Frank Gorshin

 Frank Gorshin (April 5, 1933 – May 17, 2005)

He was perhaps best known as an impressionist, with many guest appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show and Tonight Starring Steve Allen. His most famous acting role was as The Riddler in the 1960's Batman television series. He was nominated for an Emmy (Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Comedy) for his best remembered role as The Riddler in Batman, starring Adam West. Gorshin's portrayal of the character included a high, deranged cackle, inspired by that of Tommy Udo (Richard Widmark) in Kiss of Death (1947). He played the Riddler in ten episodes of the series as well as the theatrical movie, although John Astin made one appearance in the role when Gorshin was unavailable. He reprised the role in the 1978 TV movie "Legends of the Super-Heroes". Gorshin was a heavy smoker for most of his life, and died from lung cancer at age 72. He is interred at the Catholic Calvary Cemetery in Pittsburgh, PA.