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Madge Blake

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Madge Blake (b. 31 May, 1899 - d. 19 February, 1969) was an American character actress most famous for her role as Aunt Harriet Cooper on the Batman TV series of the 1960s.

In addition to her role as Aunt Harriet Cooper on Batman, her other well-known roles include a semi-regular part as Larry Mondello's mother on Leave It to Beaver (1957), gushy gossip columnist Dora Bailey in Singin' in the Rain (1952) and as one of the models for the fairies in Disney's animated version of Sleeping Beauty (1959).

Declining health saw her role as Aunt Harriet reduced and with the introduction of Batgirl in the third and final series of Batman she only appeared in the first episode of that season Ring around the Riddler as a guest role. She passed away of a heart attack in 1969, not long after the series was cancelled.

Trivia

At one point, the producers of Batman wanted to fire Madge Blake for unknown reasons. Adam West, with whom she'd become friends, stood up for her and she kept her job. The next day, he found a freshly baked cake in his dressing room. To this day, West considers that one of the greatest compliments he's ever been paid.

Selected Filmography