Batman actor Burt Ward is finally getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Ward has portrayed Dick Grayson/Robin in Batman adaptations of the ’60s and ’70s as well as voiced him in a handful of animated iterations. The titular caped crusader of that era was embodied by Adam West, who received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2012. Earlier this year, the fictional character of Batman was himself announced as a Hollywood Walk of Fame inductee for 2020.
The inclusion of Batman in this ceremony marks the first time a comic book character has had such an honor bestowed upon them. Other fictional characters such as Big Bird, Kermit the Frog, Snow White, and Mickey and Minnie Mouse have had their names engraved on a star but never a superhero. While that recognition does amplify Adam West’s induction back in 2012, the “Boy Wonder,” Burt Ward announcement ups the ante on the original live-action Batman’s legacy. That show, known for its campy style and comedic tone, often featured Ward uttering his ever-changing catchphrase “holy___!” Ward’s theatrics complimented West’s bravado in a way that helped make the pairing as iconic as it is today.
According to the Hollywood Walk of Fame’s website, in addition to Batman, Ward will be joining the likes of Chris Hemsworth, Spike Lee, Cindy Crawford, Dr. Phil McGraw, and Dave Chappelle (just to name a few). No dates have been announced, and the recipients have years to schedule their ceremonies.
Batman was Ward’s first television role; the now 74-year-old actor has since gone on to do the voice of Robin in numerous projects as well as smaller roles in Spongebob SquarePants, Futurama, The Simpsons, and Robot Chicken. News also broke this year that Ward would (probably) be reprising his role as Robin in the highly anticipated Arrowverse crossover. Pictures of Ward on the Crisis on Infinite Earths set showed the actor in Robin’s colors and walking a dog which many have speculated is meant to be Ace the Bat-Hound. Ward’s role in the Arrowverse crossover (which appears set to honor everyone and everything iconic about DC television/movies) adds another layer to the role he played in making one of the original comic book adaptations possible.
1966’s Batman: The Movie (based on the television show) was the first ever feature-length adaptation of the DC character. Although its style and approach to the material is a far cry from Warner Bros’ darker approach in recent years, the live-action television show and subsequent movies paved the way for what graces our screens today. Burt Ward’s role as Adam West’s sidekick helped to make Robin as recognizable a name as Batman himself. It seems only suitable that the man who helped created Batman be honored the same day as the latter.
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Source: Hollywood Walk of Fame
