Frank Gorshin was a lot of fun. I was glued to the set when the Batman series was new. Same Bat time. Same Bat Channel. He played the Riddler perfectly.
Frank Gorshin and Dean Martin. What entertainers. What talent. I grew up watching such shows. Those days are gone. And so is the entertainment and talent.
he was indeed from pittsburgh, a very unique place. his brother died in a car crash there in one of the suburbs of pittsburgh when frank was only 17. i can't remember the suburb that franks mom and dad lived in but it is a popular district that you would have heard of.
I think you must have to be of that generation to get the humor. I didn't get it. But I am sure he was popular in his time. I am of the opinion Good humor transcends generations
I did Frank's TV show pilot called, "Frank's Place" it was so great working with him. He then went to Broadway and never shot the series. There will never be a better character impressionist than Frank Gorshin. He was an actual genius.
Frank Gorshin was amazing. His kind of talent as with the rest of the old school impressionist is a lost art. They are missed by so many. * Rod Steiger impersonation is so good, it's scary. May they all rest in peace.
True story…..I worked at a Shula’s steak house in the 90’s where Frank was performing….he was doing a set that was focusing on him having memory issues…problem was he actually was having issues with his memory and as a result he was kinda bombing …at the half way point he pulled me aside (humble restaurant manager that I was at that time)and asked me if I thought he was bombing ….without missing a beat I said “people love your impersonations …that’s what we all love….do that”….I poured him a cup coffee while he was chain smoking ..he looked at me and said “thanks kid”…he went on to KILL and had to do multiple encores …..when he finished he thanked me again shook my hand and went on his way (he was payed 10 grand in cash and I was the person who gave it to him….I have had several family members with dementia issues….that night I was able to help a great talent who was a bit compromised to finish his show with massive applause….it might seem silly but I was glowing with excitement knowing that I had a hand in helping a incredible talent get the recognition he needed at that moment…..I fondly remember that nite even now….he was a great talent and will be missed!!
The consummate performer: act, dance, sing, jokes. Masterful. He was my favorite Batman character. I think I tuned in as much for him as I did for Batman.
Frank was so much in character when he was doing his parts. His maniacal laugh was worth watching a Batman episode. I saw him perform here in Reno at the Peppermill Casino about 5 years back and he was doing his impresions and it was a great show. He looked good for his age. It seems that alot of comedians age well because of their laughter.
Without a doubt The Riddler would not be as famous today if it weren't for Mr. Frank Gorshin and his outstanding performance of him in the Batman '66 television show. If I'm correct (and please correct me if I'm wrong) Riddler only appeared in the comics a total of 3 times before Frank portrayed him and Riddler's popularity absolutely skyrocketed. Thank you for that Mr. Gorshin. R.I.P
Freakin' great! Loved Gorshin. As someone said here, no question he made The Riddler what it became. From the back of the bargain basement bin to a real headliner, A list villain now. Gorshin did that! My favorite guest on the show ever.
@@11BravoSicilian What I remember most was Bob Hope with our military and bringing a bit of home for them. People were more caring and different back then.
No one playing the Riddled could beat Frank Gorshin. Jim Carrey got close but not close enough. All time favorite Riddler and one of the most impressive impressionists I've ever seen.
This man was brilliant. I remember him mainly for that crazy Riddler laugh, but he was an excellent impressionist. If anyone can locate the clip of him doing Jack Nicholson, PLEASE upload it!
Fun clip! Frank Gorshin was one of the entertainment high points when I was growing up in the 60s. I saw him live in Vegas in the 90s too and he was sensational, a total entertainer. His Burt Lancaster was priceless!
@RobMacRay I have no idea what a cultural marxist is, but it sounds like a great buzz word when you have no real argument. You should look up the definition of "golden age fallacy". It doesn't mean your argument is wrong or right, it's essentially a lament for the "good old days". Also, claiming propaganda and proving it are two very different things.
I never knew that Frank Gorshin was a very good dancer. Like most people, I only knew that he was a very good actor and that he did superb impersonations of famous celebrities.
He just sparkled on screen. Such a commanding performer, so witty and wonderful. There are some performers that add so much to their roles, and he is definitely one of the best!
That was outrageous & Frank Gorshin was a seriously talented actor.. Where's Dean Martin when we need him! The 60's still rule with unmatched excellence!
Other than myself, how many remember that Dean had a show that was not only good but funny. And because it was Dean Martin, his guests were top drawer.
Embree Walker II As a Brit, I only ever knew (and loved) Dean as a singer because we never got these shows over here. But I have recently discovered them on You tube and have come to appreciate what a great comedian he was as well, and now I am a bigger fan than ever.
Being an ex Pat Brit 2 Canada. I was overjoyed as a 12 year old in 1976 w all the great camp Yankee tele.From then grey and damp England. From this to Hollywood squares Gilligan island. The Rockford files you name it. It was colourful and fantastic. The U.S. gets mercilessly slagged of by higher than mighty Brits and its not founded on fact. I digress
Back in 73' when I was 4 years old, I really enjoyed watching the Batman reruns from 66' with all of the terrific cast, from the crime crusaders, Batman and Robin, to the villains, police local government, Aunt Harriet and Alfred'. The Riddler however was my most favorite villain out of all of them. I remember watching the show with all seriousness, and my mother would be sitting there laughing hysterically during the scenes with the Riddler in them. 51 years later, I'm watching episodes of Batman every Super Sci-Fi Saturday Night on MeTV, plus recently bought the complete box set released some years ago and watch a few episodes on my own during the week. Absolutely love watching the show. All the villains were great. The Joker, Penguin and of course Cat Woman were all my top favorite villains. But my absolute favorite was and still is, the Riddler. The guy was amazing and brought so much talent and energy to every episode he appeared in. Thanks for posting this video.
I really loved watching. Frank, he was great, his facial expressions added to the impression, how he made his face look like the person he was imitating was what made him the best. His cagney, and his bert lancaster were so good if you closed your eyes and listen to Bert then to Jimmy you couldn't tell one from the other. Rich Little is good but Frank Gorshin was the best, his brando was exceptional as well, RIP Frank and thanks for the laughs even to this day. A great talent.
@@CreatureFeature666 thanks Willie, but every word is true. If you havent seen him do Bert Lancaster on the dean Martin Roast of Sammie Davis Jr, or his Jimmy Cagney on the AFI salute to Cagney youve got to search and watch them, you won't be sorry...
Such a talented guy ! I used to watch him as a baddie in batman, he was my favourite villain, but years later when I first went on You tube, I realized he was so much more than that.The guys a true entertainer. R i p m r Gorshin.
+robert harding He did a bunch of grade B movies when he was coming up, too. He's usually okay in them, but didn't really stand out until he did his nightclub act, and then of course, The Riddler.....
If you ever have the chance, check out Mr. Gorshin work his spot-on impressions during his appearance on THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW when The Beatles first showed up. He was booked on that famous night and did a great bit. Pretty prophetic, considering it was about celebrities becoming Presidents. His mastery of facial impressions and vocal inflections were second to none 🇵🇷🇺🇸😎
Agree.I saw him many a time in Las Vegas. I still smile when I think of the 15 minutes he did on how he could not start smoking, He sang an obscure song "Did I ever really live?", that haunted me for 9 years, until I found that it was written by Albert Hague and my hero Allan Sherman.Hysterically funny and an excellent singer too, an act like his will never be seen again. I hope to see you in Vegas soon, Mr. Anderson. I would love to hear your Johnny Mathis, Over The Weekend. Cheers.
Singing, dancing, acting, impressions, comedian, first and best Riddler ever. Everything he did was top notch. Completely irreplaceable, I sure do miss him.
Jim Carey tried to replicate the Success/Persona of Edward Nigma aka the Riddler, which Frank Gorshin had set the bar so high as to never be surpassed. Or equalled, IMHO, Gorshin had so much fun with the role and made it look/appear Entirely Natural. The part Suited him to a T!
doppel banger The Riddler was popularized by Frank Gorshin’s Emmy-nominated portrayal in the 1960s Batman television series. Jim Carrey played the Riddler in the 1995 film Batman Forever with Gorshin as his inspiration.
I met Frank in the early 2000's at the Chiller Theater and he was nothing but gracious and kind. Of course I was paying him for his autograph but when I did my Burt Lancaster impression for him, he loved it and did Burt Lancaster doing an impression of Kirk Douglas. It was jaw dropping funny.
Frank Gorshin was indeed one of a kind. Loved him as Riddler and always loved his Kirk Douglas impressions.
yes
Kirk would have hated this one; he is obviously looking up at Burt and Kirk was sensitive about being only 5'7"
I'm back here 2020..to reminisce about my Dad laughing his head off at Frank Gorshin's impressions...happy days ♥️
🌈❤️
Frank Gorshin was a lot of fun. I was glued to the set when the Batman series was new. Same Bat time. Same Bat Channel. He played the Riddler perfectly.
Frank Gorshin and Dean Martin. What entertainers. What talent. I grew up watching such shows. Those days are gone. And so is the entertainment and talent.
Frank Gorshin was incredible.... this guy would crack me up & get his impressions dead on everytime...
I'm from Pittsburgh and Frank Gorshin was a friend of my uncle. I got to meet him when I was a kid and he was at the height of Batman fame.
he was indeed from pittsburgh, a very unique place. his brother died in a car crash there in one of the suburbs of pittsburgh when frank was only 17. i can't remember the suburb that franks mom and dad lived in but it is a popular district that you would have heard of.
Lucky you! What a great memory
awesome .
Tell us more? What was he like, how long did you meet him?
You will never replace this generation of entertainers. They are just not the same.
Robert Taggett They were geniuses. Simply put. Creative ones at that also.
+Robert Taggett Could not have said it any better.... today's entertainers couldn't hold a candle to guys like this from years ago...
Yes--Never!
yeah because more talented non-white entertainers are allowed on tv more often...
I think you must have to be of that generation to get the humor. I didn't get it. But I am sure he was popular in his time. I am of the opinion Good humor transcends generations
I did Frank's TV show pilot called, "Frank's Place" it was so great working with him. He then went to Broadway and never shot the series. There will never be a better character impressionist than Frank Gorshin. He was an actual genius.
Frank Gorshin - Genius. Force of nature! So grateful that he was on the scene in an era that loved to showcase his kind of talent. Vale!
His Burt Lancaster impression was incredible. He even had the famous grin perfect.
His Rod Steiger was awesome too, these typical corners of the mouth
I'll never watch "The Swimmer" in the same way again.
Amen
@@liverush24 Hahaaaa... used to be my favorite Lancaster movie. Nobody has ever nailed Rod Steiger this perfect.
Frank Gorshin was amazing. His kind of talent as with the rest of the old school impressionist is a lost art. They are missed by so many. * Rod Steiger impersonation is so good, it's scary. May they all rest in peace.
The greatest impersonator in the world
True story…..I worked at a Shula’s steak house in the 90’s where Frank was performing….he was doing a set that was focusing on him having memory issues…problem was he actually was having issues with his memory and as a result he was kinda bombing …at the half way point he pulled me aside (humble restaurant manager that I was at that time)and asked me if I thought he was bombing ….without missing a beat I said “people love your impersonations …that’s what we all love….do that”….I poured him a cup coffee while he was chain smoking ..he looked at me and said “thanks kid”…he went on to KILL and had to do multiple encores …..when he finished he thanked me again shook my hand and went on his way (he was payed 10 grand in cash and I was the person who gave it to him….I have had several family members with dementia issues….that night I was able to help a great talent who was a bit compromised to finish his show with massive applause….it might seem silly but I was glowing with excitement knowing that I had a hand in helping a incredible talent get the recognition he needed at that moment…..I fondly remember that nite even now….he was a great talent and will be missed!!
@@TomJones-op9nj I read this twice it's so cool Tom. The man was an underrated legend among legends.
@@maxmason6053 thanks man …I feel honored just to be able to share it….peace and love
@@TomJones-op9nj Likewise. Cheers.
Frank was an amazeing talent and a nice guy as well.He treated everyone with respect and warmth and ,what a memory!! RIP Frank.
That Kirk Douglas in insanity!!!!! Look and voice are perfect!!!!!
The consummate performer: act, dance, sing, jokes. Masterful. He was my favorite Batman character. I think I tuned in as much for him as I did for Batman.
Total respect. Unbelievable talent.
Just AWESOME! You just do NOT see performers like this anymore!
Amazing talent! His Brando and Kirk Douglas impressions were incredible.
Frank was so much in character when he was doing his parts. His maniacal laugh was worth watching a Batman episode. I saw him perform here in Reno at the Peppermill Casino about 5 years back and he was doing his impresions and it was a great show. He looked good for his age. It seems that alot of comedians age well because of their laughter.
Without a doubt The Riddler would not be as famous today if it weren't for Mr. Frank Gorshin and his outstanding performance of him in the Batman '66 television show. If I'm correct (and please correct me if I'm wrong) Riddler only appeared in the comics a total of 3 times before Frank portrayed him and Riddler's popularity absolutely skyrocketed. Thank you for that Mr. Gorshin. R.I.P
Gorshin's impressions were genius but I'm sure he'd agree that those dancers were absolutely sublime.
Yeah, it wouldn't be quite the same if he was having to do impressions of Ben Affleck and Matt Damon.
A lot of impressionists use props or costumes to complete the look. This guy does it all with his face. Amazing.
I grew up watching him he is surely one of a kind, never will be in one like him again.
the entertainers back then were and still are the greatest to ever exist.
Freakin' great! Loved Gorshin. As someone said here, no question he made The Riddler what it became. From the back of the bargain basement bin to a real headliner, A list villain now. Gorshin did that! My favorite guest on the show ever.
What a time I had growing up. Everyone could watch the good old shows. Respect and morals.
lololololololol
Remember all the Christmas variety specials during the Holiday season.
@@11BravoSicilian What I remember most was Bob Hope with our military and bringing a bit of home for them. People were more caring and different back then.
Morals? A constant barrage of jokes about drunkeness and fornication. And complaints about their wives/marriages. Sheesh
@@tomault3063 What are you watching?
Big fan of Frank Gorshin as the Riddler. He nailed those impressions...hilarious!!!
This is history, it;s a record of how wonderful he was
The switch from Steiger to Brando is so incredible.
No one playing the Riddled could beat Frank Gorshin. Jim Carrey got close but not close enough. All time favorite Riddler and one of the most impressive impressionists I've ever seen.
Schlock Snob You dissing my "it's complicated" Cory Michael Smith?
I think Jim based HIS Ridder off Frank's Riddler. Both naturally hyper. Though Frank was a absolute chick magnet when HE was the riddler. XD
Cory Michael Smith has been great as Riddler. But of course, Gorshin is a legendary figure in Hollywood.
Carey sucked
JD Calabrese how.ture .the riddler always be my favourite Played by Frank...loved is video....Frank laugh is prefect ....
This man was brilliant. I remember him mainly for that crazy Riddler laugh, but he was an excellent impressionist. If anyone can locate the clip of him doing Jack Nicholson, PLEASE upload it!
Fun clip! Frank Gorshin was one of the entertainment high points when I was growing up in the 60s. I saw him live in Vegas in the 90s too and he was sensational, a total entertainer. His Burt Lancaster was priceless!
He was so good...loved his impersonations!
This is absolutely brilliant!! What a magnificent talent Frank Gorshin was. Just incredible!! 👏🏻👏🏻
This guy was fantastic! He had a great singing voice too!
Always personally thought he was the best impressionist ever seen! He is missed!
It's amazing what passed for "entertainment" back in the day.
Gorshin was one of the all-time great impersonators and impressionists.
pop per no, it is amazing the shit that passes for entertainment today
"good old days" fallacy
@RobMacRay I have no idea what a cultural marxist is, but it sounds like a great buzz word when you have no real argument.
You should look up the definition of "golden age fallacy". It doesn't mean your argument is wrong or right, it's essentially a lament for the "good old days".
Also, claiming propaganda and proving it are two very different things.
@RobMacRay No straw man argument from me...unless you have your own definition. Still waiting for proof of your claim.
@@JC-yb3zb Tired of these “good ol days” clowns, honestly. As if the best of humanity can be found looking backwards.
Clowns.
His kirk douglas voice was terrific
total first class this is a classic his impressions are spot on this guy was so talented and the best batman villain
You'll never see show and entertainers like this ever again.
Fantastic.!
That maniacal giggle/cackle at the end gets me every time!
Ha yea me to! He served in the army in the Special Services when he was alive! - Salute - 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
I never knew that Frank Gorshin was a very good dancer. Like most people, I only knew that he was a very good actor and that he did superb impersonations of famous celebrities.
the man was a comic and timing genius great fun to watch that entertainment...sean p
I was two months shy of a year old when this aired. God I'm old. This guy was good.
a true master. Grateful for the 1 great night of wine and conversation
Pure brilliance we are all watching ....frank rocks da house.!!
He just sparkled on screen. Such a commanding performer, so witty and wonderful. There are some performers that add so much to their roles, and he is definitely one of the best!
Genius speaks for itself...Nuff said.....
Back When Color Tv was New,We Had 3 Channels and This was and Still is One of The Best on NBC, for Free
I thought he was cute when I was a 1960s child. He sang really well, and did voices good.I saw him on Copycats show, as a kid.
That was outrageous & Frank Gorshin was a seriously talented actor.. Where's Dean Martin when we need him! The 60's still rule with unmatched excellence!
Other than myself, how many remember that Dean had a show that was not only good but funny. And because it was Dean Martin, his guests were top drawer.
Embree Walker II As a Brit, I only ever knew (and loved) Dean as a singer because we never got these shows over here. But I have recently discovered them on You tube and have come to appreciate what a great comedian he was as well, and now I am a bigger fan than ever.
Being an ex Pat Brit 2 Canada.
I was overjoyed as a 12 year old in 1976 w all the great camp Yankee tele.From then grey and damp England.
From this to Hollywood squares Gilligan island. The Rockford files you name it.
It was colourful and fantastic.
The U.S. gets mercilessly slagged of by higher than mighty Brits and its not founded on fact.
I digress
The level of sheer talent on display in that video is astonishing.
Back in 73' when I was 4 years old, I really enjoyed watching the Batman reruns from 66' with all of the terrific cast, from the crime crusaders, Batman and Robin, to the villains, police local government, Aunt Harriet and Alfred'. The Riddler however was my most favorite villain out of all of them. I remember watching the show with all seriousness, and my mother would be sitting there laughing hysterically during the scenes with the Riddler in them. 51 years later, I'm watching episodes of Batman every Super Sci-Fi Saturday Night on MeTV, plus recently bought the complete box set released some years ago and watch a few episodes on my own during the week. Absolutely love watching the show. All the villains were great. The Joker, Penguin and of course Cat Woman were all my top favorite villains. But my absolute favorite was and still is, the Riddler. The guy was amazing and brought so much talent and energy to every episode he appeared in. Thanks for posting this video.
Amazing entertainer I love this work when I was a kid watching these old shows thank you for posting love this stuff
rip frank gorshin. the best riddler ever
That was great. Loved the impressions and loved the little song and dance too. The definitive Riddler. He was goofy yet menacing.
I'am old school and in my day this guy is the best one of the great ones!!!
Look at that old school pencil suit!!! LOVE that!
His dynamics were incredible. Frank was the best Riddler and his Riddler was the best villain. Great showman.
I really loved watching. Frank, he was great, his facial expressions added to the impression, how he made his face look like the person he was imitating was what made him the best. His cagney, and his bert lancaster were so good if you closed your eyes and listen to Bert then to Jimmy you couldn't tell one from the other. Rich Little is good but Frank Gorshin was the best, his brando was exceptional as well, RIP Frank and thanks for the laughs even to this day. A great talent.
Dominick Sforza
Nice comment 👍
@@CreatureFeature666 thanks Willie, but every word is true. If you havent seen him do Bert Lancaster on the dean Martin Roast of Sammie Davis Jr, or his Jimmy Cagney on the AFI salute to Cagney youve got to search and watch them, you won't be sorry...
He was so spot on! I miss all the entertainers from the 60's........no replacements..:(
OMG, true talent. TRUE talent. Not seen nowadays
that was excellent best part was just watching frank gorshin as the riddler without thinkling about it r.i.p dean martin and frank gorshin
Probably the best pre-Nolan DC casting ever.
Frank Gorshin's Riddler was a true classic. The Riddler laugh is somehow ominous yet hilarious.
XD Frank JUST threw himself into Riddler-mode! "Frank: Riddle me this: What do you call a sleeping bull? ^-^. Answer: A bulldozer!!!!! Lol!!!!' XD"
Never seen Mr. Gorshin do stand-up/impressions - this is AWESOME!
1:19 Correct? CORRECT! Correct. Gets me every time! XD
That was an amazing Brando!
This guy is a pure genious!!!!!!!!!!
Such a talented guy ! I used to watch him as a baddie in batman, he was my favourite villain, but years later when I first went on You tube, I realized he was so much more than that.The guys a true entertainer. R i p m r Gorshin.
+robert harding He did a bunch of grade B movies when he was coming up, too. He's usually okay in them, but didn't really stand out until he did his nightclub act, and then of course, The Riddler.....
Amazing man, one of the true show business legends!
Great actor. Great dancer. Great impressionist. TV was so much better in the 'old days.' Now if I can only find the autographed photo I have of him...
Love the bimbos, too Ben Garrison as well as Frank Gorshin.
Great actor? Yes, an unheralded actor who probably could have achieved great acting fame. I was impressed with some of his monologues on TV.
He was hands down the best Riddler. Nobody could hold a candle to him as the Riddler.
Wow. Never heard anybody do Rod Steiger before. And he nailed it!
Lynn Turman David Frye does Steiger pretty spot-on!
Yep! He does a great L.J. Cobb, too.
frye does a much better steiger.
If you ever have the chance, check out Mr. Gorshin work his spot-on impressions during his appearance on THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW when The Beatles first showed up. He was booked on that famous night and did a great bit. Pretty prophetic, considering it was about celebrities becoming Presidents. His mastery of facial impressions and vocal inflections were second to none 🇵🇷🇺🇸😎
That is true So great were those comediants and the programs and the times
I would like to go back in time
This guy was so diversely talented, a true entertainer if there ever was one!
Holy sh*t Batman that guy was talented beyond belief. One of a kind.
Agree.I saw him many a time in Las Vegas. I still smile when I think of the 15 minutes he did on how he could not start smoking, He sang an obscure song "Did I ever really live?", that haunted me for 9 years, until I found that it was written by Albert Hague and my hero Allan Sherman.Hysterically funny and an excellent singer too, an act like his will never be seen again.
I hope to see you in Vegas soon, Mr. Anderson. I would love to hear your Johnny Mathis, Over The Weekend. Cheers.
Helluva sketch. Frank Gorshin was rockin!
Freakin brilliant! Truly, that era of entertainers were part of the golden age!
No more shows like this ... so sad.
He was so Great as the riddler!🔥✨
Singing, dancing, acting, impressions, comedian, first and best Riddler ever. Everything he did was top notch. Completely irreplaceable, I sure do miss him.
Jim Carey tried to replicate the Success/Persona of Edward Nigma aka the Riddler, which Frank Gorshin had set the bar so high as to never be surpassed. Or equalled, IMHO, Gorshin had so much fun with the role and made it look/appear Entirely Natural. The part Suited him to a T!
Such a talented man
😅 this is the best video I've seen in years and now I have been a fan of this dude for years since I started watching him on TH-cam
Before there was Rich Little, there was Frank Gorshin. An absolute mega talent! They just don't make 'em like that anymore!
Both Frank and Rich were great.
The Best, loving sharing this today.
I saw Gorshin in 1980 in Dallas, he always dressed so well. He did Burt Lancaster better then Burt Lancaster. Miss you!
i saw him in dallas november 1963
doppel banger The Riddler was popularized by Frank Gorshin’s Emmy-nominated portrayal in the 1960s Batman television series. Jim Carrey played the Riddler in the 1995 film Batman Forever with Gorshin as his inspiration.
grew up woth Gorshin at 10 years. old could not take my eyes off of him he had my attention!
I met Frank in the early 2000's at the Chiller Theater and he was nothing but gracious and kind. Of course I was paying him for his autograph but when I did my Burt Lancaster impression for him, he loved it and did Burt Lancaster doing an impression of Kirk Douglas. It was jaw dropping funny.
Meet him in North Hollywood in the 90's, great guy.
That jig where Gorshin bounce-dances with one foot quick-stepping in front of the other (5:31) is absolutely Riddler-esque and, "Frankly," brilliant.
He was great! Thanks for the upload!
Imagine, an entertainer with real talent. Haven't seen anybody like him in THIS century.
He was a talented guy.
The best Riddler ever! What talent we had back then. Now? Nothing!
Love the impressions, now i know where i saw him , BATMAN!!
the best known impressionist in modern history history his weird face helped a lot