Batgirl Yvonne Craig Dies At 78

Yvonne Craig, best known for her role as Batgirl in the classic 1960s series of ‘Batman’, has died at the age of 78.

According to a spokesperson, she died surrounded by her family at her home in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles.

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She’d been suffering breast cancer which had then spread to her liver.

Craig was originally a ballet dancer before making the move to acting, and was a member of the corps de ballet of the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo in the 50s.

She began the move towards acting in 1957, going on to star in a number of movies, including two with Elvis Presley, 'It Happened At The World’s Fair’ in 1963, and then 'Kissin’ Cousins’ in 1964.

She also appeared in 'In Like Flint’ with James Coburn, and episodes of 'Star Trek’, 'The Man From U.N.C.L.E.’ and 'Fantasy Island’.

But it was for her role in 'Batman’ that she became best known, playing Batgirl, the alter-ego of Barbara Gordon, the unassuming librarian daughter of Commissioner Gordon.

Craig is survived by husband Kenneth Aldrich, a sister, Meridel Carson, and nephews Christopher and Todd Carson.

Image credits: Rex Features