Actor Frank Gorshin, ‘The Riddler,’ dies

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Actor Frank Gorshin, ‘The Riddler,’ dies

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The Associated Press
Updated: 1:29 p.m. ET May 18, 2005

BURBANK, Calif. - Actor Frank Gorshin, the impressionist with 100 faces but perhaps best known for his Emmy-nominated role as The Riddler on the old "Batman" television series, has died. He was 72.

Gorshin's wife of 48 years, Christina, was at his side when he died at 5:25 p.m. Tuesday at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center, where he was hospitalized for three weeks for a variety of ailments, his agent and longtime friend Fred Wostbrock said Wednesday.

"He put up a valiant fight with lung cancer, emphysema and pneumonia," Mrs. Gorshin said in a statement.

Despite dozens of television and movie credits, Gorshin will be forever remembered for his role as The Riddler, Adam West's villainous foil in the question mark-pocked green suit and bowler hat on "Batman" from 1966-69.

West said the death of his longtime friend was a big loss.

"Frank will be missed," West said in a statement. "He made an indelible impression as The Riddler in the classic 'Batman' TV series and he was a fine impressionist as well. Frank made me laugh. He was a friend and fascinating character."

Gorshin's final performance will be broadcast on Thursday's CBS-TV series "CSI: Crime Scene Investigations."