Lewis Wilson
Lewis Wilson | |
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![]() Wilson in 1943 | |
Born | Lewis Gilbert Wilson January 28, 1920 |
Died | August 9, 2000 San Francisco,California,U.S. | (aged 80)
Alma mater | Worcester Academy |
Occupation | Actor |
Years active | 1943–1973 |
Spouse | Dana Natol(divorced) |
Children | Michael G. Wilson |
Relatives | David G. Wilson(grandson) |
Lewis Gilbert Wilson(January 28, 1920 – August 9, 2000)[1]was an American actor, who was most famous for being the first actor to playDC ComicscharacterBatmanon screen in the 1943film serialBatman.
Life and career
[edit]Wilson was born January 28, 1920, in Framingham, Middlesex, Massachusetts, the son of Lucile (née Gregg) and John Henry Wilson.[2][3]He grew up inLittleton, Massachusetts,where his father was minister of the First Unitarian Church from 1927-1945.[4]Wilson graduated fromWorcester Academyin Worcester, Massachusetts in 1939. His family had long roots with the school and his father and grandfather were graduates.
Following the entry of the United States into World War II, in 1943Columbia Picturescreated the firstBatmanlive actionseries, simply calledBatman.Wilson was cast as the title character in the 15-episode serial againstJ. Carrol Naishwho portrayed a Japanese spy named Dr. Daka.[5]It was Wilson's screen debut at the age of 23.[6]Asequelto the serial was made in 1949, butRobert Loweryreplaced Wilson as Batman.[citation needed]
After the war concluded, Wilson and his family moved to California, and he and his wife joined thePasadena Playhouse.[7]His final film wasNaked Alibiin 1954. He then left show business and worked forGeneral Foodsfor many years.
Wilson married novelist and actressDana Natol,and they had a son,Michael G. Wilson.[7]They met while attending the Academy of Dramatic Arts atCarnegie Hallin New York, but they separated and divorced after moving to California.[7][8]
After retiring from acting, he lived inNorth Hollywood, California.
Death
[edit]He died on August 9, 2000, inSan Francisco,California,at age 80.[9]
Filmography
[edit]Film
[edit]Year | Title | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1943 | Redhead from Manhattan | Paul | |
1943 | Good Luck, Mr. Yates | Parkhurst | Uncredited |
1943 | Batman | Bruce Wayne / Batman | Serial |
1943 | First Comes Courage | Dr. Kleinich | Uncredited |
1943 | My Kingdom for a Cook | Reporter | Uncredited |
1943 | There's Something About a Soldier | Thomas Bolivar Jefferson | |
1943 | Klondike Kate | George Graham | Uncredited |
1944 | The Racket Man | Captain Anderson | Uncredited |
1944 | Beautiful But Broke | Pilot | Uncredited |
1944 | Sailor's Holiday | Jerome 'Iron Man' Collins | |
1944 | Once Upon a Time | Man | Uncredited |
1951 | Wild Women | Trent | |
1954 | Naked Alibi | Border Patrol Officer | Uncredited |
Television
[edit]Year | Title | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1952 | Craig Kennedy, Criminologist | Walt Jameson | 26 episodes |
1973 | Orson Welles' Great Mysteries | Police Sergeant | Episode: "Unseen Alibi" |
References
[edit]- ^"Michael Wilson Biography (1942-)".filmreference.RetrievedNovember 28,2023.
- ^"FamilySearch.org".RetrievedNovember 28,2023.
- ^"Births".The Christian Register.February 5, 1920. p. 149.RetrievedJanuary 28,2023.
- ^MA, First Church Unitarian, Littleton."About - History - Complete History".fculittle.org.Archived fromthe originalon July 27, 2015.RetrievedSeptember 14,2015.
{{cite web}}
:CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^Kukuruzovic, Simon (June 17, 2005)."Bale Piles of Weight for Batman Capers".Coventry Evening Telegraph.RetrievedJune 4,2012.
- ^"Oscar Batman".The Malay Mail.June 16, 2005. Archived fromthe originalon November 5, 2013.RetrievedJune 4,2012.
- ^abc"Dana Broccoli (Obituaries)".Daily Variety.March 8, 2004. Archived fromthe originalon November 5, 2013.RetrievedJune 4,2012.
- ^"Obituaries: Dana Broccoli".The Daily Telegraph.March 3, 2004.RetrievedJune 4,2012.
- ^Lentz, Harris M. (2000).Obituaries in the Performing Arts - Harris M. Lentz - Google Books.ISBN9780786410248.RetrievedSeptember 14,2022.
External links
[edit]Media related toLewis Wilsonat Wikimedia Commons
- Lewis WilsonatIMDb