One of the most versatile entertainers in Hollywood’s history succumbed today to his valiant fight against lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Frank Gorshin, with his wife Christina, of 48 years by his side died Tuesday.

Frank Gorshin was from the old school of entertainment. He could sing, dance, do impressions, act, and perform stand-up comedy.

His list of credits goes on and on. He was a sought after actor on TV, stage, and the big screen. Gorshin earned several Emmy nominations and the one most Sci-Fi fans will recall was the nomination he received for his role in the original series of Star Trek in the episode “The Last Battlefield.”

Three years ago Gorshin portrayed George Burns on Broadway in his one-man show “Say Goodnight Gracie.”
The show received rave reviews, not only for his performance, but for the fact that he used little to no make-up or prosthetic devices to give him the look and feel of the real George Burns.

Despite his long career and varied award-winning performances in movies, television and Broadway, Gorshin will always be remembered for his one role in TV’s 4 year run of Batman (1966-1969).

Frank Gorshin played the Riddler so well that it set the course of his future career. “It really was a catalyst for me,” Gorshin once recalled, “I was nobody. I had done some guest shots here and there. But after I did that, I became a headliner in Vegas, so I can’t put it down.” Gorshin’s final show business performance can be seen this Thursday (May 19, 2005) on “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” on the CBS network.

Funeral arrangements have not been made public at this time.