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Boy Wonder: My Life in Tights
As Robin, the Boy Wonder in the popular "Batman" television series -- still seen in every television U.S. and abroad -- Burt Ward has become a durable cult figure recognized the world over. In his describes how a 21-year-old former part-time real estate agent coped with the overnight transition to world-wide recognizable male sex symbol.
300 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1995
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
August 27, 2013
This book read exactly as you would expect it to. Camp and full of innuendo. It really lives up to Batman legend. No matter what I read I still love Burt Ward (And Robin). I still enjoy the TV show today (which probably says alot about my sense of humour. This book was trashy, gossipy and self-aggrandizing...But I loved it! Of course it has to be taken with a pinch of salt but what autobiography doesn't? Ward isn't the best writer in the world but he succeeds in entertaining. All the behind-the-scenes info and secrets about Adam West were very interesting to me. I should add I still love Adam West, no matter what bad light Ward writes him in. One final note: This is not as scandalous and shocking as the cover proclaims. Well at least by my standards anyway...
HOLY SHARK REPELLENT SPRAY BATMAN!
HOLY SHARK REPELLENT SPRAY BATMAN!
October 12, 2016
Possibly one of the worst books I have ever read.
As a BATMAN 1966-68 TV show fan (a big fan), I was looking forward to some behind the scenes anecdotes of Burt Ward who played Robin, The Boy Wonder. The readers gets a short pre-Batman bio and then gets few and far between looks behind the scenes of the show or even Ward's encounters with the great stars who played the guest villains. Instead, and this was to be expected from the cover of the book, the reader gets his numerous over inflated (so to speak) tales of his sexual conquests with women of all ages during the show and after. Ward loves to describe his marathon sessions of sex with girls and the size of his member. The length of these sessions and the details described defy even a comic book scenario of exaggeration. You are even treated to Adam West tales where they go to a nudist colony or share a bed with nubile fans. And you are treated to paragraphs ending in HOLY BOA CONSTRICTOR! or HOLY LEGS AKIMBO! Oh boy ...
Ward concludes his tome with a section on his newest marriage to a very rich woman and his children and grand children. And the HOLY MOST TASTELESS is saved for last when he he and his wife award each other trophies with plaques commending each on certain attributes both physical and emotional. Ward's to his wife describes her private parts. My reaction to this and the read? HOLY FIREPLACE KINDLE
As a BATMAN 1966-68 TV show fan (a big fan), I was looking forward to some behind the scenes anecdotes of Burt Ward who played Robin, The Boy Wonder. The readers gets a short pre-Batman bio and then gets few and far between looks behind the scenes of the show or even Ward's encounters with the great stars who played the guest villains. Instead, and this was to be expected from the cover of the book, the reader gets his numerous over inflated (so to speak) tales of his sexual conquests with women of all ages during the show and after. Ward loves to describe his marathon sessions of sex with girls and the size of his member. The length of these sessions and the details described defy even a comic book scenario of exaggeration. You are even treated to Adam West tales where they go to a nudist colony or share a bed with nubile fans. And you are treated to paragraphs ending in HOLY BOA CONSTRICTOR! or HOLY LEGS AKIMBO! Oh boy ...
Ward concludes his tome with a section on his newest marriage to a very rich woman and his children and grand children. And the HOLY MOST TASTELESS is saved for last when he he and his wife award each other trophies with plaques commending each on certain attributes both physical and emotional. Ward's to his wife describes her private parts. My reaction to this and the read? HOLY FIREPLACE KINDLE
January 15, 2019
Michael Keaton and the animated series have the best true to form Batmans in my opinion, but the cheesy, camp-tastic Adam West batman series will always have a special place in my heart. You can't watch an episode of that show and not smile at lines like "We've come a long way from the Prime Minister's exploding cake. Or have we?"
Hunting down Burt Ward's memoir of his life during the series run was pretty difficult since it's out of print and the few copies being exchanged are very expensive, but the reason for the limited quantity and the poor ratings became very apparent after blowing through the book in two sittings. Burt Warn can spin a yarn and has no qualms about scandalizing his costars and fans, but he is also an obnoxious liar. This didn't spoil it for me though. I personally loved his self aggrandizing stories that had nothing to do with the show and his constant references to his dick because it was the kind of high camp that feels in line with the essence of the series that birthed his fame.
He dishes the most shit on his best friend and more famous co-star, Adam West, but West's supposed diva behavior and dirty dad jokes were kind of fabulous in their own way, so I've not lost any respect.
Some gems from his life in tights:
-Apparently his penis was so large that even cups and tucks couldn't provide proper coverage for his bulge and all the studios were in an uproar to keep his crotch shots kid friendly. They sent a doctor to the set with penis shrinking pills for Burt and he only took them once and threw them all out the next day.
-Burt describes his dream house as so eye catching and unique that people passing through would stop by almost daily begging for a tour and even offering money
-He gets involved in an 8-way with a group of young, gorgeous prostitutes he mistook for highschool students celebrating post-prom. He uses his fingers, toes, hands, and tongue to give everyone a go at once. Yes, Jay Cartwright from Inbetweeners was right, you can fuck a girl with your toe.
-He invites Adam West to watch him make love to his french girlfriend using chocolate pudding and nut topping. He has to wave off West from encroaching on their space several times.
-Right after a chapter where he describes accepting an offer from Penthouse to shoot a sexual fantasy story layout where a costumed reverse gender rape fantasy plays out, he claims he was raped by an attractive hill billy out in the Bayou during an autograph tour. Classy.
-80% of his described sexual conquests end with the girl being a psycho or revealing some really bizarre, straight out of left field behavior that gives him an out to never see him again. I'm talking girls that brandish butcher knives and chase him through the house, girls that wield an ax in wait for him, girls that drink blood, and girls that reveal they....gasp! bisexual. But you know, he's such a nice guy so he only left them after a roll in the hay because they threatened his values or life.
-He claims him and Adam West were so popular with female fans of the show during the peak of their fame that women would often orgasm without even being touched as long as they were in their requested batman and robin costumes.
Hunting down Burt Ward's memoir of his life during the series run was pretty difficult since it's out of print and the few copies being exchanged are very expensive, but the reason for the limited quantity and the poor ratings became very apparent after blowing through the book in two sittings. Burt Warn can spin a yarn and has no qualms about scandalizing his costars and fans, but he is also an obnoxious liar. This didn't spoil it for me though. I personally loved his self aggrandizing stories that had nothing to do with the show and his constant references to his dick because it was the kind of high camp that feels in line with the essence of the series that birthed his fame.
He dishes the most shit on his best friend and more famous co-star, Adam West, but West's supposed diva behavior and dirty dad jokes were kind of fabulous in their own way, so I've not lost any respect.
Some gems from his life in tights:
-Apparently his penis was so large that even cups and tucks couldn't provide proper coverage for his bulge and all the studios were in an uproar to keep his crotch shots kid friendly. They sent a doctor to the set with penis shrinking pills for Burt and he only took them once and threw them all out the next day.
-Burt describes his dream house as so eye catching and unique that people passing through would stop by almost daily begging for a tour and even offering money
-He gets involved in an 8-way with a group of young, gorgeous prostitutes he mistook for highschool students celebrating post-prom. He uses his fingers, toes, hands, and tongue to give everyone a go at once. Yes, Jay Cartwright from Inbetweeners was right, you can fuck a girl with your toe.
-He invites Adam West to watch him make love to his french girlfriend using chocolate pudding and nut topping. He has to wave off West from encroaching on their space several times.
-Right after a chapter where he describes accepting an offer from Penthouse to shoot a sexual fantasy story layout where a costumed reverse gender rape fantasy plays out, he claims he was raped by an attractive hill billy out in the Bayou during an autograph tour. Classy.
-80% of his described sexual conquests end with the girl being a psycho or revealing some really bizarre, straight out of left field behavior that gives him an out to never see him again. I'm talking girls that brandish butcher knives and chase him through the house, girls that wield an ax in wait for him, girls that drink blood, and girls that reveal they....gasp! bisexual. But you know, he's such a nice guy so he only left them after a roll in the hay because they threatened his values or life.
-He claims him and Adam West were so popular with female fans of the show during the peak of their fame that women would often orgasm without even being touched as long as they were in their requested batman and robin costumes.
April 1, 2011
Holy dirty laundry, Batman! We're not in Gotham City anymore...
This book is NOT FOR CHILDREN!
It is a good and fast read. As a memoir, it is light-weight at best. However, if titillation is what you're after, you'll get it here to the max! This book is mostly about the sexual exploits of TV's Boy Wonder, Burt Ward, and Adam West.
IMHO, another VERY appropriate title for this book would have been, ROBIN: The Sex Life Of A Bird.
Read it if you like. It's definitely an eye-opener....You won't be able to put it down.
This book is NOT FOR CHILDREN!
It is a good and fast read. As a memoir, it is light-weight at best. However, if titillation is what you're after, you'll get it here to the max! This book is mostly about the sexual exploits of TV's Boy Wonder, Burt Ward, and Adam West.
IMHO, another VERY appropriate title for this book would have been, ROBIN: The Sex Life Of A Bird.
Read it if you like. It's definitely an eye-opener....You won't be able to put it down.
February 10, 2015
In 1966 Burt Ward won the role of a lifetime playing Robin on the mega-hit television series, Batman. Ward was married at the time, but not for long. He was not a drinker and never took drugs, but the sex was plentiful. Women clamored to be with him and his co-star, Adam West, and they both answered the call, again and again.
HOLY FORNICATION, BATMAN!
This is a tell all, and believe me, he does tell all. And in some cases, in graphic detail.
HOLY FORNICATION, BATMAN!
This is a tell all, and believe me, he does tell all. And in some cases, in graphic detail.
March 23, 2008
Super trashy. More frank than the Adam West book.
September 25, 2024
While reading this I felt like I was sitting across from Burt Ward reliving his glory years over some beers. The book is mostly a highlight reel of his sexploits, with some behind the scenes Batman TV show anecdotes. Funny and campy just as you would expect from the Boy Wonder
Read
July 31, 2011I've already said quite a bit about this book. Let me just say that it is the most delightfully campily sleazy book I've read in a long time. Burt Ward doesn't come off looking quite as demented as, say, Bob Crane (another '60s TV star and sex addict), partly because Burt settles down (rather boringly and disappointingly) to domesticity at the end. But Adam West comes off looking like an emotionally stunted jerk and an unrepentant user. Someone needs to do a comparative study of the psychological effects on actors of playing superheroes. Ben Affleck managed to blunt the effects of his embarrassingly flabby and chinless portrayal of Daredevil by delving into George Reeves' psyche when he portrayed him in "Hollywoodland." But, I mean, Reeves himself, Christopher Reeve, Robert Downey Jr., Lynda Carter—there's probably a whole book to be written. Meanwhile, I ask fellow readers this question: is there, anywhere, a sleazier Hollywood memoir than "Boy Wonder"—or at least one where the gap between the wholesomeness of the public persona and the sleaziness of the personal life is so profound? If so, tell me.
April 4, 2011
There is a lot of good in this book. The Old Hollywood style special effects are extremely interesting. Ward being forced to do his own stunts when West was not because Ward's work was actually cheaper than a stunt double accompanied by the dangerous nature of the effects used those days--involving dynamite and untrained tigers being in the same shot as an actor--are exciting. The stilted method of West's delivery--think Shatner if you're unfamiliar with the show--was actually a proven method of upstaging other actors in early television, which is very interesting. In spite of that, Ward and West were apparently good friends, if a little closer than usual.
Which brings me to what I hate about the book: the inclusion of [hopefully exaggerated] sixties sexcapades. Borderline misogynistic, Ward refers to sleeping with BatFans as the ultimate autograph. The descriptions of nudist colonies might be funny, but the inclusion of three-ways, fantasy role play, and the like is unnecessary and practically pornographic. I found it annoying and not at all what I wanted from the book.
Which brings me to what I hate about the book: the inclusion of [hopefully exaggerated] sixties sexcapades. Borderline misogynistic, Ward refers to sleeping with BatFans as the ultimate autograph. The descriptions of nudist colonies might be funny, but the inclusion of three-ways, fantasy role play, and the like is unnecessary and practically pornographic. I found it annoying and not at all what I wanted from the book.
July 9, 2014
This was alright. It was amusing in spots. The Batman and Robin of the lovable sixties show were impossibly wholesome characters that multiple generations are familiar with. Burt Ward's tell-all reveals that he and Adam West were actually deviant poon hounds during the run of the show, and for a while after its cancelation. What's amusing is how Ward declares being a shy, conservative type, never drinking or drugging, and even refusing to cuss, while at the same time recalling fairly detailed sexual exploits and conquests. The narrative is grandiose, at times, cheesy at others. None of that bothered me, personally, because it's his tale told his way. The book breaks down into three parts, really, and the first two focus on being Robin and the impact the show had on his life. The latter part is about his new wife, and their child together. It's a quick enough read, and is interesting in that you will never be able to look at Batman and Robin the same after you know they've had group sex with BatGroupies.
March 19, 2012
This book blew my mind. I grew up watching the 1960s Batman at my grandparents' house, and have had a huge crush on Dick Grayson/Robin ever since. So when I found out Burt Ward had written an autobiography, I was totally on board.
Holy Tell-All, Batman!
I'm never going to be able to watch the show the same way again. Now, I'll forever be looking for signs that Ward was seriously injured during the shooting of an action sequence and wondering which of the extras and guest stars he slept with.
As a good read, though, it's pretty solid. He is frank and forthright, doesn't put a lot of polish on his stories. He doesn't apologize for his womanizing ways - just explains "it was the 60s and nobody knew any different." It was certainly eye-opening.
Holy Tell-All, Batman!
I'm never going to be able to watch the show the same way again. Now, I'll forever be looking for signs that Ward was seriously injured during the shooting of an action sequence and wondering which of the extras and guest stars he slept with.
As a good read, though, it's pretty solid. He is frank and forthright, doesn't put a lot of polish on his stories. He doesn't apologize for his womanizing ways - just explains "it was the 60s and nobody knew any different." It was certainly eye-opening.
July 19, 2013
If you are looking for Hollywood gossip, especially from the 60s. This is the book to read. Lots of dirt on people, great memories of the show Batman, and sex. Oh, there is lots and lots of sex. It made it almost awkward to read.
There were times when this book seemed to repeat itself. I am not sure if it was all just the same stuff being said over and over again or I was imagining it. It was like "sex, talk, sex, talk, sex".
Adam West was portrayed as this big hero, who had no emotions and an obvious sex addiction. While Burt was portrayed as an innocent who just happened to be pulled into all of this with no way of knowing how or why he got there.
There were times when this book seemed to repeat itself. I am not sure if it was all just the same stuff being said over and over again or I was imagining it. It was like "sex, talk, sex, talk, sex".
Adam West was portrayed as this big hero, who had no emotions and an obvious sex addiction. While Burt was portrayed as an innocent who just happened to be pulled into all of this with no way of knowing how or why he got there.
July 15, 2018
Burt Ward wants you to know he's had a lot of sex, and he's fantastic in the sack, too!!
The Batman trivia and anecdotes make this book a charming tell-all, but the sex scenes are banally awkward.
The Batman trivia and anecdotes make this book a charming tell-all, but the sex scenes are banally awkward.
December 8, 2025
Ward takes readers on a journey through his unexpected transformation from a 21-year-old part-time real estate agent to an overnight sensation, grappling with the challenges of becoming a male sex symbol recognized by fans worldwide. His candid reflections illuminate the complexities of fame and self-identity in an ever-watchful public eye. One thing to note: this book does not include any pictures of Burt Ward as Robin the Boy Wonder due to copyright, which is unfortunate.
In this eye-opening tell-all, Ward unveils the secrets his partner in the “dynamic duo,” Adam West, chose to omit from his, quite tame, memoir. Ward understood the assignment when he wrote this book, unlike West. Its pages overflow with melodrama, salaciousness, and “camp” elements, but that’s what makes this a fun, soapy read. This book is filled with sensational gossip, exuding a superficial charm that’s more self-indulgent than a substantive historical record of an actor’s life. It’s exactly what I expected—not dry at all. But is it all true? Well, that’s something any reader of an autobiography has to constantly question.
This book is outrageous, even ridiculous, yet—Holy Hole in a Doughnut, Batman!—I was entertained. And though some might find the frequency of seeing HOLY [WHATEVER]! throughout the book annoyingly repetitive, it gave me life!
Read my full review over on my BLOG at www.ryanlawrenceauthor.ca
In this eye-opening tell-all, Ward unveils the secrets his partner in the “dynamic duo,” Adam West, chose to omit from his, quite tame, memoir. Ward understood the assignment when he wrote this book, unlike West. Its pages overflow with melodrama, salaciousness, and “camp” elements, but that’s what makes this a fun, soapy read. This book is filled with sensational gossip, exuding a superficial charm that’s more self-indulgent than a substantive historical record of an actor’s life. It’s exactly what I expected—not dry at all. But is it all true? Well, that’s something any reader of an autobiography has to constantly question.
This book is outrageous, even ridiculous, yet—Holy Hole in a Doughnut, Batman!—I was entertained. And though some might find the frequency of seeing HOLY [WHATEVER]! throughout the book annoyingly repetitive, it gave me life!
Read my full review over on my BLOG at www.ryanlawrenceauthor.ca
January 14, 2020
In the 80s and 90s these kinds of sensational memoirs written by stars of the past were quite popular. This one is certainly a tell-all! I would have enjoyed more serious reminiscences from the Batman set but Ward was just 21 when the show began. His mind was on other things.
My favourite sections are actually the last few chapters. When Ward writes about his family life and charitable work you can tell that it’s in those areas where he is most passionate.
My favourite sections are actually the last few chapters. When Ward writes about his family life and charitable work you can tell that it’s in those areas where he is most passionate.
August 4, 2017
This book is a piece of trash from start to finish. I don't know why I wasted my time. Mostly a blow-by-blow account of Mr. Ward's sexcapades both during the Batman TV show time and during his years of public appearances afterwards. Badly written, with no linear timeline and countless stupid "HOLY _____!" interjections. Not at all recommended.
April 16, 2021
This book is trash. So disappointed in what could have been a fun look at the making of an iconic tv show. Instead there were brief looks into the tv show with trashy exploits that shouldn’t be spoken of in public. Very disappointed in Mr. Ward, who has a much better book in him than this salacious tabloid drivel.
April 13, 2024
This book was mid. I mean, there were definitely shocking revelations about what was going down on set, but there was too much filler. I'm certainly horrified by the perils of 1960s television production but equally appalled by the frequent three-sums and abuse on set. I guess the cast and crew sort of had fun filming "Batman?" Like maybe... ?
June 25, 2017
You just know from the cover and the title that this isn't going to be your standard conventional biography and you'd be right. Burt Ward who played Robin in the 1960s TV series and movie (and who did little else of substance) spills the beans on the behind the scenes antics of the show and his wayward 60s and 70s lifestyle.
What I liked most about this book was it's genuine honesty. Ward isn't afraid to tell it like it was but does obscure some names to protect the innocent. At times it gets a little racy and some readers may think he's stepping over the line of decency or just big noting himself. That might be the case but it's all told in such a cheeky style that it's hard to be too offended. The problem with a lot of biographies is they often skirt around things and paint a rosey past free of wrongdoings or scandal. So Ward's honesty is refreshing.
It wasn't easy for him after the success of Batman. He and Adam West were typecast and work was hard to come by. Voice work and the odd acting role didn't pay the bills so he often found himself at car dealerships as Robin, signing autographs and posing for photos. Ward writes about this part of his life with good humour and it too wasn't free of scandal.
It's a fun read if you don't mind the naughtiness. As a fan of the series (which I'm currenlty re-watching) it was funny to read about those on-set antics. I'm keen now to read a copy of Adam West's biography to see how it compares.
Recommended for fans of the series.
What I liked most about this book was it's genuine honesty. Ward isn't afraid to tell it like it was but does obscure some names to protect the innocent. At times it gets a little racy and some readers may think he's stepping over the line of decency or just big noting himself. That might be the case but it's all told in such a cheeky style that it's hard to be too offended. The problem with a lot of biographies is they often skirt around things and paint a rosey past free of wrongdoings or scandal. So Ward's honesty is refreshing.
It wasn't easy for him after the success of Batman. He and Adam West were typecast and work was hard to come by. Voice work and the odd acting role didn't pay the bills so he often found himself at car dealerships as Robin, signing autographs and posing for photos. Ward writes about this part of his life with good humour and it too wasn't free of scandal.
It's a fun read if you don't mind the naughtiness. As a fan of the series (which I'm currenlty re-watching) it was funny to read about those on-set antics. I'm keen now to read a copy of Adam West's biography to see how it compares.
Recommended for fans of the series.
May 18, 2019
It's a great book.
January 19, 2020
Extremely interesting. I couldn't put it down. I was a huge fan of the 66' show as a kid so this was a very interesting read. I know that I'll never be able to view the show the same way ever again!
August 7, 2021
The Amorous Adventures of Robin
January 14, 2022
A very entertaining autobiography. 100% not for kids though!
March 15, 2023
I'll never watch another episode of Batman and Robin in the same way- it's so hard to believe the boy wonder was so 'adventurous'. Interesting life!
September 28, 2025
not great, mainly just batman themed porn so four stars because HOT
March 20, 2024
Holy stuffed sausage Batman!
Who doesn’t want to hear Robin The Boy Wonder brag about the size of his junk?
Who doesn’t want to hear Robin The Boy Wonder brag about the size of his junk?
March 21, 2021
Corny…that's the only word that comes to mind reading this sophomoric 'tell-all' As a fan of the show while I was growing up, I thought this might be a great read. I knew what it was about but was just not prepared for such an embarrassingly trite book. On one hand I want to say he was kind in his Batman-esque corny retelling of many supposed events over the series run, his conquests, his groin landing him in hospital on at lest two occasions-one due to the f/x gone wrong on the show's pilot, the other you'll have to read later in the book.
All in all-I don't know what I was thinking. This is a chick book. But I will agree with the others it's not for children even tho it'd be the most innocuous foray into sex rather than the dirty magazines most of us looked at as children. Didn't care for it.
All in all-I don't know what I was thinking. This is a chick book. But I will agree with the others it's not for children even tho it'd be the most innocuous foray into sex rather than the dirty magazines most of us looked at as children. Didn't care for it.
July 26, 2009
I can't tolerate it now, but I loved the BATMAN TV series when I was young. This is a self-indulgent autobiography by the actor who played Robin. It is gossipy, trashy, and clueless. Ward has absolutely no class for telling these stories instead of keeping them to himself. I hope he is happy that he gets his revenge on Adam West (Batman) here, because no matter how sleazy West is, Ward is worse for writing about him in this way. The second star in my review is because the book is engaging and entertaining thanks to BATMAN scripter and the ghost writer of this book, Stanley Ralph Ross. He writes very well. It was hard to give up on a book that he made enjoyable to read page by page, even while I wish he had left out so many repetitive stories. We got the point by page 75 or sooner. Ugh.
October 2, 2014
Holy crap pile, Batman. This was just bad. Boring and bad. Even when he got into the scenes of depraved sexual behavior, I was bored. I even rolled my eyes at one point...when Burt described all the problems his (purportedly) massive manhood caused on the set of Batman. Then I discover that he apparently made up a lot of stuff to make the book more interesting. Hmm, not what one typically should do with a memoir. I did not watch much of this Batman series but I do not recall being impressed with the bulge beneath Robin's belt. Seemed like a way to brag about something the audience cannot really discover for themselves, although, the way he describes himself, he may have slept with one of your older relatives at one point. Ask around.
January 29, 2008
This may actually be the most entertaining celebrity autobiography I have ever read. Ward spills the dirt like his cowled partner Adam West refused to in his own tepid tell-all, and his story of locking a nude West out of his hotel room after the Dynamic Duo had just boffed a pair of fans in the same suite during a comic convention is itself worth the price of this book. But in addition, there are tales of being nearly blown up and mowed down during the course of camp crimefighting, an explanation of those inscrutable Zappa-produced recordings and, in all, a fairly deft invocation of the simultaneously innocent and decadent mid-'60s.
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