Movies News Talk
Three legendary 1960s Batman television series characters—Batgirl, Catwoman, and the Riddler—also made appearances on Star Trek: The Original Series, which might surprise you. Both shows debuted in 1966 and attracted similar viewers, thus it is not surprising to see performers on both.
Over-the-top depictions and campy humor abound in the 1960s Batman series. Their conflicts against Gotham City's villains included shockingly named devices and comic book sound effects like "POW!" and "BAM!" with Adam West as Batman and Burt Ward as Robin.
Though Star Trek: The Original Series sometimes embraced humor, its general tone was more serious, with an eye toward morality and exploration. Leading the USS Enterprise crew through exploits full of alien encounters and moral conundrums were Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner), Mr. Spock (Leonard Nimoy), and Dr. Leonard McCoy (DeForest Kelley).
Though several performers graced the Batman and Star Trek worlds, three particularly stand out for their unforgettable performances: Yvonne Craig, Julie Newmar, and Frank Gorshin.
Star Trek Adventure: Batgirl's Yvonne Craig
Though most famously known for playing Batgirl in the 1960s Batman series, Yvonne Craig also made a noteworthy guest on Star Trek: The Original Series. She portrayed Marta, a gorgeous and apparently naive woman caught in a conflict involving an alien civilization, in the episode "Whom Gods Kill."
Space Odyssey for Catwoman, Julie Newmar
Renowned for her classic 1960s Batman series Catwoman portrayal, Julie Newmar made an appearance in the Star Trek: The Original Series episode "The Devil in the Dark." She portrayed an alien shaper who first presents as a human woman called Elaan then changes into a hideous monster.
Frank Gorshin: Star Trek Encounter: The Riddler
Additionally appearing in Star Trek: The Original Series was Frank Gorshin, who portrayed the mysterious Riddler in the 1960s Batman series. He portrayed in the episode "The Deadly Years," a genetically altered person called Dr. Sevrin who ages quickly because of a genetic code malfunction.
These Batman performers' surprising appearances on Star Trek: The Original Series highlight how closely the 1960s television business was entwined. It's evidence of the actors' talent and adaptability, bringing to both legendary shows their special appeal and abilities.