The first "action figure" that I can remember ever having was a Batman doll (it was a 12" stuffed doll with a rubber cape and a plastic Bat-head) that my Dad must have picked up on his way home from work. During dinner, he told me to go out to the living room to find a hidden surprise. I remember it took me a while, but he had hidden it in the lampshade. I still have it! My Mom bought me a few packs of Batman trading cards, but I was confused about who half the characters were or what was happening in the write-ups on the backs of the cards.
I also quickly "lost" some of the cards with scary-looking images of Joker and his henchmen.
One day, I stayed home from school because I was sick, and Mom let me rent the Batman Nintendo game, even though it was way above my age level. I still had fun! My Dad even picked up a few Batman comic books at the hospital gift shop where he worked, but given the language and bloody content, he must never have looked through them before giving them to me! I still have those comics in one of my collectible bins down in the basement. Staples and Scotch tape hold them together, having been read so much.
Another thing Dad did was steer me towards a different Batman. A friendlier version made for kids, back from when he was a kid. It was the 1966 television series starring Adam West and Burt Ward as Batman and Robin (respectively). The series aired on ABC from 1966 to 1968, spanning 120 episodes and changing pop culture forever with cliffhanger endings and catchphrases still used today.
The show followed the adventures of millionaire Bruce Wayne and his young ward, Dick Grayson, as they protected Gotham City from a colorful array of supervillains. Known for its deliberately campy tone, pop-art style, and exaggerated sound effects like "POW!" and "BAM!", the show embraced high-spirited humor and satire while featuring iconic foes such as the Joker, Penguin, Riddler, and Catwoman.
I immediately fell in love with the bright colors and the cast of characters. When I'd follow Mom down to the basement to "help" with the laundry, I'd pretend the steel lally column that was holding up the weight of the house was my very own Bat-Pole. I'd grab hold, jump up as high as I could, and slide down again and again until my heart was content, and then run off to fight Gotham's worst villains in my bedroom.
I loved this show, and when I was older in middle and high school, it aired frequently in syndication during the day. Many days, I would set the VCR to record it.
To this day, this is how I prefer Batman. Even today, my young daughter enjoys the show whenever we find it on one of the old rerun stations, despite its age.
Of course, when I recently read Adam West and Burt Ward's autobiographies, it was a real eye opener... but that's another story (or hundred) that you can look into on your own!
While I wish there had been 66 or 60 villains, or some other pleasing combination, there were actually 31 very different and very colorful villains across the show's three seasons. Across the 120 episodes (and the 1966 movie!), some villains appeared multiple times, and a handful were played by more than one actor.
All scenes featuring the villains were always filmed with the "Dutch tilt" shooting method. That is to say, it was recorded at an angle, because the villains themselves are "crooked."
In honor of the show's 60th anniversary, let's go back and take a look at all of the villains that caused havoc in Gotham! Which one was your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!
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| Cesar Romero as The Joker |
1. The Joker - Cesar Romero
The Joker is widely recognized as Batman's most prominent and best-known arch-nemesis across various Batman media, including comics, films, TV, and animation, due to his chaotic nature and frequent appearances as the Dark Knight's primary foil. In the 1966 TV series, the Joker is portrayed as a flamboyant criminal mastermind obsessed with committing absurd, joke-themed crimes that baffle Gotham's authorities, leaving a trail of chaotic pranks and deadly gadgets in his wake. From his maniacal, high-pitched laugh (which Romero claimed to have discovered accidentally by laughing at the concept art for the character), he delights in turning everyday objects into weapons, like joy buzzers that electrocute or exploding cigars. His chalk-white skin, green hair, and red lips painted into a permanent grin are matched with a vibrant purple suit with coat tails, white gloves, and a flower lapel that releases a poisonous gas.
Cesar Romero brought the character to life with infectious energy, making his Joker a campy yet menacing figure who defined the show's colorful villains. Romero was the first actor to portray the Joker in a live-action adaptation, doing so at age 58. He remains the tallest actor to ever play the Joker in a non-fan-made live-action production (at 6'3"), and is the only non-white performer to play the part (as a Cuban-American actor). Famously, Romero refused to shave his trademark mustache for the role, so the makeup team simply painted over it with white clown foundation, a detail easily visible that is a hallmark of his quirky version of the Joker.
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| Frank Gorshin as The Riddler |
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| John Astin as The Riddler |
2. The Riddler - Frank Gorshin and John Astin
My favorite of all the villains, The Riddler, is described as one of Batman's most intellectually challenging foes in the 1966 series. He is a high-IQ genius who compulsively leaves cryptic riddles at crime scenes, turning every heist into a twisted game of wits designed to outsmart the Dynamic Duo. He is psychologically incapable of committing a crime without providing clues, matching his cocky, aloof demeanor punctuated by a deranged laugh that underscores his delight in puzzling crimefighters. His trademark phrase "Riddle me this, Batman!" became a cultural catchphrase.
The bright green suit emblazoned with black question marks and a matching bowler hat was personally championed by Frank Gorshin, who disliked the classic comic-book unitard design. Gorshin is often seen in this suit, though his Riddler occasionally appears in a green leotard/unitard with lavender-colored gloves and mask while committing crimes. Frank Gorshin elevated the Riddler from a minor comic-book character to a major Batman villain, earning an Emmy nomination for his performance (the show's only acting Emmy nod). He was the most recurring villain in Season One (appearing in eight episodes across four two-part stories).
Gorshin did not appear in Season Two because of a pay dispute with the producers. This led to John Astin (then known for playing Gomez Addams on The Addams Family, which had ended in 1966) being hired as a temporary replacement for one two-part story, which disappointed many fans due to the stark contrast in style. The dispute was eventually resolved, allowing Gorshin to return for one final appearance in Season Three.
Astin appeared in the second-season two-part episode "Batman's Anniversary/A Riddling Controversy," shifting the character from Gorshin's hyperkinetic, cackling maniac to a more narcissistic and intensely sensual villain, with Astin describing the Riddler as a self-obsessed egotist who struts confidently and strikes muscle poses. Astin admitted little familiarity with Gorshin's version and chose to make the role his own. Astin's take lacked the signature wild laugh and manic energy, resulting in a calmer, quirkier performance that some fans found disappointing.
Producers, hoping Gorshin would return sooner, briefly rewrote planned Riddler storylines into episodes featuring "The Puzzler" (a similar puzzle-themed villain we'll get to later). Astin was the third Addams Family cast member to appear on the show, following Ted Cassidy (Lurch) in a window cameo and Carolyn Jones (Morticia) as Marsha, Queen of Diamonds.
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| Burgess Meredith as The Penguin |
3. The Penguin - Burgess Meredith
One of Batman's most cunning adversaries, Burgess Meredith's depiction of The Penguin is a sophisticated yet villainous bird-brained criminal mastermind who orchestrates elaborate schemes, often involving bird themes and high-society heists (though his primary lair in his debut storyline is an umbrella factory under the alias K.G. Bird). His waddling gait and raspy, quacking laugh were always accompanied by a lit cigarette in a holder. His black top hat, monocle, and tuxedo with tails all evoked an aristocratic aesthetic, one Meredith enhanced through his improvisation.
Burgess Meredith portrayed the Penguin in 20 episodes across all 3 seasons (tied with Cesar Romero's Joker for the most frequent villain appearances), as well as the 1966 film. Meredith was actually the second choice for the role (producers originally wanted Spencer Tracy), but his extensive classical theater and film background made him a strong fit. The Batman role contributed to some typecasting in the public eye, leading to his frustration at being constantly recognized as the Penguin despite an acclaimed career in serious roles. His quacking laugh was an improvisation born from necessity, as he had quit smoking about 20 years prior, but the role required a constant lit cigarette, so he developed the croaking guffaw to avoid inhaling any smoke. Burgess excelled at improv, and the campy filming style allowed him to ad-lib much of the character's dialogue, including insults and other lines.
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Julie Newmar as Catwoman
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4. Catwoman - Julie Newmar, Eartha Kitt, and Lee Meriwether
Rounding out the "Top 4," Catwoman is Batman's seductive, feline-focused foe, portrayed by three talented actresses across the 1966 TV series and its tie-in film. She operates as a cunning jewel thief (a real cat-burglar) and master of disguises, all while flirting dangerously with Batman and Robin. Her sultry, catlike movements, signature purr, and claw-like gadgets for crime add a layer of elegance and mischief to her villainy. Her distinctive skintight black bodysuit (often with a shimmering/lurex finish for Newmar and Kitt), gold belt/necklace, and cat-eared mask were designed to emphasize the actresses' graceful, catlike movements.
Lee Meriwether brought a poised, glamorous energy to the role of Catwoman in the 1966 film (her only appearance as the character), making her portrayal an iconic one despite its brevity. The former Miss America (1955) was chosen when Julie Newmar was unavailable for the film because of scheduling conflicts. Producers were impressed by her ability to embody Catwoman's catlike sensuality. Meriwether has described the costume as extremely uncomfortable, being very skintight and restrictive. Her vocal approach was more straightforward, without the pronounced rolling purrs of Newmar.
Julie Newmar portrayed Catwoman in the first two seasons, casting the villainess as a sly, alluring antiheroine who commits cat-themed crimes while often blurring the line between villainy and romance through her teasing interactions with Batman. Her ballet-inspired movements, inspired by Newmar's dance background, a delicate, soft purr in her voice, and gadgets like cat's-whisker wires or explosive collars were delivered with witty, seductive banter. Her memorable costume featured a shimmering black bodysuit with cat ears, a gold necklace/belt, and a mask, all designed for a skintight fit that highlighted her figure and became synonymous with the character's sex appeal. Newmar appeared in 12 episodes and set the standard for future interpretations through her poised yet playful delivery. Newmar left the series for the third season due to scheduling conflicts (she was filming Mackenna's Gold), and was replaced by singer/dancer Eartha Kitt.
Eartha Kitt's Catwoman was introduced during the third season and appeared in five episodes, bringing a bolder, more intense interpretation. Emerging as a fierce, independent villainess who plots her thefts and revenge schemes with flair for drama. Her deep, rolling purr added a sultry, exotic edge. Her movements were more aggressive than those of her predecessors, reflecting her background as a singer and dancer. As a fan 60 years later, it's a fun observation to know that the same dramatic flair, sharp wit, and commanding presence would one day become Yzma, the Disney villain from the 2000 film The Emperor's New Groove.
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| George Sanders as Mr. Freeze |
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| Otto Preminger as Mr. Freeze |
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| Eli Wallach as Mr. Freeze |
5. Mr. Freeze - George Sanders, Otto Preminger, and Eli Wallach
Mr. Freeze debuted as Dr. Art Schivel, a vengeful cryogenics scientist who, after Batman accidentally spills freezing solution on him during a lab confrontation, must live in sub-zero temperatures as he seeks his revenge. This Bond-villain demeanor with a thick Austrian accent constantly laments his tragic fate. His pale "frozen" skin tone (minimal for Sanders, more pronounced later), clear dome helmet, cooling tubes, and bulky cryo-suit are trademarks for the character (although Sanders' version was the only one to feature the full helmeted suit).
First portrayed by George Sanders, the suave Oscar-winning actor (All About Eve, 1950), brought a chilling menace to the role in two episodes, which were among some of his final television appearances before he died in 1972. He was unavailable to return because of other commitments, including voicing Shere Khan in Disney's 1967 classic The Jungle Book. His episodes renamed the comic book character, Mr. Zero, to Mr. Freeze, a change retroactively adopted by the comics in 1968. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who portrayed Mr. Freeze in 1997's Batman & Robin, has been noted by fans and commentators as drawing visual and stylistic inspiration from Sanders' version. However, Schwarzenegger has not explicitly said so.
In Season Two, Otto Preminger took the role of Mr. Freeze, who escapes prison to freeze Gotham. This version amps up the camp with manic energy, a heavy Austrian accent (Preminger's natural accent), and silly ice puns, while still relying on the signature freeze gun and henchmen. Preminger shifted to a more streamlined look, with a bald head, wild eyebrows, silver-pale skin, red goggles, and a refrigerated collar instead of a full helmet. As the story goes in Hollywood, he reportedly begged for the part "for his kids" (or told producer William Dozier his children wouldn't let him come home without doing it). He was also notoriously difficult on set, described by Adam West as demanding and irritating (including making West and Burt Ward carry his full dead weight in a scene). He was not invited back after two episodes.
In his final series appearance (Season Three's "Ice Spy" and "The Duo Defy"), Mr. Freeze is portrayed by Eli Wallach, who retained a German accent and a cold-themed crime spree but evoked a gruffer, more menacing personality. Wallach, famous from The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966) and The Magnificent Seven (1960), took the job partly because he wanted to perform a more "pleasant" role. He was much more professional and welcomed backstage than Preminger. He is often ranked as the "second best" Freeze (behind Sanders) for his solid, no-nonsense delivery, with many fans appreciating his take despite the weaker Season Three scripts.
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| Anne Baxter as Zelda the Great |
6. Zelda the Great - Anne Baxter
Zelda appears as a talented but desperate illusionist and escape artist, forced into crime by her shady manager, Eivol Ekdal (an Albanian inventor of traps), to fund her annual "Inescapable Doom Trap" act. Every year on April Fool's Day, Zelda uses elaborate magic tricks and death-defying stunts during her bank robberies (always exactly $100,000). Her dramatic flair for stage magic, genuine remorse over her criminal actions (famously stating, "I hate robbing banks!"), and reliance on clever illusions like vanishing cabinets and disguises match her magician's costume.
Played by Anne Baxter, the acclaimed actress known for her Oscar-winning role in The Razor's Edge (1946) and as Eve in All About Eve (1950), brought sympathetic depth to Zelda. Her casting was a major coup for the series and its producers. Zelda was the television series's first female villain, even before Catwoman (although Catwoman was mentioned as being "up the river" in prison during the episode). Baxter was a major star in Hollywood at the time, and her grandfather was the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Zelda did not return later in the series, but Anne Baxter did return in Season Three as another villain, Olga, Queen of the Cossacks.
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| David Wayne as The Mad Hatter |
7. Mad Hatter - David Wayne
The Mad Hatter, named Jervis Tetch, was a hypnotic hat-themed criminal mastermind who used mind-control technology hidden in headwear. He primarily used his "Super-Instant Mesmerizer" gadget built into his oversized top hat, which popped open to reveal glowing eyes that emitted hypnotic rays, rendering victims unconscious or compliant. He has an obsessive fixation on Alice in Wonderland, frequently quoting Lewis Carroll, and a frantic, high-strung personality. In his second storyline, he uses a radioactive spray that turns Batman's cowl bright pink.
David Wayne, a two-time Tony Award winner, portrayed the Mad Hatter with eccentric energy in four episodes during Seasons One and Two. His portrayal drew heavily from the comic book version of the character prevalent at the time (the hat-obsessed impostor Mad Hatter, focused on stealing Batman's cowl), and he improvised many Carroll quotes and mannerisms. Fans often cite his version as one of the most faithful to the deranged, literature-obsessed Hatter of the era's comics, and it remains a beloved campy take among classic series enthusiasts.
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| Malachi Throne as False Face |
8. False Face - Malachi Throne
The master of disguise, False Face, impersonates high-ranking officials like Chief O'Hara (and Commissioner Gordon) to rob banks, steal valuables, and frame Batman. He wears flawless latex masks and mimics voices during his crimes. He never reveals his true face on screen as False Face. Even when captured, he reveshowsace covered by a cheap-looking plastic mask that appears blank, featureless, and distorted.
The use of False Face served as a substitute for the well-known Batman villain Two-Face, who was deemed too gruesome (due to his scarred face) for the family-friendly television audience.
Malachi Throne, known for his voice work (including altered vocals in Star Trek's pilot), delivered a chilling, mysterious performance, his real face hidden for most of the filming (visible only briefly in one disguise as an armored-car driver). Throne was billed as simply "? as False Face" in the opening credits of both episodes and the closing of the first, with his full name appearing only in the closing credits of "Holy Rat Race." Due to production complexities and dissatisfaction with the simplistic plastic mask (planned initially as varied makeup) when his "face" was revealed at the end, the character became a one-off appearance. His true identity was kept somewhat mysterious, and there were urban legends and speculation (fueled by the "?" credit) that big names like Frank Sinatra or even Frank Gorshin (the Riddler) played the part.
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| Victor Buono as King Tut |
9. King Tut - Victor Buono
King Tut stands out as one of the most memorable original villains, created exclusively for the 1966 television series. The pompous, self-proclaimed reincarnation of the ancient Egyptian pharaoh emerges when mild-mannered Yale Egyptology professor William Omaha McElroy suffers a blow to the head, prompting him to declare Gotham City his rightful kingdom and orchestrate elaborate Egypt-themed crimes. Tut makes bombastic proclamations in a high-pitched, theatrical voice, a delusion of royal grandeur that leads him to demand obedience from henchmen dressed as ancient courtiers, and a vulnerability where another head injury reverts him to his timid academic persona, often foiling his own plans at the last moment. The iconic costume pieces feature an opulent pharaoh headdress with a striped nemes cloth and cobra emblem, a broad collar necklace, and a short tunic with golden accents, all amplifying his larger-than-life regal pretense.
Victor Buono delivered a delightfully hammed-up performance across eight episodes (four two-part stories) in all three seasons, making King Tut the most recurring show-exclusive villain and a fan favorite for his over-the-top campiness. At 28 when he made his 1966 debut, the already imposing actor (often described as weighing around 300–400 pounds in various accounts, though exact figures vary) was delighted to take the role because it allowed him to "overact" unrestrainedly. He later embraced his association with the character by styling himself "the fat man from Batman" in 1970s comedy albums and poetry that poked fun at his weight.
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| Roddy McDowall as Bookworm |
10. Bookworm - Roddy McDowall
One of the lesser-known but delightful villains, and my favorite outside of "the big four," Bookworm is a literary-themed super-criminal. The bespectacled brainiac devises his crimes inspired by classic novels, including a fake bridge explosion (projecting an enlarged photo tied to The Bridge of San Luis Rey, though his key book-bomb references are to For Whom the Bell Tolls). He even traps Batman and Robin in a giant cookbook (filled with scalding steam). He narrates his plans in bookish prose, constantly quotes literature, and uses book-shaped bombs, all while assisted by henchmen with printing-themed names (Printer's Devil, Pressman, Typesetter), evoking the book-production process rather than direct literary characters. He wore a brown leather/vinyl jacket (designed to resemble book bindings) over a sweater, and he paired it with reading glasses and a mounted reading lamp on his hat.
The acclaimed actor Roddy McDowall (known for child roles in Lassie and later as Cornelius in Planet of the Apes) brought a witty, scholarly charm to the role in his two-episode appearance. The character was created exclusively for the TV series (later adapted into comics, starting with the 2013 Batman '66 tie-in series and subsequent appearances). His enthusiastic performance fit the scholarly villain perfectly. McDowall so enjoyed the part that he famously sent the producers a postcard thanking them for the opportunity and expressing his eagerness to return to the series, despite the terribly uncomfortable costume.
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| Art Carney as The Archer |
11. Archer - Art Carney
The Archer transforms Gotham into a medieval battlefield in the 1966 series, a Robin Hood-inspired criminal mastermind who robs from the rich using a trick bow and arrows (including exploding, gassing, and net arrows), accompanied by henchmen like Maid Marilyn, Crier Tuck, Big John, and a merry band of outlaws. He speaks in a phony pseudo-Shakespearean/Old English style overlaid on his thick Brooklyn working-class accent. This was played for comedic effect, though reviews often note it falls flat. Even though he lives by the code of "stealing from the rich to give to the poor" (initially winning public favor by distributing some loot), he keeps most of it for himself. His costume evokes a fun, swashbuckling Robin Hood vibe (green tunic, feathered hat, quiver), reminiscent of classic cinematic Errol Flynn depictions.
Art Carney, the Emmy-winning (and later Oscar-winning) comedy legend who played Ed Norton on The Honeymooners, portrayed the Archer with a performance often described as underwhelming or miscast (many critics, and even the writer Stanley Ralph Ross, felt he was too stiff and lacked energy). The character was created exclusively for the show (with no connection to the obscure Golden Age comics villain of the same name, a Superman foe), and later adapted into comics (starting with the 2013 Batman '66 series and later appearances in tie-ins). Carney's portrayal is generally disliked for its lighthearted villainy, and modern reviews often rank it among the weaker guest spots.
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| Van Johnson as The Minstrel |
12. The Minstrel - Van Johnson
A music-obsessed criminal mastermind, The Minstrel is a flamboyant villain who uses electronic sound waves from musical gadgets (including oscillators and a "sonic steam ray") to blackmail Gotham's elite, primarily by disrupting the Gotham City Stock Exchange with false quotations and threatening to destroy its building via resonant frequencies. Orchestrating crimes like crashing the stock market and holding it for ransom (while his broadcasts feature him strumming a lute), The Minstrel performs dramatic musical numbers mid-scheme, speaks in rhyme and song, and wields a cane that doubles as a conductor's baton. His unique costume evokes a medieval troubadour/minstrel, with ruffled tunics in various colors, a feathered cap, tights, and a cape.
Van Johnson, the popular MGM musical star, brought classic Hollywood showmanship to the role in two Season Two episodes. Johnson was known for lighter roles but embraced the villainous part with enthusiasm, leaning into the series's campy tone (though contemporary reviews often found his performance understated or miscast compared with more energetic villains). The character was created exclusively for the television series and later made his first comic-book appearance in the 2013 Batman '66 tie-in series. Johnson's performance is remembered among Bat-fans for his singing and a low-key, self-aware silliness (including an aversion to violence and a habit of avoiding fights) that made The Minstrel a distinctive, if one-off, eccentric villain.
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| Shelley Winters as Ma Parker |
13. Ma Parker - Shelley Winters
The matriarch of Gotham's most notorious crime family, this tough, no-nonsense gangster leads her three sons (Pretty Boy, Machine Gun, and Mad Dog) and daughter (Legs) in a series of bank robberies, museum heists, and an elaborate prison takeover scheme. All the while, Ma Parker insists on a strict "family discipline." Ma Parker barks her orders like a domineering mother, using her children as disposable henchmen while delivering sharp, sarcastic one-liners. She may dress in floral prints and pearl necklaces, but her sweet grandmotherly appearance hides a ruthless crime boss (a deliberate parody of 1930s gangster Ma Barker).
Shelley Winters, the two-time Oscar winner, brought fierce, larger-than-life energy to her role as Ma Parker, although crew accounts describe her as difficult on set, complaining about pay and wardrobe. When the red light was on, however, Winters embraced the campy tone and played the tough-talking matriarch with memorable venom. The character was created specifically for the television series (with no pre-existing comic counterpart), but later adapted into comics (including appearances in the 2013 Batman '66 tie-in series and Batman: The Brave and the Bold). Her spoof of classic gangster family tropes is often considered one of the series' more entertaining one-off villains, thanks to the clever prison-based plot and Winters' over-the-top performance.
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| Walter Slezak as Clock King |
14. Clock King - Walter Slezak
This punctuality-obsessed villain, the Clock King, plots crimes timed to the second, using clock-themed traps like a giant hourglass (in which he traps Batman and Robin, intending to bury them in sand). His quirks include an obsession with schedules and efficiency, delivering lectures to his henchmen on time management mid-heist (emphasizing precise timing and calling them "dummkopfs" when they err). The Clock King was adapted from a Green Arrow comic-book villain (originally William Tockman, debuting in 1960 as a time-themed foe of Green Arrow), but tailored for Batman. He was later renamed Morris Tetch, the Mad Hatter's (Jervis Tetch) brother, with no direct backstory beyond implied prior encounters with Batman.
Walter Slezak, the Austrian-born actor, brought a suave yet often understated menace to the character. Perhaps too understated, as reviews frequently describe his performance as weak and unmemorable. Slezak's episodes featured elaborate timing-based puzzles, gadgets like knockout gas and slick oil, and clock-themed heists.
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| Vincent Price as Egghead |
15. Egghead - Vincent Price
Egghead ranks as one of the most intellectually arrogant villains in the series. The self-proclaimed "smartest criminal in the world" commits crimes with an egg-centric flair, such as exploiting a legal loophole to seize control of Gotham City or partnering with Olga, Queen of the Cossacks, for caviar-related heists. He uses endless egg puns and phrases ("egg-zactly," "egg-cellent," "egg-splosive") while lecturing those around him with a pompous air. His iconic bald, egg-shaped head and white suit with yellow accents perfectly depict the campiness and excess of the 1966 series.
Vincent Price, the horror legend from films like House of Wax (1953), delivered a delightfully hammed-up performance across five episodes during Seasons Two and Three, making Egghead a recurring threat with his signature sinister chuckle and eloquent delivery. Price was cast for his distinctive, articulate voice and sophisticated screen presence, which lent an air of intellectual menace to the villain (he himself called Egghead "the ideal Vincent Price character"—intellectual yet despicably ignoble). Price thoroughly enjoyed the role as a fun, lighthearted break from his typical horror films, praising the series' creativity and imagination, and his enthusiastic performance helped cement Egghead's enduring popularity.
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| Liberace as Harry (left) and Chandell (right) |
16. Chandell and Harry - Liberace
Concert pianist Chandell is blackmailed into a life of crime by his criminal twin brother, Harry, who knows Chandell once faked a White House performance on a player piano (after injuring his hands) and uses this secret to extort him. The twins' identical appearances lead to confusion, as Harry's gleeful villainy contrasts with Chandell's reluctant elegance. Dramatic piano performances set several traps, including a rigged player piano that releases knockout gas and a deathtrap that turns Batman and Robin into perforated piano rolls. The costume features Liberace's signature flamboyance: a candelabra-topped piano, glittering rings, sequined suits, and capes for both twins (Chandell in elegant attire, Harry in tougher garb), amplifying the over-the-top showmanship.
Liberace, the iconic pianist and entertainer known for his lavish Las Vegas shows, played both roles with flamboyant excess (and was widely reported as one of the most pleasant and cooperative guest stars, even performing mini-concerts for the cast and crew). At the time, the extravagance of his guest appearance drew significant attention and curiosity due to his massive fame. Liberace embraced the opportunity to play dual roles (a reluctant hero and a villain), marking a rare acting role outside his musical persona, and he brought his own piano and costumes to the set. The episodes are frequently cited in sources and fan lore as among the series' highest-rated, reflecting his enormous popularity.
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Carolyn Jones as Marsha, Queen of Diamonds |
17. Marsha, Queen of Diamonds - Carolyn Jones
Marsha, Queen of Diamonds, is a diamond-obsessed seductress who brews love potions (with help from her eccentric Aunt Hilda, played by Estelle Winwood) to enchant Batman and other wealthy suitors (including Commissioner Gordon and Chief O'Hara). Marsha plots to marry Batman for access to the Batcave and its presumed treasures (specifically the giant Bat-Diamond that powers the Batcomputer). She is flirtatious, manipulative, and charming, often calling her victims "darling."
Carolyn Jones, the iconic Morticia Addams from The Addams Family, brought sultry wit to her role as Marsha. She became the third Addams Family actor to guest-villain on the show, following Ted Cassidy (Lurch, in a window cameo) and John Astin (who played the Riddler). Jones' casting was a clever network crossover, as The Addams Family had recently ended and remained popular. The character was original to the series and was initially considered for Zsa Zsa Gabor. Many fans and critics have noted her chemistry with Adam West, adding a playful romantic tension through Batman's resistance to her spells and their flirtatious banter.
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| Cliff Robertson as Shame |
18. Shame - Cliff Robertson
Riding into Gotham as a faux-cowboy outlaw, this con artist with a Texas drawl robs banks (and steals vehicle parts or targets trains in later schemes), stages fake Westerns, and uses trick guns alongside a gang that includes Calamity Jan (played by Dina Merrill, Robertson's real-life wife at the time) as he faces Batman in frontier-style showdowns. His emotional outbursts and "code of honor" among thieves are all bluster as he, a gruff, dim-witted cowpoke (a deliberate parody of the 1953 film Shane), becomes one of Gotham's recurring villains. However, he is portrayed as less intelligent and menacing than others.
Played by Cliff Robertson, Shame appeared across four episodes in Seasons Two and Three. Robertson drew on familiar tropes, and the character originated with his own suggestion to producers for a "very dumb cowboy who took himself very seriously" (leading to a spoof of the movie Shane). Robertson took the role for a fun break amid his serious dramatic work (he would win an Oscar for Charly in 1968). Despite Robertson's solid performance, Shame ranks among some Batman fans' least favorite villains. He is frequently cited on message boards and Reddit threads as underwhelming, miscast, or among the weaker guest spots, due to the dimwit characterization and weak scripts.
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| Maurice Evans as The Puzzler |
19. The Puzzler - Maurice Evans
This Shakespeare-quoting, aviation-loving puzzle-master, The Puzzler, was scripted initially as an episode for The Riddler but was rewritten into an entirely new character after Frank Gorshin's contract/pay dispute made him unavailable during early Season Two production. The Puzzler baffled Gotham City with puzzles and traps targeting billionaire Artemus Knab's new supersonic jet (named the Retsoor, a backward-spelled "rooster"). Using aviation-themed gags like gas-filled puzzle balloons, remote-controlled model planes (including sleep-dart-equipped toy gliders), and a massive hot-air balloon deathtrap, along with henchmen including Rocket O'Rourke (his moll, played by Barbara Stuart), Ramjet, and others, The Puzzler concocted plans to steal the advanced aircraft, photograph its controls, and either ransom it or sell its secrets abroad. Our hero, Batman, outsmarts him and captures him at the aircraft hangar.
Maurice Evans, the acclaimed British actor famous for playing Dr. Zaius in Planet of the Apes (1968) and countless Broadway/Shakespearean roles, delivered a hammy yet classy performance in his two-episode arc. The character was a one-off television original, and fans often see it as "Riddler-esque filler" due to the obvious script origins and weaker puzzles (which are more riddles than actual puzzles). Evans brought a touch of sophisticated elegance to his effortless Shakespearean delivery, though some fans consider him bland compared to the other, more manic villains.
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| Michael Rennie as The Sandman |
20. Sandman - Michael Rennie
The Sandman was an international sleep expert who used hypnotic sand and controlled sleepwalkers as his henchmen (named Nap and Snooze). Under the alias Dr. Somnambula, he teams up with Catwoman (Julie Newmar) to rob the fortune of wealthy insomniac J. Pauline Spaghetti (Spring Byington). Sandman's plan to double-cross Catwoman and keep the fortune for himself (including eloping with Spaghetti to her private island) goes awry when Batman and Robin confront him at his mattress-factory hideout, leading to a brawl and his ultimate defeat.
Michael Rennie brought a sinister yet refined attitude to the role in his two-episode arc. The character was created exclusively for the television series, and Rennie's casting leveraged his sophisticated screen presence. His performance is often described as classy, understated, and effective within the campy constraints, adding a continental European flair and a subtle "mad doctor" vibe reminiscent of classic Bond villains. His episodes are memorable for the strong interplay with Newmar's more ruthless Catwoman.
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| Roger C. Carmel as Colonel Gumm |
21. Colonel Gumm - Roger C. Carmel
Colonel Gumm arrives on the scene as a flamboyant, stamp-obsessed villain. This eccentric and dishonest man is interested only in money (and famously enjoys midnight snacks of alphabet soup), using his position as foreman at the Pink Chip Stamp Company to create counterfeit stamps. He deploys gadgets like a giant stamp press and adhesive traps (including a glue-coated table and super-strong paste) that immobilize foes. Colonel Gumm used Sevaroff's Stamp Shop (disguising himself as a Russian dealer named Boris Sevaroff) as a front for his activities and the shop's backroom as a hideout. He also used this exact location and disguise when selling his counterfeit stamps to unsuspecting millionaires, including Bruce Wayne.
Roger C. Carmel, best known as Harry Mudd in Star Trek and for voicing Smokey Bear in fire safety ads, brought gleeful bombast to the role. He was cast for his larger-than-life persona and comedic skills, and he performed well in the campy Bat-series. Carmel enjoyed filming his two episodes and took pride in the role in interviews, but he never returned after the show's cancellation after Season Three.
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| Tallulah Bankhead as Black Widow |
22. Black Widow - Tallulah Bankhead
This glamorous bank robber, Black Widow, uses ultrasonic waves from her amplified voice and brainwave-short-circuiting "black widow extract" (a paralyzing venom) to rob the wealthy and temporarily turn Batman and Robin into unwitting puppets. Her sultry, commanding demeanor with spider-themed puns, a penchant for biting victims with a poison ring to administer her potion, and operating from a web-decorated lair (complete with giant spider-web deathtraps). Her web-patterned costume resembled a predatory black widow spider.
Tallulah Bankhead, arguably the most famous guest star in Season Two, was the legendary actress with a distinctive husky voice, who brought theatrical grandeur to the role at age 64. These two episodes were one of her final performances before her death in December 1968 from complications of pneumonia (often reported as stemming from the "Hong Kong Flu"). She ad-libbed several lines, embraced the production's camp, and was credited as "Miss Tallulah Bankhead" (a special billing she requested). Health issues, including emphysema and general frailty, did limit her mobility on set, requiring some scenes to accommodate her condition.
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| Joan Collins as Siren |
23. Siren - Joan Collins
The hypnotic songstress The Siren, real name Lorelei Circe, uses her ultra-high-pitched voice to control men's minds. She even charmed Commissioner Gordon and Bruce Wayne into doing her bidding. Her schemes involve attempting to uncover Batman's secret identity, temporarily taking over police operations, and targeting Bruce Wayne's fortune. She uses a seductive, hypnotic high note that triggers obedience from men (with her henchmen wearing protective earmuffs). Her song does not work on women (explicitly tested on Batgirl) or earplugged Caped Crusaders. She makes a brief cameo team-up with The Riddler in her debut episode before pursuing her solo plan in the follow-up. She is flirtatious, exuding a seductive presence, her mermaid-like voice leaving male victims in a trance.
Joan Collins, the future star of Dynasty, infused Siren with irresistible charm, marking one of her early prominent American TV guest appearances (following roles in shows like Star Trek). The voice weapon (and name) was inspired by centuries-old sailors' lore of mermaid-like mythical creatures that lured ships to doom with enchanting songs. Her performance is often praised for its sexy, commanding presence.
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| Ethel Merman as Lola Lasagna |
24. Lola Lasagne - Ethel Merman
Lola Lasagne appears as one of the Penguin's accomplices in a third-season two-part storyline. This brash former nightclub singer (real name Lulu Schultz, which she hates being called) is a childhood friend of the Penguin who helps him run a horse-racing scheme to rig the Bruce Wayne Handicap. She owns a prize racehorse named Parasol and shares the Penguin's affinity for parasols (umbrellas). She mixes tough-girl slang with affectionate nicknames like "Pookie" for the Penguin, bosses her henchmen around with a no-nonsense attitude, and occasionally bursts into song snippets in a Broadway style. Her ex-husband, Luigi Lasagne (a wealthy South American playboy), divorced her after only three weeks, suspecting she had married him for his money, leaving her with only the horse Parasol. This is widely recognized as a playful personal jab referencing actress Ethel Merman's brief real-life marriage to Ernest Borgnine, which lasted just 38 days in 1964.
Ethel Merman, the legendary Broadway actress with a booming voice, delightfully hammed up her performance as Lola Lasagne. Teaming up with Burgess Meredith created perfect comedic chemistry, resulting in a partnership that was more funny and bickering than villainous. Her character was a one-off made exclusively for the show, though she has since appeared in tie-in comic books. Merman's larger-than-life personality shone through, and her over-the-top delivery is beloved by fans for its pure silliness.
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| Milton Berle as Louie the Lilac |
25. Louie the Lilac - Milton Berle
Louie the Lilac traffics in illegal flowers and perfumes and is identified by his lilac-colored suits. Louie uses a stupefying aromatic spray (derived from mutated flowers) for hypnotizing people so he can manipulate them, or worse, feed them to his special man-eating lilacs (a giant carnivorous variety in his hothouse deathtrap). As Louie attempts to control Gotham's flower market by distributing his mind-controlling lilac extract primarily to the "flower generation" (hippies), enslaving them for future crimes, he plots his schemes in a greenhouse lair. A mobster accent mixed with theatrical flair, Louie and his henchmen (named Lila, Lotus, Saffron, Sassafras, Arbutus, Petunia, etc.) evoke classic gangster vibes with a floral twist, more parodying Guys and Dolls than evoking The Godfather.
Milton Berle, known as "Mr. Television" from his 1950s variety show, played the role relatively straight, surprisingly without his trademark mugging or over-the-top comedy, which some fans found underwhelming. The episodes targeted youth counterculture with several hippie jokes and satirical takes on the "flower children" movement. He fits Season Three's wackier tone as an original villain, but his appearance did little to boost viewership at a time when overall ratings were declining.
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| Anne Baxtor as Olga, Queen of the Cossacks |
26. Olga, Queen of the Cossacks - Anne Baxtor
Olga, Queen of the Cossacks, charges into Gotham as a fiery Eastern European villainess, leading a band of all-female Cossack henchwomen. Olga's plans revolve around stealing priceless Fabergé eggs, including one rumored to contain a prehistoric Deinonychus egg she believes she can hatch into a live dinosaur. She first aligns herself with Egghead (in a two-part story) and later briefly with Nora Clavicle in a separate episode where she provides Cossack reinforcements. Her thick Russian/Eastern European accent, dramatic proclamations, use of whips and sabers, and penchant for exotic traps match her unique costume: a fur-trimmed hat, riding boots, blouse, and skirt that evoke a theatrical Cossack leader.
Anne Baxter returned to the series after playing Zelda the Great in Season One. She brought a regal, commanding intensity to Olga, complete with enthusiastic swordplay and horseback riding. Producers created Olga specifically to bring Baxter back, capitalizing on her versatility and prior success on the show. The character playfully spoofed historical Cossack imagery with exaggerated flair, and, at a time of rising Cold War tensions, the portrayal of the Soviet Union is purely cartoonish. Olga's band of all-female henchwomen (one of the show's few all-female villain crews) is sometimes cited by fans as aligning with Season Three's occasional nods to themes of women's liberation.
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| Rudy Vallee as Lord Marmaduke Ffogg |
27. Lord Marmaduke Ffogg - Rudy Vallee
Lord Marmaduke Ffogg (pronounced "Fog") lords over Londinium as a foggy aristocratic villain, using artificial fog emitted from his pipe to conceal his crimes, including forging documents and running a criminal operation disguised as an elite boys' school. Operating from Ffogg Place (his ancestral manor) with his sister, Lady Penelope Peasoup (and ward, Lady Prudence), the duo commits their crimes while. At the same time, the three-part "Londinium" arc heavily parodies Sherlock Holmes stories (complete with disguises, deductions, and references to Baker Street). His posh British accent, fog-emitting smoking pipe, and outwardly polite, aristocratic demeanor mask his ruthless criminal mastermind nature.
Rudy Vallée, the old-time crooner and radio star from the 1920s and '30s, played the role with refined, understated skill. Vallée was chosen for his "vintage" appeal and recognizable name, fitting Season Three's pattern of casting well-known older celebrities (such as Milton Berle, Joan Collins, and Eartha Kitt) to boost declining ratings. However, the Londinium story itself did not reverse the show's downward trend.
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| Glynis Johns as Lady Penelope Peasoup |
28. Lady Penelope Peasoup - Glynis Johns
Lady Penelope Peasoup assists her brother Lord Marmaduke Ffogg as a venomous accomplice in the 1966 series' three-part "Londinium" arc. She deploys deadly paralyzing fog (a counterpart to her brother's fog-emitting pipe) from devices like pellets or gas bombs, while co-running a girls' finishing school that secretly trains young women in the arts of shoplifting. Her sweet, ladylike facade hides lethal intent and aristocratic snobbery.
Glynis Johns, the Tony-winning actress known for Mary Poppins (as suffragette Mrs. Winifred Banks), lent sophisticated malice and British poise to the role in the Londinium episodes. Her casting leveraged her natural elegance and accent, with her fog weapon serving as a thematic counterpart to Ffogg's; the sibling dynamic added a parody of aristocratic family villainy.
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| Barbara Rush as Nora Clavicle |
29. Nora Clavicle - Barbara Rush
Nora Clavicle poses as a radical women's lib activist who manipulates her way into replacing Commissioner Gordon, firing the male police force, and installing an all-female one. She plots to blow up Gotham with explosive wind-up mechanical mice (released citywide to explode simultaneously) to collect a multi-million-dollar insurance policy on the city. Her quirks include militant feminist rhetoric (used cynically for personal gain), commanding henchwomen with military precision, and a smug superiority over the "male establishment." Unique costume pieces feature a prim suit with a clavicle-shaped bone brooch (a nod to her name), glasses, and a handbag, portraying a stern, businesslike suffragette gone rogue.
Barbara Rush, the acclaimed sci-fi and drama actress from It Came from Outer Space (1953), delivered sharp, elegant authority. Many critics said she did the best with weak material in her single episode. It's considered today a highly controversial episode for its dated women's lib parody (often labeled misogynistic and sexist by modern types). Rush was cast for her sophisticated presence and poise, and her performance is frequently praised for balancing the campy humor with menacing edge in one of the series' most maligned episodes.
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| Ida Lupino as Dr. Cassandra Spellcraft |
30. Dr. Cassandra Spellcraft - Ida Lupino
Dr. Cassandra Spellcraft materializes as one of the most bizarre villains in the 1966 Batman TV series, an alchemist obsessed with ancient occult arts. Alongside her henchman-husband Cabala, she uses camouflage pills for invisibility and a ray gun to flatten Batman, Robin, and Batgirl into two-dimensional cutouts (later restored via the Batcave's three-dimensionalizer). She frees the rogues Joker, Penguin, Riddler, Catwoman, King Tut, and Egghead from prison by turning them invisible so they can join her gang. Her quirks include mystical incantations, waving a wand to cast spells, hip 1960s slang, and a gleeful disregard for modern science.
Ida Lupino, the pioneering actress-director, was one of the few female directors in Hollywood's Golden Age. She co-starred with her real-life husband Howard Duff (as henchman Cabala) in the single episode "The Entrancing Dr. Cassandra" (Season 3, Episode 25; the second-to-last episode of the series to air on March 7, 1968. This episode showcases the show's increasingly surreal, budget-constrained tone in Season Three, including a fight scene set in a dark studio to cut costs. Lupino brought an almost eerie charisma and embraced the campy dialogue; the "flattening ray" effects used innovative 2D cutout props and psychedelic visuals.
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| Zsa Zsa Gabor as Minerva |
31. Minerva - Zsa Zsa Gabor
Minerva dazzles as the glamorous owner of Minerva's Mayfair Mineral Spa, using her "Deepest Secret Extractor" (a mind-reading device disguised as an egg-shaped hair dryer) and mineral baths to extract the innermost secrets of Gotham's millionaires, then blackmail them for their fortunes. Along with her assistants Aphrodite, Apollo, and Adonis, Minerva obsesses over hot minerals and beauty treatments, turning her luxurious spa into a trap-filled lair to lure Batman and Robin to their doom. It almost works until Alfred goes undercover as a Welsh mineral bath attendant to investigate and help foil the scheme.
Portrayed by Zsa Zsa Gabor, the famous socialite and actress known for her nine marriages, glamorous lifestyle, and persona, the role was infused with her signature charm, sex appeal, and thick Hungarian accent. Gabor's celebrity status was a perfect fit for the show's guest-star parade during Season Three's lighter, wackier villain lineup. She reportedly enjoyed the role, playfully referring to Minerva as "the evil Zsa Zsa," and her sparkling gowns and flirtatious delivery made the episode "Minerva, Mayhem and Millionaires" (aired March 14, 1968) a memorable, campy highlight that brought the television series to a close.
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