Actor Robort “Bob” Francis Hastings Sr., known as the voice of Commissioner Gordon in “Batman: The Animated Series” to comic fans everywhere, passes away at 89.
Hastings died Monday, June 30, 2014, in his Burbank home of pancreatic cancer.
Photo credit: DC Cinematic Universe
Hastings was 11 years old when he began his career in radio in 1936. He was featured on shows like “The Daily Mirror Radio Gang” and “Adventured in King Arthurland.” He then enlisted in the Army Air Corps as a B-29 navigator during World War II. When he returned, his voice hit the airways as Archie Andrews, the main character of the comic, until 1953.
Later, in 1949, Hastings moved to the television screen with his role as Hal on “Captain Video and His Video Rangers.” The role led to a recurring role as a lieutenant on “Sergeant Bilko” in 1956.
Outside of acting, Hastings lent his voice to music with LP’s for children and families. He voiced characters on story albums such as “Black Beauty,” “The Arabian Nights,” and “The Magic Button.” Hastings also served as host of the Universal Studios tour for several years.
Other notable television roles include Tommy Kelsey in “All in the Family,” Capt. Burt Ramsey on “General Hospital,” and Lt. Elroy Carpenter on the sitcom “McHale’s Navy.”
The actor acquired more than 100 radio, acting and voice-over credits throughout the years.
Photo credit: michronicleonline.com
Hastings was born in Brooklyn and was the third son of Hazel Mae Kirk and Charles Benedict Hastings Sr. Hastings and his wife met when they were teenagers and married in 1948. Hastings and his family lived in New York many years before moving to Burbank.
Before his death, Hastings received care from Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center and the Disney Family Cancer Center. Hastings lived for almost nine more weeks after doctors gave the actor only a few days to live after his release.
A rosary will be held Monday, July 7, at 7 p.m. at Saint Finbar Catholic Church in Burbank. The funeral is set for 10 a.m. Tuesday.
Source:Â Burbank Leader
