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Yvonne Craig
Yvonne Craig was an American actress, ballet dancer, and author, best known for her role as Batgirl in the 1960s TV series "Batman." She was born on May 16, 1937, in Taylorville, Illinois, USA, and passed away on August 17, 2015, in Pacific Palisades, California.
Craig's early career was in ballet, and she was a trained dancer. She began her professional acting career in the late 1950s, appearing in various films and television shows.
However, it was her role as Barbara Gordon, a.k.a. Batgirl, in the "Batman" TV series that brought her widespread recognition and made her a beloved figure among fans of the show. Her portrayal of the iconic superheroine was groundbreaking, as it marked one of the first times a female superhero was featured prominently in a live-action television series.
After "Batman," Yvonne Craig continued to work in television and film, making guest appearances on shows like "Star Trek" and "The Six Million Dollar Man." She also appeared in films such as "Kissin' Cousins" (1964) and "In Like Flint" (1967).
In addition to her acting career, Yvonne Craig was an accomplished author and wrote a book titled "From Ballet to the Batcave and Beyond," in which she reflected on her life and career in the entertainment industry.
Yvonne Craig's contribution to popular culture as Batgirl has left a lasting impact, and she remains remembered as an important figure in the history of superhero portrayals on screen. Her talent, beauty, and trailblazing role as Batgirl continue to be celebrated by fans and admirers.
Personal Information
1. Trained Ballet Dancer: Before her acting career, Yvonne Craig was a professional ballet dancer and trained at the American Ballet Theatre.
2. Early Acting Role: Craig's first film appearance was in the 1959 movie "The Young Land," where she played a small role.
3. First Female Superhero on TV: Yvonne Craig's portrayal of Batgirl in the "Batman" TV series made her the first actress to play a female superhero in a live-action television show.
4. Role as Batgirl's Alter Ego: In the "Batman" series, Yvonne Craig not only played Batgirl but also portrayed Barbara Gordon, the librarian and Batgirl's alter ego.
5. High-Kicking Action: Yvonne Craig performed her own stunts as Batgirl in the "Batman" series, including the high-kicking fight scenes.
6. Relationship with Adam West: Craig had a close friendship with her "Batman" co-star Adam West, who played Batman/Bruce Wayne in the series.
7. Green Skinned Alien: Before playing Batgirl, Craig appeared in the original "Star Trek" series episode titled "Whom Gods Destroy" (1969), where she played the green-skinned Orion slave girl Marta.
8. Voice Actress: Yvonne Craig provided the voice for the character Grandma in the animated TV series "Oliver & Company" (1988).
9. Post-Acting Career: After her acting career, Craig worked in real estate and as a voice-over artist.
10. Philanthropy: Yvonne Craig was involved in philanthropic work and was an advocate for causes like literacy and women's health.
These trivia facts showcase Yvonne Craig's multifaceted career as a dancer, actress, and voice artist, as well as her groundbreaking role as Batgirl, which made a significant impact on television history. She remains remembered for her contributions to popular culture and her portrayal of a beloved superheroine.