAS as Simon Trent, also known as The Gray Ghost. Trent was a washed-up actor who had once starred as the titular hero in a fictional show that deeply influenced a young Bruce Wayne. In the episode "Beware the Gray Ghost," Trent reluctantly teams up with Batman to solve a mystery, creating a poignant commentary on the legacy of heroes, both fictional and real.
West’s portrayal of Batman in the 1966 series was a cultural phenomenon. His campy, straight-laced performance as the Caped Crusader became iconic, and his legacy as a cornerstone of Batman’s history made his casting in BTAS particularly meaningful. By voicing The Gray Ghost, West brought a meta layer to the story, reflecting on the enduring impact of his own role in the Batman mythos.
6 Roddy McDowall Voiced The Mad Hatter McDowall Previously Played The Bookworm Close Legendary star of the Planet of the Apes movies, Roddy McDowall, lent his voice to the twisted Jervis Tetch, also known as the Mad Hatter, in Batman: The Animated Series. Tetch’s obsession with Alice in Wonderland and unrequited love for a coworker lead him down a dark path, making him one of Batman: TAS’s most tragic villains. McDowall’s performance captured the character’s loneliness and madness, turning him into a standout antagonist.
Before becoming the Mad Hatter in Batman: TAS, McDowall appeared in the 1960s Batman series as the Bookworm. The Bookworm was a highly intelligent but overlooked villain with a penchant for literary-themed crimes who was original to the series. While the Bookworm only appeared in a two-part episode, McDowall’s performance was memorable, foreshadowing his future success in portraying another cerebral Batman villain in Batman: TAS.
5 Bob Hastings Voiced Commissioner Gordon Hastings Previously Played Major Beasley Close Bob Hastings was the voice of Gotham’s stalwart Commissioner James Gordon throughout Batman: TAS, portraying him as a calm and reliable ally to Batman. His performance added gravitas and warmth to the character, making Gordon a critical figure in the series’ exploration of justice and morality. Hastings appeared throughout Batman: TAS, serving as one of the show’s main cast, with a performance nearly as iconic as Kevin Conroy’s Batman in Batman: TAS.
Despite stylistic differences, Batman: The Animated Series paid homage to its predecessor in several ways, including casting actors who had been part of the 1960s show. With its noir-inspired aesthetic and mature storytelling, Batman: TAS brought a new depth to Gotham City while keeping a connection to the beloved TV series. These performances not only demonstrated the actors" versatility but also celebrated Batman"s enduring legacy across decades of storytelling.
7 Adam West Voiced The Gray Ghost West Previously Played Batman Close Adam West, synonymous with the 1966 Batman TV series, made a memorable appearance in Batman: TAS as Simon Trent, also known as The Gray Ghost. Trent was a washed-up actor who had once starred as the titular hero in a fictional show that deeply influenced a young Bruce Wayne. In the episode "Beware the Gray Ghost," Trent reluctantly teams up with Batman to solve a mystery, creating a poignant commentary on the legacy of heroes, both fictional and real.
West’s portrayal of Batman in the 1966 series was a cultural phenomenon. His campy, straight-laced performance as the Caped Crusader became iconic, and his legacy as a cornerstone of Batman’s history made his casting in BTAS particularly meaningful. By voicing The Gray Ghost, West brought a meta layer to the story, reflecting on the enduring impact of his own role in the Batman mythos.
6 Roddy McDowall Voiced The Mad Hatter McDowall Previously Played The Bookworm Close Legendary star of the Planet of the Apes movies, Roddy McDowall, lent his voice to the twisted Jervis Tetch, also known as the Mad Hatter, in Batman: The Animated Series. Tetch’s obsession with Alice in Wonderland and unrequited love for a coworker lead him down a dark path, making him one of Batman: TAS’s most tragic villains. McDowall’s performance captured the character’s loneliness and madness, turning him into a standout antagonist.
Before becoming the Mad Hatter in Batman: TAS, McDowall appeared in the 1960s Batman series as the Bookworm. The Bookworm was a highly intelligent but overlooked villain with a penchant for literary-themed crimes who was original to the series. While the Bookworm only appeared in a two-part episode, McDowall’s performance was memorable, foreshadowing his future success in portraying another cerebral Batman villain in Batman: TAS.
5 Bob Hastings Voiced Commissioner Gordon Hastings Previously Played Major Beasley Close Bob Hastings was the voice of Gotham’s stalwart Commissioner James Gordon throughout Batman: TAS, portraying him as a calm and reliable ally to Batman. His performance added gravitas and warmth to the character, making Gordon a critical figure in the series’ exploration of justice and morality. Hastings appeared throughout Batman: TAS, serving as one of the show’s main cast, with a performance nearly as iconic as Kevin Conroy’s Batman in Batman: TAS.
