'Say Goodnight' - Frank Gorshin Dead at 72
By: BWW News Desk May. 18, 2005
POPULAR
Frank Gorshin, Film, TV and Broadway star who was best known for his Emmy-nominated role as The Riddler on the old "Batman" television series, passed away at age 72. Gorshin's wife of 48 years, Christina, was at his side when he died at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center. "He put up a valiant fight with lung cancer, emphysema and pneumonia," Mrs. Gorshin said in a statement.
Gorshin made his debut on the great white way as the star of "Jimmy" which garnered him rave reviews. He also starred in many touring company productions such as "Promises, Promises"; "Peter Pan"; "Prisoner of Second Street" and "Guys and Dolls." He was most recently on Broadway with "Say Goodnight Gracie" in 2002 using only a little makeup and no prosthetics. "Say Goodnight Gracie" was nominated for a 2003 Tony for Best Play and Gorshin was nominated for a Drama Desk Award and won the coveted Outer Critics Circle Award. He had just fiinished a tour of the show.
In reference to becoming George Burns, Gorshin said, "I don't know how to explain it. It just comes," he said. "I wish I could say, 'This is step A, B and C.' But I can't do that. I do it, you know. The ironic thing is I've done impressions all my life – I never did George Burns." Gorshin's final performance will be broadcast on Thursday's CBS-TV series "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation."
Born in Pittsburgh, PA in 1934, Gorshin worked as an usher at the Sheridan Square Theatre and began doing impressions of some of his screen idols. At 17 he won a local talent contest with the prize being a 1-week engagement at Jackie Heller's Carousel night club, where famed notorious comedian Alan King was headlining. Frank then attended the Carnegie-Mellon Tech School of Drama and worked on stage in Pittsburgh. Friend and classmate, Arnold Brockman told BroadwayWorld, "Frank was a super-talented individual. It was apparent in College that he was somebody who was very special."
In 1953 he entered the US Army during the Korean war and served in Special Services as an entertainer. It was just after his service was up that Gorshin met his Hollywood agent via a friend in the army. From that moment, he worked continuously in Hollywood in both the film and television industry.
Gorshin made his debut on the great white way as the star of "Jimmy" which garnered him rave reviews. He also starred in many touring company productions such as "Promises, Promises"; "Peter Pan"; "Prisoner of Second Street" and "Guys and Dolls." He was most recently on Broadway with "Say Goodnight Gracie" in 2002 using only a little makeup and no prosthetics. "Say Goodnight Gracie" was nominated for a 2003 Tony for Best Play and Gorshin was nominated for a Drama Desk Award and won the coveted Outer Critics Circle Award. He had just fiinished a tour of the show.
In reference to becoming George Burns, Gorshin said, "I don't know how to explain it. It just comes," he said. "I wish I could say, 'This is step A, B and C.' But I can't do that. I do it, you know. The ironic thing is I've done impressions all my life – I never did George Burns." Gorshin's final performance will be broadcast on Thursday's CBS-TV series "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation."
RELATED STORIES
1
Everything You Need to Know About the WICKED Movie
It's a guide to the Wicked movie. The hit Broadway musical Wicked is officially coming to the big screen! BroadwayWorld collected all the information we could about the upcoming film - including who's starring, what roles haven't yet been cast, and what will change from stage to screen.
2
Step Into NEW SUMMER SHORTS at Theatre Artists Studio
NEW SUMMER SHORTS at Theatre Artists Studio is the must-see event of The Studio's season. Since 2006, it's been their audiences' favorite-a two-week festival of original shorts plays, scripted by the group's own core of active playwrights.
3
Hart Adds NATIVE GARDENS To Its 2022-2023 Season
Hillsboro Artists' Regional Theatre will include 'Native Gardens' by Karen Zacarìas in its highly acclaimed 2022-2023 season. Under the visionary leadership of HART's newly appointed Artistic Director, Harrison Butler, the introduction of 'Native Gardens' signifies a new era of exceptional theatrical experiences in Hillsboro.
4
Summer Theatre Sale: Tickets from £25 for ACCIDENTAL DEATH OF AN ANARCHIST
An Anarchist has fallen to his death from a police station window. But did he jump or was he thrown? Summer Theatre Sale: Tickets from £25 for Accidental Death of an Anarchist
More Hot Stories For You
Videos
Video: David Zayas is on Cloud Nine This Tonys Season
TICKET CENTRAL
Recommended For You
Get Broadway's #1 Newsletter
Get the best news & discounts for Broadway Shows & beyond.
