Only the faithful Alfred knows...
The character of Alfred Pennyworth, Bruce Wayne's oldest and dearest friend, was first introduced in Batman # 16 in May of 1943. And long before he was brought to the screen by Alan Napier, Michael Gough and Michael Caine there were two other very distinguished actors who started it all...
William Austin
Born: June 12, 1884
Died: June 15, 1975
In addition to being the screen's very first Alfred in 1943's Batman 15 chapter serial he also appeared in such films as Alice in Wonderland, National Velvet and The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. Between 1920 and 1947 he appeared in 89 films. As the screen's first Alfred he could be seen driving for Bruce and Dick when they are in and out of costume. In this story, Alfred is used quite a bit. He goes undercover for Batman and Robin a few times and even attempts to aid them during a few fights.
Eric Wilton
Born: November 6, 1882
Died: February 23, 1957
The screen's second Alfred came in 1949's Batman and Robin serial. While his role is slightly smaller than in the previous serial he is still featured quite often. He can be seen wearing the Batman costume himself in order to throw some criminals off the track after they begin to believe that Bruce Wayne is Batman. His other film credits include Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, The Dragon Murder Case, The Count of Monte Cristo, Meet Nero Wolfe, After the Thin Man, Gaslight and National Velvet (yes he and William Austin appeared in a film together). On television he made guest appearances on "The Millioniare" and "The Gale Storm Show." His career spanned from 1928 until his death in 1957 and included over 200 films.
In Memoriam Remembers:
William Austin & Eric Wilton
William Austin
Born: June 12, 1884
Died: June 15, 1975
In addition to being the screen's very first Alfred in 1943's Batman 15 chapter serial he also appeared in such films as Alice in Wonderland, National Velvet and The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. Between 1920 and 1947 he appeared in 89 films. As the screen's first Alfred he could be seen driving for Bruce and Dick when they are in and out of costume. In this story, Alfred is used quite a bit. He goes undercover for Batman and Robin a few times and even attempts to aid them during a few fights.
Eric Wilton
Born: November 6, 1882
Died: February 23, 1957
The screen's second Alfred came in 1949's Batman and Robin serial. While his role is slightly smaller than in the previous serial he is still featured quite often. He can be seen wearing the Batman costume himself in order to throw some criminals off the track after they begin to believe that Bruce Wayne is Batman. His other film credits include Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, The Dragon Murder Case, The Count of Monte Cristo, Meet Nero Wolfe, After the Thin Man, Gaslight and National Velvet (yes he and William Austin appeared in a film together). On television he made guest appearances on "The Millioniare" and "The Gale Storm Show." His career spanned from 1928 until his death in 1957 and included over 200 films.
In Memoriam Remembers:
William Austin & Eric Wilton
