Adam West was one of the most influential figures in Hollywood until he died from leukemia in June 2017. The actor was best known for his portrayal of DC Comics character Batman in the eponymous superhero TV series that aired on ABC from 1966 to 1968.
Despite playing a version of the superhero that was still not as revolutionized as some of the most recent iterations, West still ranks very highly whenever there is a comparison to determine the best Batman actor of all time.
In the latter years of his career, West was such a legend in the entertainment industry, that he often got roped in to make cameos in various top TV shows. Among the programs that he was featured in are the animations The Simpsons, Family Guy and The Fairly OddParents.
In February 2016, the actor was also written into the story of The Big Bang Theory as a guest star. He appeared as himself in the 200th episode of the show.
West’s appearance on Big Bang would turn out to be one of his very last ever on the screen.
How Was Adam West Written Into The Story Of The Big Bang Theory?
Adam West had apparently wanted to feature in The Big Bang Theory for a very long time before 2016. However, creator Chuck Lorre and his writing team had a very special episode set apart for the actor: they wanted him to appear in the 200th episode of the show.
As well as that being a major milestone for Big Bang, it also happened to coincide with the 50th anniversary of Batman, the series. The particular installment of the CBS sitcom that fell on this mark was episode 17 of Season 9, which was titled The Celebration Experimentation.
In the episode, the group of friends in the story convince Sheldon Cooper to allow them to throw a birthday party for him, something which he had previously always refused. As a surprise gift for him, Leonard Hofstadter proposes that they invite West, so that Sheldon – a massive superhero enthusiast – can enjoy having Batman at his party.
West is then driven to the party by Leonard, where Star Trek legend Wil Wheaton has also been invited to attend.
Adam West ‘Had Fun’ Working With The Cast Of The Big Bang Theory
Over the course of 12 years or so that the main cast members of The Big Bang Theory worked together, they built up a reputation for being a very good group to work with. Most guest stars who were involved in the show at various points only had positive things to say about their experience on the set.
This was certainly the case for Adam West, who felt that the opportunity to feature in a show like Big Bang helped him to remain relevant even in the twilight years of his life and career.
“It’s fun for me because I enjoy staying fresh and seeing what’s in the heads and the talent of younger people. And it makes me a little cooler,” West told Variety a day before his episode went on air. “But the main thing is to be able to do a very popular show with the kind of comedy that I enjoy.”
West had always had a funny bone in his body, having previously featured in various comedy films and TV shows.
Adam West Felt That His Inclusion In The Big Bang Theory Was A Tribute To His Career
In the Variety interview, Adam West told fans to expect a “semi-goofy, quirky guy who likes to insult some of the people who’ve already done Batman.” He did indeed drop some zingers in the episode, as he took aim at Christian Bale and Ben Affleck’s versions of the superhero.
The Washington-born star was simply there to have a good time, which he felt was a well-earned tribute for a career that he had built on blood, sweat and tears.
“It’s a wonderful tribute. I look at these things like they’re kind of semi-homages. And maybe a bit of a reward for all of the hard work that we put in,” West said, as he referred to himself as “the luckiest man in the world.”
He also drew parallels between his roles in Batman and Big Bang, explaining that the bottom line was to bring joy to people. “I like to make people laugh and have fun,” West added. “And that’s what Batman’s done… is enabled me to deliver the laughs and make people happy.”
