Burt Ward | The Complete Pioneers of Television Interview
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Burt Ward, star of the tv series "Batman", sits down to discuss his iconic role and behind the scenes stories.
Director: Steven J Boettcher
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Television’s beloved stars bring their stories to life, offering insider tales and surprising revelations you won’t hear anywhere else. The Emmy-nominated producers of Pioneers of Television open the vault to give you exclusive access.
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Пікірлер: 170
Part of superhero history. Thank you Burt.
So glad he got the part, he made a huge contribution to the classic show.
@aliostrowski1935
Жыл бұрын
Yup he's the original TV Robin everybody is known for a specific role this role is what Burt Ward is known for and will be forever
Glad he is still with us, we are losing so many of our stars from the 1960s-70s, Batman will forever be a piece of my 60s childhood TV viewing, he's forever "Robin" and he was so cute then..
@vincentl.9469
Жыл бұрын
yes..but I could never tell it was Burt Ward now..unrecognisable
@bufnyfan1
Ай бұрын
of all the original cast of Batman-only Burt Ward, Julie Newmar (who is 90) and John Astin (who played Riddler for 2 episodes when Frank Gorshin had a contract dispute) are still alive.
@cathleanjohnson675
Ай бұрын
@@bufnyfan1 Thanks for the 411..
You were the best actor they could have picked!! So cute!❤
He was very lucky to have met so many famous actors making guest appearances on Batman.
I was about 3 in '72. The show was on every day at 4pm in syndication. When it ended, I always started crying. One of my first memories of TV. That and Adam-12/Emergency.
“Robin…I’m glad you noticed the oncoming THRUST of Manhood.” Now that’s a classic Batman line. 😂😂😂
He still sounds like a kid. I'm glad he got the part, it wouldn't have been the same without him. I was in high school 14 at the time and I thought Robin was cute but Batman was my crush.
One of the Coolest moment's of my life was Meeting Adam West , Burt Ward and Julie Newmar at a comic book convention in 2003 , I think. It Cost me over $ 250 bucks for there autographs but I don't regret it 😁👍
Chosen over 1,099 other actors. He threaded the needle and the rest is history.
Holy good interview Burt Ward!! U are and always will be Robin to me. No one else will ever be as good in that part!
@guyvelvet1980
6 ай бұрын
Dont you mean " Holy smoke ' 😂
@VicMartino
6 ай бұрын
@@guyvelvet1980 One "Holy" is as good as another lol.
I loved these two guys! EVERY day after school it’s be BATMAN!
I worked in Hermosa Beach and would drive by Bert Ward's house. I got to talk to him a couple of times and he was always nice!
I have always assumed that most successful actors have amazing memories so they can remember their lines.
It was very nice to see him Crisis on Infinite Earths. Sure, it was only a little cameo, but it showed that the old Batman series was not forgotten.
I was a 7 year old boy (growing up in DunDrum Ireland) when all us lads fell heads over heels with Batman & Robin. It was easier to immigrate to America for me because that’s where Batman & Robin lived!
This was a very engaging interview to listen to.
He still looks good in his '70s.
I would pay $$$ to see Burt in his original Robin costume TODAY
Burt Ward is the greatest storyteller about his life and career in television and movies and thankfully he's still alive and well and he's in his 70's and birthday is in 2 more months and he will be 78 years old until July 6th 2023
BW is such a Great person!! I saw dogfood on a show & called buy it. He called me back & was super nice, i had no idea who was on line, huge Batman fan of 60s tv show as kid. He was Amazing 🏆💕🌼🍃 & made my decade speaking to Robyn!! Lol Wonderful DogFood & Kind Human being!! Ty !!
Can we just stop and talk about how gorgeous he was back then! I mean stunning! He went through so much...and was the least paid! I mean wow.
@cathleanjohnson675
Жыл бұрын
Agree 150% he was better looking to me than Adam West was..
I was 7 when it started and the Theme song was my favorite, I took my cassette recorder and recorded with the mic 6 weeks in a row, now I had the song to play for almost 2 minutes.
Such a nice, genuine man.
@gerrydooley951
Жыл бұрын
ask his first wife how she feels about him
@marcofreitas3844
Жыл бұрын
@@gerrydooley951 Ask BURT how he feels abiut his first wife (you see? Every story has, at least, two sides)
@gerrydooley951
Жыл бұрын
@@marcofreitas3844 Since Bonnie is the aggrieved party I'm sure her recollection would be much more revealing. After all, she had just had a baby when your hero dumped her.
@marcofreitas3844
Жыл бұрын
@@gerrydooley951 Yeah...let´s cancel him! And since we will be with the torches, let´s take the opportunity to burn every musician and star who did something wrong in their private lives at the stake. Then, after that, we will go the internet to show off how noble we are so we can feel better about ourselves.
@marcofreitas3844
Жыл бұрын
@@gerrydooley951 You think so? Wow, I love him as Robin. By the way, he ain´t my hero. my dad was that for me. By the way, did you meet yours?
That show was so fun to watch. Burt Ward and Adam West were so fun to watch. My brothers were attending Palos Verdes High School when they did some filming nearby the school. A big deal to hear about the Batmobile in the area.
I met him at a personal appearance at a car dealership in Washington State in 1978. He told my mom she was pretty. I asked him what it was like to ride in the batmobile. He said it was like riding in a sherman tank, and the guy that designed it should be "strung up" lol. I got to try on his green gloves.
A whole generation of kids jumped into the family station wagon, fastening seat belts while announcing "Atomic batteries to power! Turbines to speed!" And I can't count the number of times over the years that I've heard guys proclaim "Some days, you just can't get rid of a bomb!" The show was PROUD to be campy, but was presented without being farcical -- it was at the pivot point between shows which were made for a family to watch and shows which tried to be edgy and "relevant." Any attempt to do a show like this today would be transparently cynical, but there wasn't a drop of that to be found. This is reflected in Burt's activism over the last few years, the "Gentle Giants" program which rescues large-breed dogs and places them into loving homes. Nothing political, no ranting and raving for publicity, just a need that he and his wife work to fill. They don't even demand that taxpayers foot the bill -- they developed Gentle Giants dog food to support their program.
He was Amazing !!!!
If you close your eyes, you can hear him saying "Holy (fill in the blank.)" Great vid! 👍
Life on Earth is Burt Ward getting past 1,100 other actors going for a film role he had no idea of; he played himself to get the part. What we see is acting naturally is the big winner.
@farrellmcnulty909
Жыл бұрын
Yes he was a total natural, very believable, but I iften wonder if he really did have no idea what he was auditioning for. I wonder if he was just saying that for a good spin. It makes for a good story, but...wasn't he given sides in advance?
I saw Burt Ward at a autograph signing at a furniture store in Sacramento where I lived, I was 12-13 at the time in 68? He was dressed as Robin, and he looked bored to F##K ! At the time mom , me and a friend was there, not many people were there ….I asked him where Gotham City was ( I didn’t know?) he said New York….I would like to meet him again, I’ll ask him if he remember’s me…..hahaha! I loved Batman on TV…But actually, I liked Robin better…….
@farrellmcnulty909
Жыл бұрын
Who wouldn't be bored signing scraps of paper in front of a furniture shop...dressed in full costume. Holy hassle! I always felt it was unfair that, according to himself, he was denied the opportunity to audition for "The Graduate" by either Batman producers or ABC. They were concerned about breaking the illusion of Robin. Give me a break. Anyone would realize he wasn't really a psychedelically clad crimefighter. I sae reruns as a kid and I knew at that age he wad only playing a character on tv. It would have been fun to see him as Benjamin Braddock. Who knows, maybe it would have been Burt Ward as Tootsie 15 years later. Robin was a good name for his character because he really was robbed.
@francesfarmer736
Жыл бұрын
@@farrellmcnulty909 Agree, he was actually hidden in the back of store, the gave him a table and a something to sit on…..and he clearly wasn’t enjoying himself….can’t remember if it was a weekday or weekend but nobody was there except for me and a younger male friend and the male friend looked under table and saw a rip in one of his tights ,,,,,just to make matters worse ….I’m sure he didn’t appreciate little kids looking under the table( not me of course) He could have gone on to a more lucrative career ……but that didn’t happen unfortunately …….still like Burt Ward.
@farrellmcnulty909
Жыл бұрын
@@francesfarmer736 A rip in his tights? God, that's sad for him. True, he was new to television, but he was still a big name in the medium. From what I hear, he didn't get any respect whatsoever. Countless actors and actresses were really put through the mill and it's not right that they didn't get half the pleasure out of giving the performance as we got from watching it.
The therapy sessions must've been hilarious😂
He was the first guy I ever had a crush on. 😅 I was only 10 or 11 and fell heads over hills for him in Batman. I was so lucky to have met him back in 2012!
Love you boy wonder! it's not a day go by that I don't have batman on my tv. 😊
If the "pioneers" are able tô make meet again Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas for an Interview at the same Room, ill sendo you a medal.
What a wonderful person!
He is such a Great Guy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A truly lovely and kind man for what he does for animals.
God. I use to watch the show, it was my favorite
Loved him!
I was 13 in 66. Batman put the C in camp!
Actually, Lee Meriwether portrayed Catwoman in the Batman movie.
am watching the series for the first time. Robin is the best part. he puts his all into every scene. he could have been such an annoying twerp if he played it wrong, he is just perfect.
since I have ben viewing these vids I'm getting to. understand. burt eard. the mighty robin. burt. is still burt and he is a awesome. cool guy . the way Mr burt ward walked in to his gift in life. was very. comabunga dude. to the bat cave robin!!!
Thank you, what a bright guy and I loved watching the show. He gave one hell of a storytelling.
Holy Chemistry Batman!
I did not think that I would laugh so much.
Robin was my first crush! ❤
@VeracityLH
Жыл бұрын
I must be a weirdo. I first saw the show at age 7 or so but Adam West's Batman was my big crush. I wanted to be Catwoman and have a secret romance with Batman.
I'm sorry but The Ambiguously Gay Duo just pops into my brain on any mention of Robin or any actor so engaged. Has nothing to do with Burt at all and is totally unfair to him but that SNL skit is just burned into my brain.
''HOLY BEAUTIFUL BURT BOY WONDERRR BATMAN!!!''
Lol..good interview..enjoyed it
Dr.: how did u get 2nd degree burns on your crotch?? B: firework stunt went bad
I thought Lee played Cat Woman in the movie not Julie.
@LovelyAbyssinianCat-ye6bd
Ай бұрын
Ol lee Meriwether was a good actress
He said "Julie" when mentioning the movie...when in fact it was Lee Merriweather...lol
Holy interview,Batman
He was brown belt karate,during the series he earned black belt
Batman was two half hour shows played two days apart, While the total time was an hour, had they shown it in a one hour weekly series, it wouldn't have worked. Besides the nostalgic feelings of the old Batman comics, it also brought many people back to the old movie serials with the cliff hangers.
holy interview burt ward
I didn't know Ward was a black belt. Which demonstrates the difference between the average black belt and Bruce Lee.
This guy fought Bruce Lee to a draw. Well, the Batman producers wanted you to think it was so. And how they ever convinced Bruce to do that was insane.
@EastSide-qc5oy
Жыл бұрын
Bruce wasn’t really that tough. Even that stuntman Cliff Booth took him down on the studio lot that one time. Dented a car with his body in the process.
Poor Burt! They just had NO concern for his safety, did they?
Love him!
I don’t mean anything disrespectful by this, but Burt does something interesting as he talks about the casting call starting around @1:30. He looks emotional for a moment around the @1:40 mark. I saw a similar look by Carol Burnett when Dick Cavett asked her naively on his show whether the casting couch was a thing. I’m not sure whether this was because there was a ‘casting couch’ for young male actors too like Burt Ward, or maybe he was just recalling what a big break that was, and how it changed his life. Again, no disrespect meant. Just something I’m curious about, whether that was a thing in Hollywood.
Brilliant!!
Holy Batcaves Batman ! Good thing we took those anti penguin saw gas rope pills !
Nananananana Batman
What about the story that when ABC/Greenwood Productions canceled Batman after season 3, NBC wanted to pick up the show but because they had destroyed the Batcave (and most of the sets) they passed on it In interviews Adam West has said the Batcave alone cost $800K to build (in 1968 dollars) and the cost to rebuild it wouldn't have been worth it.
Watch the show every afternoon( the day after the original airing )because of the censorship here in Baltimore.
the funny thing is about that batmobile shot you can barely see robins face clear, so they could have damn well used his stuntman think they was maybe torturing burt
@brersam9473
Жыл бұрын
That's what I said!
@killerkyle92
Жыл бұрын
@@brersam9473 and a lot of the fighting scenes you can clearly see it’s a stuntman and not burt lol
@brersam9473
Жыл бұрын
@@killerkyle92 I know! They were torturing Burt on purpose!
@aliostrowski1935
Жыл бұрын
@@brersam9473 we need a tape of his onset injuries
Good stuff
That’s why they call them tights, I wonder why he didn’t wear them to the interview. Amazing how he remembered all his lines “POW” “KABOOM”!!!!! Now back to the Krispy Kreme, commercial.
Burt's an affable guy and never hurt a fly, but so so much of the tales he spins are beyond exaggerated, loaded with hyperbole and test the bounds of truth
Loved batman
13:17 - it's funny, you can tell Robin's stunt double, Victor Paul, from a mile away - in the middle of the bat fight, Robin's hairline suddenly recedes and his nose suddenly protrudes from under his mask. Now those shots were further up-close than that establishing bat-cave shot where the car speeds out. The funny thing is we all could see it as plain as day, yet there was no bother about it.
@drbonesshow1
2 жыл бұрын
Victor Paul was older than Adam West.
@farrellmcnulty909
2 жыл бұрын
@@drbonesshow1 🤣🤣🤣That's amazing. He was pretty mature - looking, but I didn't think that far along.
@aliostrowski1935
Жыл бұрын
Yup they hired a guy who looked nothing like him
@gerrydooley951
Жыл бұрын
It wasn't really a problem on a 19" black and white TV
@farrellmcnulty909
Жыл бұрын
@@gerrydooley951 I even saw the difference then. "Robin's forehead is higher and his nose is bigger".
If I could live any celebrities life it's tough to think of one that would be better than Burt Ward's. He had this great t.v. show from age 19 to 21, had all his dreams come true with women and then some, and in the last twenty plus years he's been happily married and rescuing so many dogs, plus he created a dog food to expand the life expectancy by so much of these bigger dogs- what an amazing life. I'd rather live his life over the lives of Bill Gates or Jeff Bezos or Elon Musk any day.
Éloquent!
I saw the TV movie of behind the scenes
Now this is a good guy; not so full of himself.
I always liked my batman cards
They should write biographies on both Burt and Adam
@cdgates1
2 ай бұрын
They both wrote a autobiography
Wednesday January 12, 1966.
Still a cool Guy
God was with you. Man I would had to have a talk with them. Hey is you all trying to kill me. gots to be more careful!!
The women they must have had.
After the first season
31:01 who is he talking about?
Holy orthopaedic shoe, Batman.
- Cool guy. Great stories. He should have received hazardous duty pay .. _!!_
Imagine telling the same stories from 1966 for 60 years. Nothing else happened. Sad
If they re-do the show in 2024, Jerry Mathers can be his stunt double, problem solved.
19:46 This was NEVER said on the show.
@Norvo82
2 жыл бұрын
:-) You mean the line that Burt precedes with: "One of the "Holies!" I didn't want to do..."? Shocking.
@brersam9473
Жыл бұрын
he did say that he hated it too much to say it
I heard he was a speed and reader
Wait were those accidents or someone trying to get rid of him?
@cdgates1
2 ай бұрын
Accidents
Lol 69 comments before mine Batman and robin is sweet
hes my dad
I thought this guy was jerry mathers.
Burt should have sued those producers. They treated him like shit
This is one of those guys who tells stories that have a foundation of truth but is mostly embellishments. Seems like a nice guy, but I can't listen anymore.
@josephforest7605
Жыл бұрын
Adam drank , Adam admitted he drank .But here Burt said Adam did not drink , so yes he does embellish.
I cast Burt Ward in Star Quest, which is an adaptation of Henrik Ibsen's The Lady from the Sea, because he was Jewish, and the character in the play was Dr. Wangel who was Jewish. And Burt Ward had starred in the television show Batman starring Adam West as Batman and Burt Ward as Robin. He was paid double SAG and he accepted it. He did all right, but he was no match for my wife Liv Alexander, who was born in Norway and not only looked Norwegian but had a slight Norwegian language accent. But most importantly Liv Alexander was a highly trained actress and her mother and father were respected by the King of Norway Harald V. Without my knowledge, Burt Ward asked SAG to give him some money because he felt that Liv Alexander was not as good as him in Star Quest. And SAG gave him $2 million dollars a decade ago. And now in 2022, Burt Ward wants to destroy the negative because it is embarrassing him and hurting his dog food business -- Victor Isaac Alexander
He brings you to the mind of jerry mathers except the beaver has a bigger nose