Adam West, the actor who played Batman in the 1960s TV series, has died. He was 88 years old.

The star passed away in Los Angeles on Friday night (June 9) after a short battle with leukemia, according to a representative.

As Variety reports, his family have released a statement following his death. “Our dad always saw himself as The Bright Knight, and aspired to make a positive impact on his fans’ lives. He was and always will be our hero,” it reads.

The actor played Bruce Wayne in the ’60s TV series Batman, in what was his most iconic role. He made a guest appearance on The Big Bang Theory in 2016 in an episode that marked the 200th episode of the show and the 50th anniversary of Batman. 

Speaking to Variety about what Batman meant to him around the 50th anniversary, he replied: “Money. Some years ago I made an agreement with Batman. There was a time when Batman really kept me from getting some pretty good roles, and I was asked to do what I figured were important features.

“However, Batman was there, and very few people would take a chance on me walking on to the screen. And they’d be taking people away from the story. So I decided that since so many people love Batman, I might as well love it too. Why not? So I began to reengage myself with Batman. And I saw the comedy. I saw the love people had for it, and I just embraced it.”

He was born in Walla Walla, Washington state in 1928 and his real name was William West Anderson. He is survived by his wife Marcelle, six children, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

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