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Show FRANK GORSHIN The Riddler Changed My Life 30 miHion people. by Dick Hughes Four years, five movies, 60 television guest shots and innumerable personal appearances later the public has finaUy found out wio is Frank Gorshin? Hjs a man who can do more HOLLYWOOD.... If it had been done in a film in the thirties the young mans acting would have made that picture a classic. But it was done on 'The Defenders some time television. back a classic. on The young man played a very talented comedian -- impersonator who loses himself in the world of the famous stars he impersonates and winds up turning killer and so destroying himself. But I missed the credits of episode and that 'Defender briUiant the out never found I realized Then actors name. with also star him seen I had Steve Allen on television, but I couldnt rememb.er his still name. Then Frank Gorshin played the part of The Riddler on 'Batman." Now it seems everybody knows his name. As Gorshin explains it, The Riddler changed my life completely." The reaction was immediate, added his press agent, which you can take or leave, but Frank Gorshin s nightclub salary doubled after his appearance on the first Batman" episodes seen by the public. In Batmans sucGorshin cessful first was featured four times on the show. 'I was afraid The Riddler would overshadow me as a personality," said Gorshin, who can pass for a EdcoUege kid as weU as aging 'But G. ward he didnt. The part became a springboard. Before, people used to say You know, that marvelous guy, Ive seen him a thousand times. Whats his name? Now Gorshin is a guest star half-seas- on you-know-w- ho. things better than almost anybody said a friendly in HoUywood, He critic. sings, he dances, he acts, he jokes, he impersonates It was stiU other people. Hes unbelievable, really. And yet its aUtrue. The latest sample of Gorshin s talent is an A&M Records release written by Mel Torme for Gorshin called The Riddler. You may not enjoy it, but the kiddies are going to love it. t a hysterical lunatic laugh Gorshin riddles, Whats the difference between an elephant and a flea? An elephant can have elefleas, but a flea cant have phants." Awright, you're so much more talented, why aint you rich? In whose name has a pull of its own on television and draws them in at the Latin Quarter and Copa in New York, the Riviera in Palm Vegas and the Chi Chi in Springs. Although he has drawn raves for his impersonations of Kirk Douglas, Cagney and Edward G., who says 'That boy gets right inside the characters he impersonates, not just inside their voices, Gorshin adds, "I dont want to be pegged as primarily an impersonator. Thats because hes not. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Gorshin wanted to act from the time he entered high school. He trained in drama at Carnegie Tech, went to Hollywood and did everything but act. The man with a rubber voice and rubber face got his first nightclub in break in a dime-siof disappointL.A. after a year ments. A week after he opened Steve Allen caught the show. Two weeks later Frank Gorshin was of doing the same act in front ze FRANK GORSHIN G 11 |