Lewis Wilson

Lewis Gilbert Wilson (January 28, 1920 – August 9, 2000) was an American actor, who was most famous for being the first actor to play DC Comics character Batman on screen in the 1943 film serial Batman.

Lewis Wilson
Wilson in 1943
Born
Lewis Gilbert Wilson[1]

(1920-01-28)January 28, 1920
DiedAugust 9, 2000(2000-08-09) (aged 80)
Alma materWorcester Academy
OccupationActor
Years active1943–2000
Spouse(s)Dana Natol
ChildrenMichael G. Wilson
RelativesDavid G. Wilson (grandson) Gregg E. Wilson (grandson)

Life and career

Wilson was born in Framingham, Middlesex, Massachusetts, the son of Lucile (née Gregg) and John Henry Wilson.[2] He grew up in Littleton, Massachusetts, where his father was minister of the First Unitarian Church from 1927-1945.[3] Wilson graduated from Worcester Academy in 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 1943 Columbia Pictures created the first Batman live action series, simply called Batman. Wilson was cast as the title character in the 15-episode serial against J. Carrol Naish who portrayed a Japanese spy called Dr Daka who headed a group of American traitors in a fight to take over America for Japanese control.[4] It was Wilson's screen debut at the age of 23.[5] A sequel to the serial was made in 1949, but Robert Lowery replaced Wilson as Batman.

After the war concluded, Wilson and his family moved to California and he and his wife joined the Pasadena Playhouse.[6] His final film was the Jerry Hopper film, Naked Alibi, in 1954. He then left show business and worked for General Foods for many years.

Wilson married novelist and actress Dana Natol, and they had a son, Michael G. Wilson.[6] They met while attending the Academy of Dramatic Arts at Carnegie Hall in New York, but separated and divorced after moving to California.[6][7]

In retirement, he lived in North Hollywood, California. He died in San Francisco, California, at age 80.

Filmography

Year Title Role Notes
1943Redhead from ManhattanPaul
1943Good Luck, Mr. YatesParkhurstUncredited
1943BatmanBruce Wayne / BatmanSerial
1943First Comes CourageDr. KleinichUncredited
1943My Kingdom for a CookReporterUncredited
1943There's Something About a SoldierThomas Bolivar Jefferson
1943Klondike KateGeorge GrahamUncredited
1944The Racket ManCapt. AndersonUncredited
1944Beautiful But BrokePilotUncredited
1944Sailor's HolidayJerome 'Iron Man' Collins
1944Once Upon a TimeManUncredited
1951Wild WomanTrent
1952Craig Kennedy, CriminologistWalt Jameson26 episodes
1954Naked AlibiBorder Patrol OfficerUncredited

References

  1. "Michael Wilson Biography (1942-)".
  2. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QLGT-4WY1
  3. MA, First Church Unitarian, Littleton. "About - History - Complete History". www.fculittle.org. Archived from the original on 2015-07-27. Retrieved 2015-09-14.
  4. Kukuruzovic, Simon (17 June 2005). "Bale Piles of Weight for Batman Capers". Coventry Evening Telegraph. Retrieved 4 June 2012.
  5. "Oscar Batman". The Malay Mail. 16 June 2005. Archived from the original on 5 November 2013. Retrieved 4 June 2012.
  6. "Dana Broccoli (Obituaries)". Daily Variety. 8 March 2004. Archived from the original on 5 November 2013. Retrieved 4 June 2012.
  7. "Obituaries: Dana Broccoli". The Daily Telegraph. 3 March 2004. Retrieved 4 June 2012.
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