Remembering Bob Hastings (1925-2014)

Bob Hastings, famous film, TV, and radio character actor, has died at the age of 89. He passed away at his home in Burbank, California on Monday after a long battle with prostate cancer.

Born in Brooklyn in 1925, Hastings began his career at the young age of 11, appearing on several serial radio programs, including NBC’s “Coast-to-Coast on a Bus.” After serving as a B-29 navigator during World War II, Hastings moved to television in 1949. Generally only appearing in a small number of episodes per show, Hastings’ ridiculously-extensive career included roles on Green Acres; Gunsmoke; Car 54, Where Are You?; General Hospital; The Dukes of Hazzard; and Dennis the Menace. He also had a major role on McHale’s Navy, and recurring roles on The Phil Silvers Show and All in the Family.

However, we at BubbleBlabber will remember him most for his voice work. Most notably, Hastings provided the voice of Commissioner Gordon in cartoons like Batman: The Animated Series, Superman: The Animated Series, The New Batman Adventures, Gotham Girls, and several video games. He was also the voice of The Raven on The Munsters, Superboy on The New Adventures of Superboy, D.D. on Hanna-Barbera’s Clue Club, and Henry Glopp on Jeannie (not to be confused with I Dream of Jeannie, a show he once appeared in, or the Twilight Zone episode “I Dream of Genie,” in which he also starred.)

Hastings is survived by two daughters, two sons, 10 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and legions of people that have been touched by one or more of his countless and endearing roles.