Frank Gorshin on the Dean Martin Show

While he will undoubtedly be remembered for his Emmy nominated role as the Riddler in the 1960s camp classic Batman, Frank Gorshin was an incredible impressionist. In this clip, you get to see the best of both of his worlds. First he shows us what Batman would be like if they had a different 'guest' Batman and Robin each week instead of a guest villain. He then banters with Dean a bit and sings his novelty single 'The Riddler' with some of the Golddiggers. It's a real entertaining clip that first aired 9/29/66. Ironically, this appearance would have placed it in Batman's sophomore season when Gorshin didn't make an appearance in the role. Enjoy!

[@joninpgh]

I'm from Pittsburgh and Frank Gorshin was a friend of my uncle. I got to meet him when I was a kid and he was at the height of Batman fame.

[@dabneyoffermein595]

he was indeed from pittsburgh, a very unique place. his brother died in a car crash there in one of the suburbs of pittsburgh when frank was only 17. i can't remember the suburb that franks mom and dad lived in but it is a popular district that you would have heard of.

[@carolnahigian9518]

Lucky you! What a great memory

[@normal_media]

awesome .

[@ogrebattle22763]

Frank Gorshin was incredible.... this guy would crack me up & get his impressions dead on everytime...

[@jaelge]

Gorshin's impressions were genius but I'm sure he'd agree that those dancers were absolutely sublime.

[@liverush24]

Yeah, it wouldn't be quite the same if he was having to do impressions of Ben Affleck and Matt Damon.

[@Gho5ttime]

The switch from Steiger to Brando is so incredible.

[@depaola63]

This guy was fantastic! He had a great singing voice too!

[@rickythekid]

Frank Gorshin was indeed one of a kind. Loved him as Riddler and always loved his Kirk Douglas impressions.

[@steevrawjers]

yes

[@tomault3063]

Kirk would have hated this one; he is obviously looking up at Burt and Kirk was sensitive about being only 5'7"

[@GalaxyJazzGirl]

This guy is a pure genious!!!!!!!!!!

[@TheJazsinger]

He was so spot on! I miss all the entertainers from the 60's........no replacements..:(

[@robharding1957]

Such a talented guy ! I used to watch him as a baddie in batman, he was my favourite villain, but years later when I first went on You tube, I realized he was so much more than that.The guys a true entertainer. R i p m r Gorshin.

[@Telstar62a]

+robert harding He did a bunch of grade B movies when he was coming up, too. He's usually okay in them, but didn't really stand out until he did his nightclub act, and then of course, The Riddler.....

[@bloodtimemaximusfullthrott226]

Wow, seriously our finest generation of entertainers

[@TotalSinging]

I met Frank in the early 2000's at the Chiller Theater and he was nothing but gracious and kind. Of course I was paying him for his autograph but when I did my Burt Lancaster impression for him, he loved it and did Burt Lancaster doing an impression of Kirk Douglas. It was jaw dropping funny.

[@YAMISOOLD2009]

That was great. Loved the impressions and loved the little song and dance too. The definitive Riddler. He was goofy yet menacing.

[@rudfil]

The greatest impressionist

[@JoyceTaylor1964]

Not only was he a good impressionist, he has the facial expressions when he gets into the character...

[@victorwadsworth821]

Meet him in North Hollywood in the 90's, great guy.

[@RayfieldA]

I always found it interesting that the Riddler laughed just as much, if not More than the Joker on that old show!!

[@crow672008]

This is awesome. One of my favorite villians from Batman. He was so talented.

[@TheMrgaztop]

I remember this geea when I was a kid, Class Pure Class

[@5815121]

Brilliant.

[@GoweHipHop]

Incredible.

[@mfbinc]

including all the Marvel films.....frank gorshin's Riddler is still the greatest super villain ever on tv or film!

[@MAA8772]

A tv classic moment!!

[@Ramubay]

Gorshin's Riddler is his impression of Richard Widmark as Tommy Udo in Kiss of Death, one of Gorshin's first impressions in the 50s where he mimicked Widmark's insane evil laugh.

[@DadJeff-jo7pm]

Jim Carey tried to replicate the Success/Persona of Edward Nigma aka the Riddler, which Frank Gorshin had set the bar so high as to never be surpassed. Or equalled, IMHO, Gorshin had so much fun with the role and made it look/appear Entirely Natural. The part Suited him to a T!

[@brianmason8205]

He was brilliant

[@anibalcesarnishizk2205]

Had the riddler been in the university he'd passed all the exams.He knew the answers even before he was asked.

[@CandiceJoergan]

Talk about talent. Wow.

[@commanderkeen3787]

Frank Gorshin, triple threat

[@lpdog82]

No only did he sound just like Kirk Douglas he looks like him hahahahaha , Frank was hilarious ! ! ! !

[@geniusmchaggis]

he was a fantastically nimble dancer! i love watching him. plus he was funny as fuck.

[@outrez]

Frank Gorshins' personal hairstylist, Linda, for over 20 years works in the far left corner of High Life Hair Salon on the inside corner of a strip mall(Gower Plaza) located on the North East corner of Hollywood Blvd and Gower across the street from Pep Boys. Linda has lots of pictures of her and Frank together. Linda has several celebrity clients and entertainment industry people as regulars. But call first before you decide to visit.

[@robertthomas5736]

The Dean Martin Variety Hour,Featuring Mister Frank Gorshin,as The Riddler, With The Goldiggers

[@lemaxmas]

I agree Gorshin was amazing! I don't know if Rich Little was considered the best, but rather he's just been around the longest. Frank Gorshin, Will Jordan and David Frye were my favorites.

[@budgarrison4746]

good point. I also think because television is so fragmented with diverse, specialized programming, that hurts the chance for a successful launch of a throw-back true variety show. It's hard to think of anyone with gravitas that a majority of people would tolerate as host. Matthew Broderick, perhaps, someone who has crossed over from screen to stage, etc.

[@camposwilliam62]

The only one who can come close to Frank Gorshin as The Riddler is Jim Carey! The only thing he could not emulate is his hysterical laugh! Thanks for sharing!

[@SuperJanitorguy]

I thought astin was better than carrey

[@53Humes]

You can not compare Jim Carey to Gorshin!

[@thehobbster6367]

why aren't all these great older shows on some rerun tv somewhere? why have they been put away, except for youtube?

[@michaelarvin572]

Awesome

[@easterboc1]

Yip. He was brilliant at Douglas and Lancaster. It was great to see Steiger done to. Never seen these shows. Seen Rowan and Martin Laugh in stuff when we were kids but that was a bit crap.

[@seamuswarren]

Gold!

[@copee2960]

From a time when you had too have talent.

[@HetLedie]

During the last song he was pimping hard man that was so cool

[@RSR423]

Ah yes, I seem to remember this, I think this was called entertainment, not the shit they pass off today.

[@bama1usaf]

I miss this generation

[@Cosmic86x]

Gorshin was absolutely awesome! And damn those girls are cute! :D

[@VitoAnthonyD.-ow7oo]

He was the greatest villain!

[@hihats]

boy...this just shows how bad TV is now.

[@Ravedaze.]

hihats your not wrong there!!

[@vrinda5303]

The silly shows didn't last long back then. They were cancelled after half a season or one season.

[@nzstarwarsn00b]

RIP.

[@ourochroma]

I see a lot of Gorshin in Jim Carrey

[@jackrenglish]

JUST THE GREATEST GUY...................JACK ENGLISH...WEST HOLLYWOOD

[@maxmason6053]

Frank Gorshin was amazing. His kind of talent as with the rest of the old school impressionist is a lost art. They are missed by so many. * Rod Steiger impersonation is so good, it's scary. May they all rest in peace.

[@jamesmcartney1337]

The greatest impersonator in the world

[@TomJones-op9nj]

True story…..I worked at a Shula’s steak house in the 90’s where Frank was performing….he was doing a set that was focusing on him having memory issues…problem was he actually was having issues with his memory and as a result he was kinda bombing …at the half way point he pulled me aside (humble restaurant manager that I was at that time)and asked me if I thought he was bombing ….without missing a beat I said “people love your impersonations …that’s what we all love….do that”….I poured him a cup coffee while he was chain smoking ..he looked at me and said “thanks kid”…he went on to KILL and had to do multiple encores …..when he finished he thanked me again shook my hand and went on his way (he was payed 10 grand in cash and I was the person who gave it to him….I have had several family members with dementia issues….that night I was able to help a great talent who was a bit compromised to finish his show with massive applause….it might seem silly but I was glowing with excitement knowing that I had a hand in helping a incredible talent get the recognition he needed at that moment…..I fondly remember that nite even now….he was a great talent and will be missed!!

[@maxmason6053]

@@TomJones-op9nj I read this twice it's so cool Tom. The man was an underrated legend among legends.

[@TomJones-op9nj]

@@maxmason6053 thanks man …I feel honored just to be able to share it….peace and love

[@maxmason6053]

@@TomJones-op9nj Likewise. Cheers.

[@lynneforsyth8231]

I'm back here 2020..to reminisce about my Dad laughing his head off at Frank Gorshin's impressions...happy days ♥️

[@jm1657]

🌈❤️

[@jediknightgeo]

Without a doubt The Riddler would not be as famous today if it weren't for Mr. Frank Gorshin and his outstanding performance of him in the Batman '66 television show. If I'm correct (and please correct me if I'm wrong) Riddler only appeared in the comics a total of 3 times before Frank portrayed him and Riddler's popularity absolutely skyrocketed. Thank you for that Mr. Gorshin. R.I.P

[@rhagedorn]

His Burt Lancaster impression was incredible. He even had the famous grin perfect.

[@Omnihil777]

His Rod Steiger was awesome too, these typical corners of the mouth

[@liverush24]

I'll never watch "The Swimmer" in the same way again.

[@carolnahigian9518]

Amen

[@maxmason6053]

@@liverush24 Hahaaaa... used to be my favorite Lancaster movie. Nobody has ever nailed Rod Steiger this perfect.

[@javerygmailcom1212]

That Kirk Douglas in insanity!!!!! Look and voice are perfect!!!!!

[@taggett666]

You will never replace this generation of entertainers. They are just not the same.

[@lucientintenebris7331]

Robert Taggett They were geniuses. Simply put. Creative ones at that also.

[@ogrebattle22763]

+Robert Taggett Could not have said it any better.... today's entertainers couldn't hold a candle to guys like this from years ago...

[@johnnynoirman]

Yes--Never!

[@thetruthis9]

yeah because more talented non-white entertainers are allowed on tv more often...

[@ampofoboadi]

I think you must have to be of that generation to get the humor. I didn't get it. But I am sure he was popular in his time. I am of the opinion Good humor transcends generations

[@JDCalabrese]

No one playing the Riddled could beat Frank Gorshin. Jim Carrey got close but not close enough. All time favorite Riddler and one of the most impressive impressionists I've ever seen.

[@mjwhiteglove2723]

Schlock Snob You dissing my "it's complicated" Cory Michael Smith?

[@GalaxyJazzGirl]

I think Jim based HIS Ridder off Frank's Riddler. Both naturally hyper. Though Frank was a absolute chick magnet when HE was the riddler. XD

[@cungcung5042]

Cory Michael Smith has been great as Riddler. But of course, Gorshin is a legendary figure in Hollywood.

[@arturdent5168]

Carey sucked

[@jonnywyattgreengreen3301]

JD Calabrese how.ture .the riddler always be my favourite Played by Frank...loved is video....Frank laugh is prefect ....

[@BobAndersonMusic]

I did Frank's TV show pilot called, "Frank's Place" it was so great working with him. He then went to Broadway and never shot the series. There will never be a better character impressionist than Frank Gorshin. He was an actual genius.

[@moviedeeva]

This man was brilliant. I remember him mainly for that crazy Riddler laugh, but he was an excellent impressionist. If anyone can locate the clip of him doing Jack Nicholson, PLEASE upload it!

[@TimeStrider]

Amazing talent! His Brando and Kirk Douglas impressions were incredible.

[@nelsonwalker7105]

His kirk douglas voice was terrific

[@ivettek3190]

rip frank gorshin. the best riddler ever

[@timdaughte]

A lot of impressionists use props or costumes to complete the look. This guy does it all with his face. Amazing.

[@STR82DVD]

Total respect. Unbelievable talent.

[@robertleslie2467]

Frank Gorshin and Dean Martin. What entertainers. What talent. I grew up watching such shows. Those days are gone. And so is the entertainment and talent.

[@PaulWallis]

Frank Gorshin - Genius. Force of nature! So grateful that he was on the scene in an era that loved to showcase his kind of talent. Vale!

[@jaimeacosta6846]

Always personally thought he was the best impressionist ever seen! He is missed!

[@assignmentearth2899]

Freakin' great! Loved Gorshin. As someone said here, no question he made The Riddler what it became. From the back of the bargain basement bin to a real headliner, A list villain now. Gorshin did that! My favorite guest on the show ever.

[@liverush24]

How he manages to make his mouth look like both Burt Lancaster's & Kirk Douglas's, when he himself looks nothing like them in reality.

[@user-sp8eb6iz7f]

I saw Gorshin in 1980 in Dallas, he always dressed so well. He did Burt Lancaster better then Burt Lancaster. Miss you!

[@doppelbanger5797]

i saw him in dallas november 1963

[@user-sp8eb6iz7f]

doppel banger The Riddler was popularized by Frank Gorshin’s Emmy-nominated portrayal in the 1960s Batman television series. Jim Carrey played the Riddler in the 1995 film Batman Forever with Gorshin as his inspiration.

[@lyilux]

Frank was an amazeing talent and a nice guy as well.He treated everyone with respect and warmth and ,what a memory!! RIP Frank.

[@russocomedy]

Genius speaks for itself...Nuff said.....

[@davehowe7332]

I grew up watching him he is surely one of a kind, never will be in one like him again.

[@popper666]

It's amazing what passed for "entertainment" back in the day. Gorshin was one of the all-time great impersonators and impressionists.

[@bloodtimemaximusfullthrott226]

pop per no, it is amazing the shit that passes for entertainment today

[@JC-yb3zb]

"good old days" fallacy

[@JC-yb3zb]

@RobMacRay I have no idea what a cultural marxist is, but it sounds like a great buzz word when you have no real argument. You should look up the definition of "golden age fallacy". It doesn't mean your argument is wrong or right, it's essentially a lament for the "good old days". Also, claiming propaganda and proving it are two very different things.

[@JC-yb3zb]

@RobMacRay No straw man argument from me...unless you have your own definition. Still waiting for proof of your claim.

[@BeeBeeCJr]

@@JC-yb3zb Tired of these “good ol days” clowns, honestly. As if the best of humanity can be found looking backwards. Clowns.

[@7Lukibi99Tore7]

I never knew that Frank Gorshin was a very good dancer. Like most people, I only knew that he was a very good actor and that he did superb impersonations of famous celebrities.

[@cawsofattitude]

that was excellent best part was just watching frank gorshin as the riddler without thinkling about it r.i.p dean martin and frank gorshin

[@NomadicBrian]

Frank Gorshin was a lot of fun. I was glued to the set when the Batman series was new. Same Bat time. Same Bat Channel. He played the Riddler perfectly.

[@lynnturman8157]

Wow. Never heard anybody do Rod Steiger before. And he nailed it!

[@williampaulbeaugruendler7901]

Lynn Turman David Frye does Steiger pretty spot-on!

[@waynej2608]

Yep! He does a great L.J. Cobb, too.

[@MrMferg240]

frye does a much better steiger.

[@JoseMorales-lw5nt]

If you ever have the chance, check out Mr. Gorshin work his spot-on impressions during his appearance on THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW when The Beatles first showed up. He was booked on that famous night and did a great bit. Pretty prophetic, considering it was about celebrities becoming Presidents. His mastery of facial impressions and vocal inflections were second to none 🇵🇷🇺🇸😎

[@vincekuznicki3094]

the entertainers back then were and still are the greatest to ever exist.

[@Batflecks]

Probably the best pre-Nolan DC casting ever.

[@QShaque]

He looked like Richard Widmark with a dash of kirk douglas.

[@arnoldarnoldr5114]

Exactly. Should just stick to impressions.

[@jacquelinesternberg8461]

A keen observation! Yeah, Gorshin was not a bad looking guy... and extremely talented and gifted. Miss him... and all those fabulous entertainers of that bygone era, who had PERSONALITY instead of pure snark.

[@PalaniRides]

I see a little Jerry Reed also ... or vice versa. ;)

[@mog398]

Sure would prefer that this guy's voiced was used for the Arkham Games :(

[@cathleenberreie9768]

He was so good...loved his impersonations!

[@iconaclastor]

Frank was so much in character when he was doing his parts. His maniacal laugh was worth watching a Batman episode. I saw him perform here in Reno at the Peppermill Casino about 5 years back and he was doing his impresions and it was a great show. He looked good for his age. It seems that alot of comedians age well because of their laughter.

[@EmbreeWalkerII]

Other than myself, how many remember that Dean had a show that was not only good but funny. And because it was Dean Martin, his guests were top drawer.

[@lindashelley3635]

Embree Walker II As a Brit, I only ever knew (and loved) Dean as a singer because we never got these shows over here. But I have recently discovered them on You tube and have come to appreciate what a great comedian he was as well, and now I am a bigger fan than ever.

[@michaelmccartney8506]

Being an ex Pat Brit 2 Canada. I was overjoyed as a 12 year old in 1976 w all the great camp Yankee tele.From then grey and damp England. From this to Hollywood squares Gilligan island. The Rockford files you name it. It was colourful and fantastic. The U.S. gets mercilessly slagged of by higher than mighty Brits and its not founded on fact. I digress

[@GalaxyJazzGirl]

XD Frank JUST threw himself into Riddler-mode! "Frank: Riddle me this: What do you call a sleeping bull? ^-^. Answer: A bulldozer!!!!! Lol!!!!' XD"

[@zpmovies]

Just AWESOME! You just do NOT see performers like this anymore!

[@bgarri57]

Great actor. Great dancer. Great impressionist. TV was so much better in the 'old days.' Now if I can only find the autographed photo I have of him...

[@susanmurphy958]

Love the bimbos, too Ben Garrison as well as Frank Gorshin.

[@nemo227]

Great actor? Yes, an unheralded actor who probably could have achieved great acting fame. I was impressed with some of his monologues on TV.

[@Frankincensedjb123]

The consummate performer: act, dance, sing, jokes. Masterful. He was my favorite Batman character. I think I tuned in as much for him as I did for Batman.

[@marylawson6060]

What a time I had growing up. Everyone could watch the good old shows. Respect and morals.

[@3rdPR]

lololololololol

[@11Bravo19D]

Remember all the Christmas variety specials during the Holiday season.

[@marylawson6060]

@@11Bravo19D What I remember most was Bob Hope with our military and bringing a bit of home for them. People were more caring and different back then.

[@tomault3063]

Morals? A constant barrage of jokes about drunkeness and fornication. And complaints about their wives/marriages. Sheesh

[@marylawson6060]

@@tomault3063 What are you watching?

[@brainsareus]

those chicks were heavenly

[@RonWylie-gk5lc]

This is history, it;s a record of how wonderful he was

[@paul1242]

I grew up in the 60's and loved watching Batman as a kid. This is the first time I've seen this clip and I have even more respect now for Frank Gorshin's talent. .

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

He was a talented guy.

[@ediekoller2636]

Frank Gorshin was great ..they don't make people like him or Rich Little anymore...

[@theforestero]

To Dean Martin''What do you call a Sleeping Bull?..A BullDozer''...^ _

[@tuttt99]

Whoever thought that clean jokes could be so funny?

[@KairuHakubi]

You KNOW you are great when you share a role with john astin and he isn't the better one

[@mjolden]

That was an amazing Brando!

[@Realpoweronearth]

total first class this is a classic his impressions are spot on this guy was so talented and the best batman villain

[@maladypond]

That maniacal giggle/cackle at the end gets me every time!

[@GalaxyJazzGirl]

Ha yea me to! He served in the army in the Special Services when he was alive! - Salute - 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸