The Bat-Signal has shone over Los Angeles City Hall in remembrance of Batman actor Adam West. Thursday night, fans gathered in the hundreds to attend the event and honor the beloved star.
Adam West was known to millions as the actor who played Batman in the iconic 1960's TV series, a show that is still loved by fans around the world for its campy appeal. West died Saturday at the age of 88 after a brief battle with leukemia. Though the character of Batman has a reputation as the Dark Knight, West's family released a statement saying that he always thought of himself as the Bright Knight, someone who wanted to make a positive impact on the lives of his fans.
To honor the Caped Crusader, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and L.A. Police Department Chief Charlie Beck hosted an event open to the public on Thursday night. Not only were hundreds of fans in attendance, also present were West's wife and children, comic book artist Jim Lee, Lee Meriwether, who played Catwoman in the 1966 movie, and West's Batman co-star Burt Ward. Ward, who played Robin on the popular show, paid tribute to West earlier this week, along with many other actors and writers.
Mayor Garcetti took the stage to give a speech. Next to him was the red Bat-phone used by Adam West in the series. Garcetti touched the crowd when he spoke of watching the show "at the same Bat-time, same Bat-channel," before going on to say that West taught us that everyone has a heart of gold.
"You don't have to wear a cape, you don't have to be a movie star, you don't have to wear a badge or get elected mayor to make a difference and to be a hero."
Burt Ward, 71, still remembered by fans as the Boy Wonder, took the stage and said that West spent his entire life making people happy and trying to make the world a better place.
Following the speech, Garcetti, Beck, and Ward turned on the Bat-signal, causing the classic logo to illuminate City Hall. The crowd responded with cheers. Outside of City Hall was flooded with people in Batman T-shirts, hats, and capes. Some were wearing full costumes. Parked on the sidewalk were various Batmobiles. The most notable Batmobile at the event was the 1966 Batmobile, the same car that was driven by West's character in the series.