Late Batman Actor And Family Guy Mayor Gets Honored In His Hometown
It’s a holy celebration, Batman!, in the hometown of late “Batman” actor Adam West.
Walla Walla, Washington, is holding another celebration to honor its most famous former resident, favorite son of the city and town mayor on “The Family Guy.” The 2025 Adam West Day will take place on Saturday, September 20th at the Kirkman House Museum. Adam West’s birthday is Sept. 19.
The annual “Adam West Day” involves displays of the Batmobile and the Batcopter, and a full day of activities including an Adam West Exhibit at the Kirkman House Museum, a showing of the West documentary “Starring Adam West,” an expert Q&A panel, and an official lighting of the Bat Signal.
The actor made visits to the area, inspiring the many people he encountered along the way. One of them was Jonathan Grant, the front office manager at the Marcus Whitman Hotel & Conference Center.
“I was really floored by him,” Grant said. “He was so kind and sweet and humble. Everybody just fell in love with the guy.”
West died in June 2017 at 88. Four months later, with Grant as a major force in the movement, the inaugural Adam West Day launched on the actor’s Sept. 19 birthday — complete with the lighting of the bat signal at the top of the Marcus Whitman.
This year’s celebration has shifted on the calendar and coincides with car show Wheelin’ Walla Walla Weekend. The timing is a boon for classic car fans who will also be able to see the vehicles that were part of the 1960s television series.
Where Is Walla Walla Washington?
Walla Walla is in central Washington, 250 miles almost due east of Portland, Oregon, and 270 miles from Seattle. It is in the heart of Washington’s wine country and has more than 120 wineries in the area.
Adam West’s Connection To Walla Walla, Washington
Adam West died on June 9 in Los Angeles, but his Walla Walla roots run deep. He was born in 1928 in Walla Walla as William West Anderson. He grew up in what was then a tiny southeastern Washington farming community, before moving to Seattle at age 15. After graduating from high school, though, he returned to Walla Walla and graduated from Whitman College.
In 1959, he changed his name to Adam West and began his acting career, famously portraying Batman in the 1960s television version of the comic book hero. Though he moved away from Walla Walla, he returned frequently throughout his life. And it seems almost every longtime Walla Walla resident has an Adam West story.
Other Adam West Points Of Interest In Walla Walla
• Walk through the Marcus Whitman hotel lobby that will be transformed with memorabilia and photos of Adam West.
• Take a walk to Heritage Park in downtown to see a rare photo of Adam and his brother John as young boys on the family farm. Photo was taken in 1935 when a young Billie Anderson (Adam West) was 7 years old.
• Take a stroll through Whitman College Campus (Boyer and Park Street) to see where Adam graduated from College. Stop by the Baker Alumni building at 364 Boyer Ave to see their tribute. Also drive by the Beta House Fraternity on 925 E. Issacs where Adam was a member.
• Drive by the famous Little Theater (1130 E. Sumach) to see where Adam’s acting career began. His first play, “Ladies in Retirement”, took place in the 1947-48 season. Adam’s father, Otto Anderson, was one of the founders of The Little Theater.
• Drive by 1141 Alvarado Terrace to see one of the homes Adam grew up in. (His room was the window in the upper left.)
• Located next to Alvarado Terrace is Green Park School where Adam (Billie Anderson) attended.
To learn more about Adam West Day, Walla Walla – and its wineries – go to visitwallawalla.com.
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