Every Actor from Batman Movies (& Series) Who Passed Away

Batman has been a popular character for a long time. Many movies and TV shows have been made about him. Over the years, numerous actors have played heroes, villains, and supporting characters in the Batman universe. These performances have helped shape the world of Gotham City on screen.

This article remembers the actors from the Batman movies and series who have passed away. It honors their contributions to the franchise. We look back at their roles and remember their work. Here is a list of the talented individuals who are no longer with us.

Heath Ledger

Heath Ledger delivered an iconic performance as the Joker in The Dark Knight (2008). Born on April 4, 1979, his portrayal of the chaotic and menacing villain earned him widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike. He fully immersed himself in the role, creating a truly unforgettable character.

Ledger tragically passed away on January 22, 2008, at the age of 28 from an accidental overdose of prescribed medications. His death occurred before the release of The Dark Knight, and he posthumously won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his work. He is also known for his role in Brokeback Mountain.

Adam West

Adam West played the iconic role of Batman/Bruce Wayne in Batman: The Movie (1966) and the accompanying television series. Born on September 19, 1928, his portrayal was known for its campy and lighthearted tone. He became the face of Batman for an entire generation.

West passed away on June 9, 2017, due to leukemia. His career was forever linked to the Caped Crusader, and he continued to be involved in Batman-related projects, including voice work, throughout his life.

Cesar Romero

Cesar Romero portrayed the Joker in Batman: The Movie (1966). Born on February 15, 1907, Romero’s version of the character was a gleeful and theatrical prankster. He famously refused to shave his mustache for the role, and it was simply covered with white makeup.

Romero died on January 1, 1994. The cause was complications from a blood clot that stemmed from bronchitis and pneumonia. Besides his role as the Clown Prince of Crime, he had a long and varied career in Hollywood.

Michael Gough

Michael Gough played the faithful butler, Alfred Pennyworth, in four Batman films. He appeared in Batman (1989), Batman Returns (1992), Batman Forever (1995), and Batman & Robin (1997). Gough was born on November 23, 1916, and brought a sense of warmth and dignity to the character.

He passed away on March 17, 2011, from pneumonia and prostate cancer. Gough’s portrayal of Alfred is remembered as a cornerstone of the Tim Burton and Joel Schumacher Batman films. He was also known for his role in Batman Forever.

Burgess Meredith

Burgess Meredith gave a memorable performance as The Penguin in Batman: The Movie (1966). Born November 16, 1907, his characterization was notable for its distinctive squawking laugh and waddling walk. He was one of the most popular villains from the 1960s series.

Meredith passed away on September 9, 1997. He died from melanoma and Alzheimer’s disease. Beyond the world of Batman, he was highly regarded for his role as Mickey Goldmill in the Rocky film series and his work in Clash of the Titans.

Pat Hingle

Pat Hingle portrayed Commissioner Gordon in a series of Batman films. He appeared in Batman (1989), Batman Returns (1992), Batman Forever (1995), and Batman & Robin (1997). Born on July 19, 1924, he was a constant presence as Gotham’s top cop.

Hingle died on January 3, 2009, from complications related to myelodysplasia. His career spanned many decades, with notable roles in films like The Quick and the Dead.

Rutger Hauer

Rutger Hauer played the role of Earle in Batman Begins (2005). He was born on January 23, 1944. In the film, he portrayed the corrupt executive who takes over Wayne Enterprises in Bruce Wayne’s absence.

Hauer passed away on July 19, 2019, following a short illness. He was a celebrated actor known for many roles, including the iconic replicant Roy Batty in Blade Runner and his leading role in Hobo with a Shotgun.

Frank Gorshin

Frank Gorshin played The Riddler in Batman: The Movie (1966). Born on April 5, 1933, his energetic and manic portrayal of the puzzle-obsessed villain was a highlight of the film and television show. He brought a unique physicality to the role.

Gorshin died on May 17, 2005. His death was caused by lung cancer, emphysema, and pneumonia. In addition to his Riddler role, he was a talented impressionist and actor, known for his part in Twelve Monkeys.

Paul Reubens

Paul Reubens appeared in Batman Returns (1992) as Penguin’s Father. He was born on August 27, 1952. In the film’s opening scene, he and Diane Salinger play the aristocratic parents who abandon their deformed infant son, Oswald Cobblepot.

Reubens passed away on July 30, 2023, from acute hypoxic respiratory failure. He was most famous for creating and portraying the iconic character Pee-wee Herman in Pee-wee’s Playhouse.

Alan Napier

Alan Napier played Bruce Wayne’s loyal butler, Alfred, in Batman: The Movie (1966). Born on January 7, 1903, he brought a sense of sophistication and fatherly care to the role. He was a key supporting character in the classic series.

Napier died on August 8, 1988, from a stroke. Before his famous role as Alfred, he had a long career in film and theater, with another notable role in the movie Marnie.

Jack Palance

Jack Palance portrayed the crime boss Grissom in the 1989 film Batman. He was born on February 18, 1919. His character was the ruthless mobster who is ultimately betrayed and killed by his own second-in-command, Jack Napier, who becomes the Joker.

Palance passed away on November 10, 2006, from pancreatic cancer. He was a veteran actor known for his tough-guy roles and won an Academy Award for his performance in City Slickers.

Neil Hamilton

Neil Hamilton played Commissioner Gordon in Batman: The Movie (1966). He was born on September 9, 1899. His portrayal of Gotham’s police commissioner was that of a dependable, though often baffled, ally to Batman and Robin.

Hamilton died on September 24, 1984, due to complications from asthma. He had a prolific career in Hollywood that began in the silent film era.

Tom Wilkinson

Tom Wilkinson appeared as the Gotham crime lord Carmine Falcone in Batman Begins (2005). He was born on February 5, 1948. His character was a powerful and intimidating figure who ruled Gotham’s underworld.

Wilkinson passed away on December 30, 2023. The cause of his death was undisclosed. He was a highly respected actor known for a wide range of roles, including his performance in Michael Clayton.

Val Kilmer

Val Kilmer took on the role of Batman/Bruce Wayne in Batman Forever (1995). Born on December 31, 1959, he portrayed a more introspective and conflicted version of the hero. The film explored the psychological motivations behind Bruce Wayne’s decision to become Batman.

Kilmer passed away on April 1, 2025, from pneumonia. He was known for many iconic roles throughout his career, including his performances in The Doors and Top Gun.

Vincent Schiavelli

Vincent Schiavelli appeared as the Organ Grinder in Batman Returns (1992). Born November 11, 1948, he was a member of the Penguin’s Red Triangle Circus Gang. His distinctive appearance made him a memorable character actor.

Schiavelli died on December 26, 2005, from lung cancer. He appeared in numerous films and television shows, with another notable role in the James Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies.

William Hootkins

William Hootkins played the corrupt police lieutenant Eckhardt in Batman (1989). He was born on July 5, 1948. Eckhardt was a key character in the film’s early scenes, working for crime boss Carl Grissom.

Hootkins passed away on October 23, 2005, due to pancreatic cancer. He had roles in several major films, including Raiders of the Lost Ark and Star Wars.

Coolio

Coolio made a cameo appearance as a Banker in Batman & Robin (1997). The rapper, born Artis Leon Ivey Jr. on August 1, 1963, was part of a scene involving a bank robbery.

Coolio died on September 28, 2022. The cause of death was a fentanyl overdose. He was best known for his Grammy-winning song “Gangsta’s Paradise” and also appeared in the movie Daredevil.

Jay Benedict

Jay Benedict played a Rich Twit in The Dark Knight Rises (2012). Born on April 11, 1951, his character was one of Gotham’s citizens caught in the city’s turmoil.

Benedict passed away on April 4, 2020, from complications related to COVID-19. He had a long career in film and television, with another notable role in the movie Aliens.

Rene Auberjonois

Rene Auberjonois had a role as Dr. Burton in Batman Forever (1995). He was born on June 1, 1940. In the film, he is the doctor at Arkham Asylum who deals with the Riddler.

Auberjonois died on December 8, 2019, from metastatic lung cancer. He was a well-known character actor, famous for his roles in the television series Boston Legal and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.

Tom Lister Jr.

Tom Lister Jr. appeared as a Tattooed Prisoner in The Dark Knight (2008). Born on June 24, 1958, he played a pivotal role in the ferry scene, where he makes a crucial decision that shows the good in people.

Lister passed away on December 10, 2020, due to heart disease. He was also known for his role as Deebo in the movie Friday.

Jeep Swenson

Jeep Swenson portrayed the villain Bane in Batman & Robin (1997). Born on January 5, 1957, his version of the character was a brutish, mostly non-verbal henchman for Poison Ivy.

Swenson died on August 18, 1997, from heart failure, shortly after the film’s release. Besides acting, he was also a professional wrestler and stuntman.

Stafford Repp

Stafford Repp played Chief O’Hara in Batman: The Movie (1966). Born on April 26, 1918, he was Commissioner Gordon’s right-hand man, known for his Irish accent and exclamations.

Repp passed away on November 5, 1974, from a heart attack. His role as Chief O’Hara was his most famous, and he was a familiar face on television during the 1960s.

Madge Blake

Madge Blake appeared as Aunt Harriet Cooper in Batman: The Movie (1966). She was born on May 31, 1899. Aunt Harriet was the doting and sometimes clueless aunt of Dick Grayson and lived at Wayne Manor.

Blake passed away on February 19, 1969, from cardiac arrest. Her role as Aunt Harriet was one of her most well-known performances.

Reginald Denny

Reginald Denny played Commodore Schmidlapp in Batman: The Movie (1966). Born on November 20, 1891, he portrayed an eccentric inventor who is kidnapped by the villains.

Denny died on June 16, 1967, from a stroke. He had a long career in Hollywood, with a notable role in the Alfred Hitchcock film Rebecca.

Larry Holden

Larry Holden played Finch in Batman Begins (2005). He was born on May 15, 1961. He portrayed a Gotham district attorney in the film.

Holden passed away on February 13, 2011, from cancer. He was also known for his roles in other Christopher Nolan films like Memento.

Michael Scranton

Michael Scranton appeared as Thomas Wayne in Batman Forever (1995). Born on December 25, 1958, he appeared in a flashback sequence depicting the murder of Bruce Wayne’s parents.

Scranton died on May 6, 2021. The cause of death was smoke asphyxiation. His role in Batman Forever was one of his credited film appearances.

William Dozier

William Dozier was the Narrator and voiced the Bat-Computer in Batman: The Movie (1966). Born February 13, 1908, his distinctive voice set the tone for the movie and the TV series.

Dozier passed away on April 23, 1991, from a stroke. He was also the executive producer of the Batman series and was known for producing The Green Hornet.

Jan Hooks

Jan Hooks played the character Jen in Batman Returns (1992). She was born on April 23, 1957. She appeared as the Penguin’s public image consultant during his campaign for mayor of Gotham.

Hooks passed away on October 9, 2014, from throat cancer. She was a famous comedian and actress, best known for her time as a cast member on Saturday Night Live and her role in Pee-wee’s Big Adventure.

Dick Crockett

Dick Crockett played Morgan in Batman: The Movie (1966). He was born on February 27, 1915. Morgan was one of the Penguin’s henchmen.

Crockett died on January 25, 1979, from a heart attack. He was also a stuntman and actor with many film credits, including The Pink Panther Strikes Again.

Lee Wallace

Lee Wallace portrayed the Mayor of Gotham in Batman (1989). He was born on July 15, 1930. He appeared in scenes reacting to the Joker’s threats against the city.

Wallace passed away on December 20, 2020. The cause of his death was not disclosed. He was primarily a stage actor but had several film and television roles.

Gerard Murphy

Gerard Murphy appeared as Judge Faden in Batman Begins (2005). Born on October 14, 1948, his character was a corrupt judge in the pocket of the mob boss Carmine Falcone.

Murphy died on August 26, 2013, from prostate cancer. He was a respected Irish actor of stage and screen, also known for his role in Waterworld.

John Dair

John Dair played the gangster Ricorso in Batman (1989). He was born on March 3, 1933. He was one of the mobsters present at the meeting with Jack Napier.

Dair passed away on November 25, 2005, from lung cancer. His role in Batman was one of his few film appearances.

George Sawaya

George Sawaya played Quetch in Batman: The Movie (1966). He was born on August 14, 1923. Quetch was one of the Joker’s henchmen.

Sawaya died on September 17, 2003, and his cause of death was not disclosed. He was a stuntman and character actor known for roles in films like Escape from New York.

Ivan Triesault

Ivan Triesault was the West German Delegate in Batman: The Movie (1966). Born on July 13, 1898, he was one of the United World Organization Security Council members.

Triesault died on January 3, 1980, from heart failure. He had a long career playing characters of various European nationalities and appeared in the Alfred Hitchcock film Notorious.

Rick Zumwalt

Rick Zumwalt played the Tattooed Strongman in Batman Returns (1992). He was born on September 24, 1951. He was a member of the Red Triangle Circus Gang.

Zumwalt passed away on March 19, 2003, from a heart attack. He was also a professional arm wrestler and is well known for his role in the film Over the Top.

Felix Silla

Felix Silla was one of the actors who played an Emperor Penguin in Batman Returns (1992). He was born on January 11, 1937. He was part of the Penguin’s army of rocket-wielding penguins.

Silla died on April 16, 2021, from pancreatic cancer. He was also known for playing Cousin Itt on The Addams Family television series and for his role in Spaceballs.

Milton Frome

Milton Frome played Vice Admiral Fangschliester in Batman: The Movie (1966). Born on February 24, 1909, his character was part of the military command.

Frome died on March 21, 1989, from heart failure. He was a character actor who appeared in numerous films and television shows.

Van Williams

Van Williams voiced President Lyndon B. Johnson in Batman: The Movie (1966). He was born on February 27, 1934. His uncredited voice role was part of the film’s depiction of the world leaders.

Williams passed away on November 28, 2016, from renal failure. He was most famous for his lead role as Britt Reid in the television series The Green Hornet.

Stuart Lancaster

Stuart Lancaster had the role of Penguin’s Doctor in Batman Returns (1992). Born on November 30, 1920, he appeared in a brief scene with the character.

Lancaster passed away on December 22, 2000. His cause of death was undisclosed. He is also known for his work in the Tim Burton film Edward Scissorhands.

Nicky Katt

Nicky Katt played two different roles in the Batman movies. He was Spike in Batman & Robin (1997) and a Shotgun SWAT member in The Dark Knight (2008). He was born on May 11, 1970.

Katt died by suicide on April 8, 2025. He was known for his roles in various films, including Dazed and Confused.

Harry Lauter

Harry Lauter played Mr. Merrick in Batman: The Movie (1966). He was born on June 19, 1914. His character was part of the United World Organization Security Council.

Lauter died on October 30, 1990, from heart failure. He had a prolific career, especially in Westerns, and also appeared in Escape from the Planet of the Apes.

Maurice Dallimore

Maurice Dallimore portrayed the United Kingdom Delegate in Batman: The Movie (1966). Born on June 23, 1912, he was a member of the Security Council featured in the film.

Dallimore passed away on February 20, 1973. The cause of death was Laennec’s cirrhosis. He was also known for his appearance in Shirley Temple’s Storybook.

Wolfe Barzell

Wolfe Barzell played the Israeli Delegate in Batman: The Movie (1966). He was born on September 1, 1897. He was one of the delegates of the United World Organization.

Barzell died on February 14, 1969, of a heart attack. He had roles in several films, including Atlantis: The Lost Continent.

Gregory Gaye

Gregory Gaye was the Soviet Delegate in Batman: The Movie (1966). Born on October 10, 1900, he represented the Soviet Union on the Security Council.

Gaye passed away on August 23, 1993. The cause of his death was undisclosed. He had a long career playing Russian characters and appeared in the film Dodsworth.

George J. Lewis

George J. Lewis played the Spanish Delegate in Batman: The Movie (1966). He was born on December 10, 1903. His character was part of the international council.

Lewis died on December 8, 1995, from a stroke. He was known for playing Don Alejandro de la Vega in the Disney series Zorro and for his role in Zorro’s Black Whip.

Gil Perkins

Gil Perkins played Bluebeard in Batman: The Movie (1966). He was born on August 24, 1907. Bluebeard was one of the Riddler’s henchmen.

Perkins passed away on March 28, 1999, from natural causes. He was a prolific stuntman and actor.

Albert Carrier

Albert Carrier was the French Delegate in Batman: The Movie (1966). He was born on October 16, 1919. He was a member of the United World Organization.

Carrier died on May 23, 2002. His cause of death was not disclosed. He also had a role in the classic film Scarface.

William Tannen

William Tannen played the American Delegate in Batman: The Movie (1966). Born on November 17, 1911, he was part of the council of world delegates.

Tannen passed away on December 2, 1976, from an undisclosed cause. He appeared in many films, including Woman of the Year.

George Cisar

George Cisar played Rumpot in Window in Batman: The Movie (1966). He was born on July 28, 1912. He had a brief cameo role.

Cisar died on June 13, 1979. The cause of death was not revealed. He was a character actor who also appeared in Attack of the Giant Leeches.

Teru Shimada

Teru Shimada portrayed the Japanese Delegate in Batman: The Movie (1966). He was born on November 17, 1906. He was a member of the Security Council.

Shimada died on June 19, 1988. His cause of death was undisclosed. He is also known for his role as Mr. Osato in the James Bond film You Only Live Twice.

Robert Goodwin

Robert Goodwin played the Nigerian Delegate in Batman: The Movie (1966). Born on April 30, 1927, he was one of the international delegates in the film.

Goodwin passed away on February 13, 1983. The cause of his death was not disclosed. He also appeared in the film Black Chariot.

Peter Forster

Peter Forster played Mr. Percy in Batman: The Movie (1966). He was born on June 29, 1920. He had a minor role in the film.

Forster died on November 16, 1982. The cause of death was undisclosed. He also had a role in Escape from the Planet of the Apes.

Emmanuel Thomas

Emmanuel Thomas played Mr. Stanley, a reporter for the Globe, in Batman: The Movie (1966). He was born around 1935. He had a small role as a member of the press.

Thomas died of a heart attack on May 20, 2000. He was also known for his work on the soap opera Days of Our Lives.

Albert Evansky

Albert Evansky played Crimelord #3 in Batman (1989). He was born on December 7, 1915. He was one of the mob bosses in Gotham.

Evansky passed away on April 11, 1991. The cause of his death was not disclosed. He also appeared in the film Bullshot.

Steve Plytas

Steve Plytas played a Doctor in Batman (1989). He was born on January 9, 1913. He appeared in the scene where Jack Napier’s face is reconstructed.

Plytas died on December 27, 1994, from an undisclosed cause. He is also known for his role in Superman IV: The Quest for Peace.

Michael Balfour

Michael Balfour appeared as a Scientist in Batman (1989). He was born on February 11, 1918. He had a minor role in the film.

Balfour passed away on October 24, 1997, from cancer. His acting career spanned many decades with numerous credits.

Philip O’Brien

Philip O’Brien played the Maitre d’ in Batman (1989). Born on May 23, 1927, he appeared in a restaurant scene in the film.

O’Brien died on January 9, 1999, from cancer. His role in Batman was one of several film and television appearances.

George Lane Cooper

George Lane Cooper played a Goon in Batman (1989). He was born on January 28, 1934. He was one of the Joker’s henchmen.

Cooper passed away on February 8, 2002. His cause of death was not disclosed. He was also a stunt performer.

Terence Plummer

Terence Plummer also appeared as a Goon in Batman (1989). Born on August 31, 1936, he was one of the many henchmen working for the Joker.

Plummer died on July 15, 2011. The cause of his death was undisclosed. He had several roles as tough guys and henchmen throughout his career.

John Sterland

John Sterland played an Accountant in Batman (1989). He was born in 1927. He had a small role in the film.

Sterland passed away on December 21, 2017. The cause of death was not disclosed. He had a career with various minor roles in film and television.

Joel Cutrara

Joel Cutrara played Crimelord #2 in Batman (1989). He was born on April 22, 1936. He was one of the mobsters in Gotham City.

Cutrara died on June 2, 2019, from a lung infection. He was also known for his role in Who Framed Roger Rabbit.

Rachel Ryan

Rachel Ryan played Amanda Keeler in Batman (1989). She was born on August 22, 1961. She was a model featured in a news report within the film.

Ryan passed away on May 18, 2020. Her cause of death was not disclosed. She was known for her appearance in the music video for “Steamy Windows.”

Susan Rossitto

Susan Rossitto played an Emperor Penguin in Batman Returns (1992). She was born on December 15, 1956. She was one of the performers who made up the Penguin’s army.

Rossitto died on June 30, 2013, from natural causes. Her role in Batman Returns was one of her notable film appearances.

Debbie Lee Carrington

Debbie Lee Carrington also portrayed an Emperor Penguin in Batman Returns (1992). She was born on December 14, 1959. She helped bring the Penguin’s unique army to life.

Carrington passed away on March 23, 2018. The cause of death was undisclosed. She was an actress and stuntwoman known for roles in Total Recall and Men in Black.

Vincent Wong

Vincent Wong played two roles in the Batman universe. He was Crimelord #1 in Batman (1989) and an Old Asian Prisoner in Batman Begins (2005). He was born on February 4, 1928.

Wong died on March 13, 2015, from natural causes. He had a long career with many roles, including a part in the James Bond film Die Another Day.

Hugh Maguire

Hugh Maguire played Jack O’Dwyer in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016). He was born on April 22, 1933. His character was a witness during a congressional hearing.

Maguire passed away on May 18, 2023, from natural causes. He was a character actor with roles in films like No Sudden Move.

Danny Goldring

Danny Goldring played Grumpy in The Dark Knight (2008). He was born on May 31, 1946. Grumpy was one of the Joker’s henchmen involved in the opening bank heist.

Goldring died on December 2, 2022, from kidney failure. He was a stage and screen actor based in Chicago.

Michael Vieau

Michael Vieau played Rossi in The Dark Knight (2008). Born on June 9, 1971, his character was a Gotham crime figure.

Vieau passed away on June 29, 2023. The cause of his death was not disclosed. He was an actor known for his work in the Chicago theater scene.

Peter Navy Tuiasosopo

Peter Navy Tuiasosopo played an Observatory Guard in Batman & Robin (1997). He was born on December 22, 1963. He had a minor role in the film.

Tuiasosopo died on February 10, 2025, from heart complications. He was also known for his role in the movie Street Fighter.

Frank DiElsi

Frank DiElsi appeared as Security #1 in Batman Returns (1992). He was born on April 28, 1948. He had a small security guard role.

DiElsi passed away on March 23, 2025. His cause of death was undisclosed. He also appeared in the film The Siege.

Jack Betts

Jack Betts had roles as a Fisherman in Batman Forever (1995) and a Party Guest in Batman & Robin (1997). He was born on April 11, 1929.

Betts died on June 19, 2025, from natural causes. He had a long career in Hollywood, including a role in the original Spider-Man movie.