RIP Walter Slezak (aka Clock King)

[Dr. Shimel]

Thirty years ago today, Walter Slezak, who played Clock King during S2, sadly took his own life because of increasing health problems.

[Riddlersgurl]

I always thought that was a shame. He was an excellent character actor. He could take any character that was given him and really breathe life into it.

RIP Walter.

[elmrgraham]

RIP Clock King.

[Riddler Fan]

George Sanders who was one of the 3 Mr. Freeze's also took his own life due to health issues.

[raalongi]

Several other actors from Batman also took their own lives. Roger C. Carmel, Doodles Weaver, and Donald (Red) Barry. I know there were a few others which I cannot think of at this time.

And I heard a rumor that Neil Hamilton came very close to committing suicide as well. He was down on his luck and not getting good acting parts. He was a devout Catholic and his faith got him through a very difficult time. His landing the role of the commissioner finally put an end to all of this.

[Dr. Shimel]

Several other actors from Batman also took their own lives. Roger C. Carmel, Doodles Weaver, and Donald (Red) Barry. I know there were a few others which I cannot think of at this time.

Carmel died of congestive heart failure, although there are some sordid rumors that it was caused by drug abuse--which might be perceived by some to be a form of suicide.

[Riddler Fan]

Several other actors from Batman also took their own lives. Roger C. Carmel, Doodles Weaver, and Donald (Red) Barry. I know there were a few others which I cannot think of at this time.

Carmel died of congestive heart failure, although there are some sordid rumors that it was caused by drug abuse--which might be perceived by some to be a form of suicide.

One of Roger C. Carmel's last appearences was an episode of All In The Family. He played an isurance adjuster trying to settle with Archie after a fire in the Bunker's bathroom. Carmel looks noticably thin and not at all healthy.

[Dr. Shimel]

Here's Carmel in the All in the Family performance:

[Riddlersgurl]

Oof! He looks gaunt!

Poor guy, I knew that he'd been ill, but I didn't know he'd been THAT ill!

[Riddler Fan]

Think what he'd look like without all that makeup on!!! Sad indeed. This episode of All In The Family (titled "Fire") aired in 1977. His most noteworthy role was on the Desi Arnaz created show "The Mothers-In-Law" which aired in 1967. He had a small role in the 1981 Jerry Lewis film "Hardly Working" in which he again looks thin. He died in November 1986 aged 54.

[Mr.Freeze]

Drugs (Carmel) and cigs (Gorshin) , pretty much suicides , at least in the long term

[Dr. Shimel]

Drugs (Carmel) and cigs (Gorshin) , pretty much suicides , at least in the long term

Though Gorshin made it to 72, whereas Carmel only lasted to 54. Below is a picture of Frank's tombstone.

[Riddler Fan]

I'm surprised there isn't even a small question mark on the stone.

[elmrgraham]

Me too.

[High C]

Several other actors from Batman also took their own lives. Roger C. Carmel, Doodles Weaver, and Donald (Red) Barry. I know there were a few others which I cannot think of at this time.

George Sanders committed suicide in April 1972 at age 65. Said he was 'bored' in his suicide note. He was not in good health before he died.