Search icon

Celebrity

19th Aug 2015

The Original Batgirl Yvonne Craig Has Passed Away

Sad news today

Megan Cassidy

Television’s original Batgirl, Yvonne Craig, has passed away this week aged 78. 

In a touching tribute, her family confirmed the news that she died at her California home following a two year battle with breast cancer.

SEACAUCUS, NJ - JULY 9:  Yvonne Craig attends Hollywood Collectors Show on July 9, 1995 at the Meadowlands Hilton Hotel in Seacaucus, New Jersey. (Photo by Ron Galella, Ltd./WireImage)
Yvonne passed away aged 78. 

They said in the statement: “She had been in chemo almost continuously for the past two plus years since being diagnosed and that had weakened her immune system as well as her body.

“This didn’t dampen her sense of humor or her spirit, she intended to fight and win this battle. In the end, her mind still wanted to fight but her body had given up.”

American actress Yvonne Craig as Batgirl/Barbara Gordon in the TV series 'Batman', circa 1967. Craig is holding her pet Yorkshire Terrier, Sebastian. (Photo by Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images)
The star joined the Batman cast in 1967. 

The actress originated the Batgirl role in the 1960s Batman television series.

Yvonne was a trained dancer and did all her own stunts, and described the character as “very close to who I am”.

LOS ANGELES -  OCTOBER 11, 1957: Actress Yvonne Craig attends the Deb Star Ball in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Earl Leaf/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Yvonne was an accomplished ballerina. 

In her later years, she worked as a real estate broker and did voiceover work.

Her sister, Meridel Carson, told CNN: “She was one special lady and my best friend, so will be missed terribly.”