Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Yvonne Craig (1937-2015)

Yvonne Craig (1937-2015) who famously embodied Batgirl on the 1960s TV series Batman (1966-1968) has passed. She was 78.




Craig was a delight and lit up this little fan boy's dreams in syndication during the 1970s as Batgirl, a.k.a. Barbara Gordon, during Season Three of Batman. There was a sheer delight whenever that animated Batgirl cycle screamed across the screen of the opening credits for the series. It was a guarantee that Craig would be an important part of that episode and this little boy was glued to the screen as a result. Not only was Batman and Robin a draw, but the very presence of Craig made Batman extra special.



There was something about those third seasons as Craig also starred in Star Trek: The Original Series (1969), Season Three, Episode 14, Whom Gods Destroy. She played the role of Orion slave girl Marta. Craig's beautiful presence lent both of the aforementioned series a lifeline during their final days as she did brought a vigor and vitality to them both.

Craig also guested on Love, American Style (1969-1972), The Six Million Dollar Man (1977), Emergency!, The Mod Squad and Fantasy Island among the many genre offerings. These were shows I was raised and reared on. Craig was a big part of that. Thank you for bringing so much life to this childhood. As a kid you were the stuff of day dreaming. We all crushed on you.

Upon learning of her passing William Shatner called Craig "one of America's sweethearts.".

 

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