Shroud

These behind-the-scenes people from the Adam West Batman are still with us as best that I can determine. Directors:Robert Butler 1927)/Jeffrey Hayden (1926)/Leslie H Martinson (1915)/Larry Peerce(1930)/James Sheldon(1920)/Sam Strangis(1929). Scriptwriters: Earl Barrett(1932)/Stephen Kandel(1927)/Robert Mintz/Charles Sinclair(1924?). Martinson is one of the oldest surviving directors in Tinseltwon, although, I don't believe the oldest; Strangis' daughter Judy Strangis later was 'Dyna-Girl" in the Sid & Marty Kroft superhero spoof from 1976 Electa-Woman and Dyna-Girl, an especially campy tongue-in-cheek female version of Batman. So close in fact, it was fortunate the Krofts somehow dodged a lawsuit from William Dozier and Co., although there were only maybe a dozen episodes of this one. Deidre Hall from the soap Days of Our Lives was ElectaWoman. Given the age of these folks listed, no doubt many will be items for the obituaries in the next 3, 4 years.

Discussing Twilight Zone, it's being reported that author George Clayton Johnson died December 22 or 23 @ 86. Johnson wrote several epsiodes of the series, as well as installments for a number of other series. he is no doubt best known as co-author with William F. Nolan of Logan's Run and the films, and TV series based there-on. I would imagine this leaves Earl Hamner, Jr and maybe two, three others left as scriptwriters for Twilight Zone (Hamner is the guy usually forgotten as a TZ scriptwriter).

If not mentioned recently, Janis Page (94) might be a good possibility.

Never thought David Hedison was quite that bad an actor, really - he is among the very few leading men still with us from 1950's US sci-fi films. On Lost in Space, it's quite possibly the worst science fiction series ever made, unfortunately. Some have suggested Gerry & Sylvia Anderson's Space:1999 as being the overall-worst. It's a close race between the two, unfortunately. An atomic blast strong enough to rip the Moon out of Earth orbit would no doubt shatter it to fragmanets in the process, to name only one inanity of the latter. All the same, it spawned numerous merchandise in the States, ti-ein novels, model kits of the spacecraft, and so forth. Then again, so did Lost in Space.

Luke was Kato, obviously, in at least one of the 1940's serial films.

Not entirely sure this is the best place to comment on The Green Hornet TV series from the 1960's, but it seems reasonable as both were produced by William Dozier. Dozier also did the narration for this series as well, although it was much more limited than that for Batman. Played "straight" w/o the campy elements of the Batman series, the show had the Hornet(Van Williams)t and Kato( Bruce Lee, of course) go up against "real" criminals like arsonists, kidnappers, and assorted thieves -- they faced no costumed supervillains. Several of their foes used sci-fi like devices such as death rays and mind-control devices in their schemes, though, while the Hornet's car, Black Beauty, was equipped with much weaponry such as small rockets it could fire. The car also had what would be known as a drone today, the "scanner" which was launched from the front hood and surveyed the city, then returned to the automobile. The Green Hornet carried a weapon called "the Hornet's sting," a sonic device which could break-open locks, start fires, and so forth. Kato's martial arts more often than not saved the day, however, although the pair tended to leave a trail of corpses in their wake This was generally through the criminal's own actions, although not always., unusually for this period. The 2-part "Corpse of the Year" episode is maybe the best-written of the series , and featured one of only a handful of female opponents they faced, along with a fake Green Hornet trying to frame the real one for a series of murders in what proves to be a fairly-complicated scheme. Brit Reid's identity as the Green Hornet was known to his secretary Lenore "Casey Case (the gorgeous Wende (or Wendy) Wagner), and the city's District Attorney(played by Walter Brooke); everyone else thought the pair were criminals themselves which played well in the Batman cross-over Some elements of the film were borrowed for the atrocious Seth Rogan film a few years back, but the less said on that, the better. Unfortunately, it's not likely the series will be released to home video any time soon as the estate of Bruce lee,and some others, have been arguing over profits from the series for a good many years, now. It does show up on the" telly" from time to time, though, and is highly recommended. Van Williams (born 1934) is the only surviving cast member from this series. Some fairly-routine film serials appeared in the 1940's, some featuring Keye Luke in the title role(s).

It's a really shame James Best is mostly remembered for The Dukes of Hazzard series as he was a better actor than the Role of Roscoe P Coltrane generally required ( and that was definitely a lightweight series). Since The Twilight Zone has been mentioned, Best also appeared in three episodes of that, one with Ann Francis oddly enough, given the discussion recently of Forbidden Planet. Robert Redford also appeared in a small early role on a TZ episode(maybe "Nothing in the Dark?") in naming surviving famous guest-stars. On Ib Melchior, he passed away in early 2015 at 97, I believe, although others may have mentioned this elsewhere. He scripted other 1950s-style films like Reptilcus (1961) and the somewhat better The Time Travelers (1964 version), among others. A strong case has been made that Irwin Allen 'borrowed" the idea for Lost in Space TV series from him as well; he did earn some money late in life from the 1998 film re-make of this, although i understand he was denied a promised share of profits from the film's take, which wasn't that great, although an improvement over what Allen did with the 1960's TV series. He had other sci-fi film credits as well. Ib served with US forces in World War Two in counterintelligence, and wrote several novels and nonfiction works using those experiences.

I may be repeating a suggestion here, but Pat Boone (81) might be a possibility Some others have mentioned Bob Dole; I would say leave him on the list as he's been something of a bad player on the US political scene for a depressingly-long time, now.

On Forbidden Planet again, prolific character actor Morgan Jones (Crewman Nichols) died in 2012 at 83. Jones appeared in a number of other "Yank" sf TV series and films; films included the original Not of this Earth and the infamous The Giant Claw, both 1957. TV series; The Twilight Zone(twice), The Invaders(three times), Land of the Giants, Star Trek, the 1972-1973 TV series The Sixth Sense (which starred the late Gary Collins), Project U.F.O., and others in the genre.

James Best died in April of 2015 @ age 88. This leaves Richard Anderson, James Drury, Earl Holliman and apparently, Robert Dix surviving from the cast of Forbidden Planet.

No, Malone is still with us, people. I noted that somebody else has suggested Noel Neill ( the 2nd Lois lane on The Adventures of Superman), so perhaps the first one Phyllis Coates (88) should be considered as well for 2016. She was Lois for the first 26 episodes of this admittedly rather-lackluster version of Superman, then lost the part, according to more recent information, because she had agreed to another series rather then demanding a pay-hike to return as was reported for many years. Coates appeared in a good many westerns and B-horror films such as I Was a teenage Frankenstein (1957)(with the late great character actor Whit Bissell), and numerous other various TV episodes, so her death will no doubt be widely-reported when she expires. She and Neill are the last surviving regular cast members from this series after the demise of Jack Larson (Jimmy Olson) in 2015.

Thanks for the compliment! Batman was one of the relatively few such TV series aired in my general region way back in pre-satellite TV days (let alone pre-internet!), along with Bewitched, I dream of Jeannie, and Star Trek (of course). Was especially saddened by Yvonne Craig's passing as loved her, of course as batgirl. I believe she was the first costumed superheroine to appear on US television in fact, if in a supporting manner rather than as the star. Everyone says she was a very nice lady, although my own contact was limited to writing her a couple of times. On the 1979 TV "film" Legends of the Super Heroes, several important DC characters made their first live-action appearances including The Flash(who also had a well-done 1990's TV series for those interested), Green Lantern as mentioned previously, and Huntress along with West and Ward doing Batman and Robin for the final time. Captain Marvel was featured portrayed by Garret Craig (sometimes known as Shazam) also instead of Superman, presumably due to the impending release of the Christopher Reeve film Superman. This came about because DC Comics won a long legal battle obtaining Captain Marvel from another publisher in the 1950's, although the Captain is essentially a supernatural hero. Hope that helps for anyone wondering about the different names for the character! Anyway, this was, indeed, Frank Gorshin's final time as the Riddler aside from some charity events. Some important villains also appeared "live" first here such as Sinestro (portrayed by Charlie Callas), the monster Solomon Grundy( portrayed by the late oversized actor Mickey Morton), and the Weather Wizard. The film isn't particularly good, unfortunately, as it was extremely campy with Part Two being a tribute dinner affair for Batman and Robin (hosted by Ed McMahon) which even the villains attend after being beaten by the heroes. This was inspired by the series of Dean Martin "Celebrity Roasts", an occasional series of TV specials honoring certain performers throughout that decade. Perhaps the success of the new Flash TV series will renew some interest in this item which is rather obscure even today.

Oh, yes. I did want to add some comments on the original 1943 film serial Batman; the cast is all deceased now, Douglas Croft (Dick Grayson/Robin) (1926 - 1963), unfortunately passing young. It is of importance for reasons other than being the first time Batman appeared on film, as it introduced the bat Cave being located below Wayne Manor. It also set the appearance for Alfred as a slim English gentleman which he remained for some many years to come; in the comic up to this point, he had been a rather overweight gent - they adopted the slim version quickly as the serials of that era and the comics appealed mainly to the same audience. While commenting more, a shame The Siren (Joan Collins) wasn't introduced sooner in the Adam West TV series as she did have a superpower of sorts mesmerizing men with her super-high-note voice. She perhaps came closer to killing Batman than most of his other foes, although while in his Bruce Wayne identity. The character has shown up briefly in recent years in some of the DC animated Batman titles.

You may have been thinking of Glynis Johns, Post Twunt, who was Lady Penelope Peasoup in a 4-part sequence in the TV series' final season set in "Londonium" with the late Rudy Vallee, although I'm afraid a minor foe for the heroes. It was one of the very few times they traveled outside the US, however. Several other ladies who appeared on the series are still with us now, although most did so in supporting roles; gorgeous Nancy Kovack, Sherry Jackson (also stunningly beautiful), and Leslie Parrish among them. Jill St.Johnas well she was one of only 3 characters who actually died on the show as a henchwoman for the Riddler. Two other generic street thugs shot themselves accidentally. Catwoman did apparently die twice, but as a cat has nine lives, she returned anyway, of course. And yes, she has to be one of the most gorgeous women ever on film! Lee Meriwether did appear on the series as a lady in distress as well as being Catwoman in the 1966 film. Two ladies who appeared in small roles as underlings died recently, Lesly Gore,(henchwoman for Catwoman) and Grace lee Whitney, (henchwoman for King Tut, though far better known as Janice Rand on the original Star Trek series and later, in some of the films. I think maybe three or four of the directors from the behind-the-scenes crew are still with us, although, of course, most such folks aren't very well-known. On the 1940's serial Batman and Robin, only Johnny Duncan(Dick Grayson/Robin) is still alive (93) and still manages to show up at some conventions, I understand, so he seems to have considerable spring in his step yet for a fellow his age.

Ooops! I should have given Jeffreys age as 93, now 83.

While there's still time, wanted to suggest Anne Jeffreys (83) and Dorothy Malone (91). Jeffreys is still working in small parts, although definitely showing her age. Malone is in decent health for her age as far as I know.

No, it was Ms.Rush. I'm not sure Vera Miles appeared on the series. West and Burt Ward returned to the roles in the 1979 TV special CHALLENGE OF THE SUPERHEROES aka LEGEND OF THE SUPERHEROES. here they joined other heroes such as Green Lantern and Hawk-Man(in a poor version of-same) against the Legion of Doom including villains like Riddler, I believe, Solomon Grundy, and so on many in their first live-action film or TV apearances. Black Canary was included among the heroes in place of Wonder Woman,(I presume because of the Lynda Carter series running at the time).. this was the de facto first live-action appearance of the Justice League(of America) although quite campy.in presentation.

Apparently, only John Astin remains from the male villains Adam West faced on the 1960's TV series as his brief stint doing The Riddler. Assuming one discounts the guest-appearance of Van Williams as the Green Hornet(believed a criminal by Batman and the police) whose own series William Dozier produced fr one season while Batman was running, although playing the characters seriously for the latter program. The Green Hornet was a high-quality series, but some years too early, unfortunately. Several female villains survive at present besides Joan Collins( the Siren) and Julie Newmar (Catwoman), including Barbara Rush (Nora Clavicle, leader of a gang of female criminals) and Deathlist favorite Zsa Zsa Gabor in the final season as Minerva, a villainess who used mind control to further her aims. The vast majority of guest stars have passed from the program save for some such as Deanna Luind (1937 - ) while most of the production staff is departed as well. Sometime director Sam Strangis appears to still be living at present. While feeilngs have eased over time, the series can be justly blamed for the superhero genre not being taken seriously at all until the late 1970's when the Incredible Hulk and Wonder Woman ran for some years (although I realize that both of these are now badly dated themselves in terms of special effects save perhaps for Lynda carter herself when compared to their present-day counterparts.

If no one else has suggested them; Lori Nelson (85) US 1950's sci-fi films like REVENGE OF THE CREATURE(1955), as well as How to Marry a Millionaire (1957). Also Elena Verdugo (91), who appeared with Boris Karloff in House of Frankenstein (1944). Verdugo most be among the last surviving actresses who appeared with Karloff while he was still in his prime years,

He may have been mentioned somewhere previously here, but Barbara Eden's only other surviving co-star from I Dream of Jeannie Bill Daily (88) seems a reasonable possibility, although in good health as best I know.

How about Angie Dickinson (85, although some say she's older several years). The lady does not seem to appear in public often any longer, and is dressed so that one cannot get any real idea of her current appearance. Sorry if I'm stepping on anybody's ;ist "toes" with this suggestion.

On Cartoonists, one who may not have been suggested is "Beetle Bailey" creator Mort Walker, almost 93. Walker started the daily comic strip in the 1950's, and the inept US Army Private has been featured in many various media over the decades since.

Sorry folks for duplication of Aldiss, etc.; out of THIS many suggestions, though, it's bound to happen.

Not sure out of this many people if they have been suggested, but here's two; Barbara Eden, apparently in good health, but will be at least 85 in 2016. Retired Brigadier General Charles E "Chuck" Yeager, almost 93, certainly famous enough for breaking the sound barrier in 1947 to receive wide-coverage of his passing.

My personal Deathlist 2016 Zsa Zsa Gabor/Robert Blake/Mort Walker(cartoonist "Beatle Bailey")/Herman Wouk/Barbara Bain/Lupita Tovar/Sean Connery/Clint Eastwood/Julia Adams(US actress "Creature from the Back Lagoon")/Norman Lloyd/Ursula Andress/William Shatner/Betty White/Mary Carlisle/Patricia Laffan/Angie Dickinson/Mary Tyler Moore/June Lockhart/Kirk Douglas/Burt Reynolds/George Gaynes/Steve Ditko(comics artists co-creator Spider-Man, etc.)/Adrian Booth(US actress 1930's/40's aka Lorna Gray)/Valerie Harper/Nancy Reagan/Peggy Cummins/David Rockafeller/Muhammad Ali/Cher/Abe Vigoda/Martin Landau/John Astin/Carl Reiner/Nichelle Nichols/Julie Newmar(original "Catwoman")/Mara Corday(US pin-up favorite/B-movie actress/Carol Channing/David Prowse/Jake Lamotta/Olivia de Haviland/Vic Damone/Tina Louise/Tab Hunter/Fabian/"Ricky "the Dragon" Steamboat (ex-wrestler)/Don Rickles/Freeman Dyson (UK scientist)/Eva Marie Saint/Faye Dunaway/Gahan Wilson(macabre cartoonist)/Max von Sydow. Sorry this is heavy on US figures, but they are ones I am most familiar with. And in no particular order, note!