Burt Ward
Burt Ward – Life, Career, and Memorable Reflections
Learn about Burt Ward (born July 6, 1945), the actor who brought Robin to life in the 1960s Batman series, and his journey as performer, activist, and public voice. Discover his early life, acting roles, charity work, and quotes that reflect his character.
Introduction
Burt Ward, born Bert John Gervis Jr. on July 6, 1945, is an American actor, animal welfare advocate, and businessman.
As a child (at age two), he was listed in the magazine Strange as It Seems as a professional ice skater.
He grew up reading comic books like Superman and Superboy, and watching Adventures of Superman, lending early inspiration to his later role.
In high school, he was active in sports (football, track, wrestling), participated in the chess club, and practiced Taekwondo.
After graduating, he worked part-time in his father’s real estate business while also pursuing acting studies.
Acting Career & Batman Era
Becoming Robin
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In October 1965, Ward auditioned for Batman and was cast as Robin.
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Believing his birth surname “Gervis” was hard to pronounce, he adopted his mother’s maiden name Ward, and changed “Bert” to “Burt” to give it more impact.
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Unlike Adam West, Ward performed many of his own stunts, reportedly because his mask exposed more of his face, making stunt double substitution less feasible. He later noted that he was sent to the emergency room dozens of times during filming.
The Batman television series ran for three seasons (120 episodes) from 1966 to 1968, and was enormously popular.
During the show’s run, Ward and West also starred in Batman: The Movie (1966).
Later Acting & Reunion Projects
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After Batman, Ward found it challenging to land roles, in part due to his strong association with the Robin persona.
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Over time he appeared in more than 40 made-for-TV films and some feature films.
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In 2003, he and West starred as themselves in the TV movie Return to the Batcave: The Misadventures of Adam and Burt, which revisited their Batman years in a semi-fictional, nostalgic account.
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He has occasionally reprised or referenced Robin in animated films, guest appearances, or nostalgic revivals.
Activism & Business Endeavors
Animal Welfare & Gentle Giants Rescue
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In 1994, Burt Ward and his wife Tracy Posner Ward co-founded Gentle Giants Rescue and Adoptions, Inc. — an organization dedicated to rescuing giant-breed dogs, such as Great Danes, along with smaller breeds in need.
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The organization is well known, has been featured on television (e.g., Animal Planet), and reflects Ward’s longstanding commitment to animal welfare.
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He also launched a pet food business called Gentle Giants, producing dog and cat food under that brand.
Other Recognition & Activities
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In 2020, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
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He was honored with the Inkpot Award in 2014.
Personal Life
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Burt Ward’s first marriage was in 1965 to Bonney Lindsey, daughter of conductor Mort Lindsey; they had a daughter in 1966 and divorced in 1967.
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He then married actress Kathy Kersh (1967–1969), whom he had met on Batman.
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Later, from 1985 to 1989, he was married to model Mariana Torchia.
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Since 1990, he has been married to Tracy Posner Ward. Their daughter, Melody Lane Ward, was born on February 16, 1991.
Memorable Quotes
Here are several quotes attributed to Burt Ward, shedding light on his humor, perspective, and self-awareness:
“I like to protect children.”
“My book is very wild. But you know during the period of BATMAN, that there were thousands of Batman and Robin costumes sold and these weren’t just for kids.”
“No kids should see that kind of violence where Batman is killing as many people as the bad guys.”
“You know, it’s a different world now, but to skip ahead and really answer your question, only in the last five years did I find what I call holy maturity, finding the balance, finding the right person in my life so that I could live a normal life.”
“We found that just by the way we stood, affected women dramatically, and if you look at our show, you'll see that we always stood with our legs open our fists on hips and our bat bulges forward, which had a profound effect on women!”
“I mean when you come into the set at 7:30 in the morning and you come out of make-up and the first thing you know, the ladies start coming into our dressing rooms at 7:45.”
“On our show, I must tell you, it was... the 60s was a period of time when everything was free love. People made love to each other. It was a very open life, you know?”
These quotes reflect a blend of nostalgia, humor, and reflection on fame, identity, and cultural change.
Legacy & Influence
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Burt Ward remains deeply associated with the role of Robin, a role that has endured in public consciousness for decades. His portrayal is a touchstone of Batman fandom.
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His transition into activism—especially in animal welfare—is widely respected, marking a shift from mere celebrity to committed advocacy.
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Through Return to the Batcave and other reunion projects, Ward has also contributed to preserving and celebrating the legacy of 1960s Batman for newer generations.
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His quotations and public voice reveal someone aware of both the comicbook fantasy and real-world responsibility—especially toward children and animals.