Wednesday, May 18, 2005

The Riddler Riddles No More: Frank Gorshin dead at 71

So very, very sad. According to this article in Playbill:

Frank Gorshin, the actor, comedian and impressionist known for playing the frisky Riddler in the 1960s TV series "Batman," died May 17 after a battle with lung cancer, emphysema and pneumonia, a spokesman said.

Mr. Gorshin, 71, appeared in Broadway's "Say Goodnight, Gracie" in 2002-03, and in a national tour of it, playing the late comedian George Burns -- complete with gravelly voice, cigar, and receding silver hairpiece."

On stage, he made his Broadway debut in 1970 as the star of the musical "Jimmy", based on the life of New York Mayor Jimmy Walker. He also starred in touring or stock and regional companies of "What Makes Sammy Run"; "Promises, Promises"; "Peter Pan"; "Prisoner of Second Avenue"; "Deathtrap"; "Doubles"; "Ah, Wilderness!"; "On the 20th Century"; "Breaking Legs"; "Guys and Dolls"; and most recently "The Sunshine Boys", co-starring with Dick Van Patten. He also appeared in New York City in Gilbert and Sullivan's "Princess Ida."

Not only do I have vivid memories of his Riddler from TV's Batman (I'm sorry but Jim Carrey didn't even get close...) but one of my favorite Star Trek episodes of all time starred Frank Gorshin with his face painted one half white and one half black.

I would have liked to see him perform on stage...

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