The seats were filled as the original Batman sat down with UCF’s Jessica Gottsleben last Monday in what would be a hilarious and insightful interview.
Hosted by Neebo, an online bookstore, and KnightCast, a student-run internet radio station, the interview covered West’s early career and life since his role as Batman in the 1960s comedy so loved for its campiness and over-the-top villains (when asked about them, he said his costars were “wonderful celebrities”). The original show ran for three seasons and comprised 120 episodes written by over 40 different writers.
West also spoke on his career after Batman, which consisted of dinner theater and various plays before he met Seth McFarlane (a “brilliant guy”) on the set of Johnny Bravo, a show on Cartoon Network. “I keep reinventing myself,” he said, “like Madonna.” After a series of clips highlighting West’s most popular work, the floor was opened for questions, and West answered students who were curious about his dating life while on Batman, and about his favorite roles during his 40-plus years of fame. West told audience members that “the nicest thing for an actor is to be trusted” and that he was pleased that his roles after Batman were flexible and allowed him much creative license.
I was pleased to learn that some of West’s favorite career positions have been in animated shows like Family Guy and The Simpsons. Also shocking was the revelation that West is currently staying busy working with his old co-star William Shatner. “We’re doing a show together very soon,” he said. Of course, many were curious to know how West feels about the current Batman franchise, and he divulged that he has very little involvement with the recent movies. “I’m not a critic,” he said, going on mention that he enjoyed them, but “not so much all the bloodshed.”
West is currently on tour with Neebo to help promote textbook rentals through the company. “I’ll sell anything,” he said.
Blowing away any expectation of a run-of-the-mill interview, West’s wit was extraordinarily sharp. The same could not be said of his hearing, but he cracked jokes about it to the crowd and kept the audience, mostly students, laughing and interested. He was kind enough to sign memorabilia after the show and meet with fans (myself included) before leaving the arena smiling and laughing.
