Adam West Almost Lost The Role of ‘Batman’ To A Guy From Wyoming
As we remember Adam West, who passed away this weekend at the age of 88, here's a fun fact. Did you know the lead role in the iconic television series "Batman" was decided between two finalists; West and a guy from right here in Wyoming?
Lyle Waggoner is a well-known television actor who has appeared on Lost in Space, The Carol Burnett Show, Wonder Woman, Charlie’s Angels, The Love Boat, Fantasy Island, The Golden Girls, Mork & Mindy and Murder, She Wrote.
Among his many television roles, he is perhaps best remembered as the actor who almost played Batman. In 1965, Waggoner famously auditioned for the starring role in an ABC series based on the popular comic book character.
The auditions came down to two finalists; Waggoner and Adam West. Producers eventually chose West and the series aired for 122 episodes. It was recently ranked among the 100 best American television shows of all time.
These days, Waggoner is retired and leads a quiet life on a ranch near Jackson. The former Hollywood leading man now spends his time crafting sculptures, some of which are on display at several western art galleries across the Cowboy State.