Rest in Peace - Fred Westbrook

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Scott Sebring
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Rest in Peace - Fred Westbrook

Post by Scott Sebring »

It's with deep regret that I have to share the news that Adam West's agent, Fred Westbrook has passed away. Andrew Goodwin, longtime friend and known to most of as Burt's agent, has issued the following statement:
Today I lost my best friend and business partner and we all lost a fellow bat-fan. After a brave battle with cancer Fred Westbrook passed away peacefully this morning at his home. As many of you know Fred and I worked together for almost 25 years keeping our favorite crime fighters front and center in our “Bat-World”. There was nobody better in the business than Fred. As was documented in the movie “Starring Adam West”, Fred dedicated his life to ensuring Adam got the recognition that we all believe he deserves. Many of you have met Fred at the various shows we’ve done across the country, and love him or not, Fred was always sure to leave a lasting impression on us all. I know at times this board hasn’t always been kind to Fred, but please understand that he had a job to do, which at times wasn’t easy. I personally have learned so much from Fred, and I’m sure he still had a lot more to teach me. I will cherish the memories he has given me and the opportunities he gave me. I will miss Fred more than I can tell you.

Any of you who met Adam or enjoyed him in anything he’s done over the last 25 years have Fred to thank. He did what he did not just because it was his job, but because he too was a fan and knew what the fans would love. I ask of you now to think of Fred fondly and give him thanks and some credit for making many of your dreams come true.

With a very heavy heart, I appreciate your support and thank you for your understanding

Andrew Goodwin
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As he said, many of us have either known or met Fred through the years. I personally have many fond memories. If you have anything to share, please keep to our board rules, be respectful and polite. Thank you.
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Ben Bentley
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Re: Rest in Peace - Fred Westbrook

Post by Ben Bentley »

I'll always enjoy the memories of the time we spent together and conversations we had.

Rest in peace, Fred.
elmrgraham
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Re: Rest in Peace - Fred Westbrook

Post by elmrgraham »

RIP.
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rickrickrick
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Re: Rest in Peace - Fred Westbrook

Post by rickrickrick »

I kind of thought something might be up, as Fred was absent from Adam's recent high-profile appearances. Still shocking.

At last year's Chiller Theatre photo op with Adam, Burt, and Julie, when I walked into the room with my replica prop, Fred was the one who exclaimed, "A super powered bat magnet! I've never seen one of those!" A fan, indeed.

RIP Fred. Thanks for taking care of Adam these past years and helping keep his legacy alive.

RRR
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Martin Zamorano
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Re: Rest in Peace - Fred Westbrook

Post by Martin Zamorano »

i can´t believe it, I know Fred because we work together in two conventions in Argentina, he was a lovely man, and he do everything to put ADAM in top again. Im so sad.Image
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svl
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Re: Rest in Peace - Fred Westbrook

Post by svl »

Shocked to hear this. I didn't know he was ill- cancer is an unforgiving foe, hopefully he didn't suffer too much.

Rest in peace, Fred, and thanks for all you did for Adam & the fans.
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Scott Sebring
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Re: Rest in Peace - Fred Westbrook

Post by Scott Sebring »

All right folks, let's lay off any of the mentions about not getting along. If you can't resist, don't post. Not just this thread but anywhere on the board. It's in our basic rules 101. Just assume it's going to get deleted no matter how you try to tiptoe around it.
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burkestudio
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Re: Rest in Peace - Fred Westbrook

Post by burkestudio »

Rest In Peace Fred. Prayers going out to his Family and Friends.

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Thefanboy59
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Re: Rest in Peace - Fred Westbrook

Post by Thefanboy59 »

Sorry to hear the news.
It won't be the same without Fred in Adam's corner.
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Robintheboywonder
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Re: Rest in Peace - Fred Westbrook

Post by Robintheboywonder »

Sad to hear this news! Always enjoyed talking with Fred. I met Fred 22 years ago when I went to my first Bat experience at the Congress Hotel in Chicago. Prayers for his family and friends.
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Mauled Vader
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Re: Rest in Peace - Fred Westbrook

Post by Mauled Vader »

A lot of memories of Fred are flooding back today! Yes, I had my issues with him early on over a couple of things...but they turned out to be insightful ventures into Fred's frame of mind...at least I think so.

Early on, before the rampant onslaught of PAID "Celebrity Photo-ops," I was suited-up and in line to get an autograph and asked Fred if I could get a photo taken with Adam. He said, "Well, I would like to but the thing is...if I let you do that, then EVERYONE in the line is going to want to do that!"
At first, I was put off by that...but then he took me aside and pointed out 3 or 4 photographers who were sneaking around trying to get quick candid photos of Adam. While I didn't necessarily see the problem with that, he said that if everyone starts taking photos of Adam, it will affect his eyes "'cos he HATES all the flashes! That's why he's always wearing sunglasses!"
It was interesting seeing these people almost stalking Adam around his table. It just gave me some insight into Fred's side of things.

The other story is a few years later when I was at a "World of Wheels" appearance in Milwaukee with George Barris and Adam was a guest for Saturday only. I had agreed to appear in costume both days with George but Fred and Adam had an issue with me being suited-up there. The story George told me was they said that, "I would confuse a lot of people who were there to see Adam." I seriously doubted that was the real reason but I respected their request and stayed in civvies that day. I got to talk to Adam and also got my 2 (Ruben sculpted) Adam West busts signed, so I was happy, Adam and Fred were happy, and it was all good!

The next day, I appeared in full Bat-regalia with George and I could NOT believe how many people called ME "Adam West!!!" Not a guy in an Adam West Batsuit but Adam West!!! They must've just assumed I was him since he was advertised as being there!
My weirdest encounter was when one guy came up to me and said, "Yo, Adam!...I want to get a photo with you!" I obliged but told him, "OK... but you know, I'm not Adam West!...I'm just a fan in a replica Batman costume!" He said, "I don't care!...I'm gonna tell everyone I know (that) I met THE Adam West!!!"
It made me think about what Fred said about people being confused by seeing me in the suit and left me with a REALLY uncomfortable feeling!...to the point where I didn't suit-up at an event that Adam was at after that!...unless there were multiple Bat-characters suited-up at a comic con or similar event...and until they started doing the paid photo-ops. Then, I figured, if I'm paying for a photo with him, I can be suited-up to do the photo-op!

But my favorite memories of Fred was after he had parted ways with Adam for the evening, he would come down to the hotel lobby or to one of the Batman Message Board gatherings that we used to have and just sit with us fans and tell us stories about Adam and the series! You REALLY got to see that Fred was just as big a fan of Adam as we were!...maybe even more so! It was a COMPLETELY different persona than you would see when he was working as Adam's agent...
and he was...charming!...for lack of a better word!

That is how I will remember Fred!...

and I HATE to hear how he left this world!...

...CANCER SUCKS!!!

Rest well, Fred...
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Batman65
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Re: Rest in Peace - Fred Westbrook

Post by Batman65 »

I think Mauled Vader said it for all,of us..cancer sucks! I for one am appreciative of the fact he helped keep Adam out there for us. Man, the list just keeps growing this year. R.I.P good sir and thank you.
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John Mack
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Re: Rest in Peace - Fred Westbrook

Post by John Mack »

Unlike many of you, I never met or had a chance to talk with Fred. All I can say is that my thoughts and prayers go out to all of his family and to those who knew and loved him. Anyone who cared so deeply for Adam and represented him so boldly and with such admiration is truly tops in my book. RIP and may you be remembered as the champion of our hero forever.
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Mark Racop
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Re: Rest in Peace - Fred Westbrook

Post by Mark Racop »

John,

Thanks so much for articulating your experiences with Fred so perfectly. Your stories mirror my own. Indeed, youa re so right: Fred was Adam's biggest fan. It was great to watch his expression as he watched an episode of Batman with us, or browsed Batman photos that he hadn't seen before. As I've mentioned before, I credit Fred with saving Adam's *life,* as well as Adam's career--and I thanked Fred for that several times. He will be missed.
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Progress Pigment
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Re: Rest in Peace - Fred Westbrook

Post by Progress Pigment »

That's terrible to hear. I think it was way back on one of his FX appearances, I heard Adam say he had a new "hot" young guy managing him -- it was at the time he talked about the Casino game he appeared in I believe, and as always he seemed optimistic about new possibilities and future projects. Adam really has led a charmed life -- and rightly so. It seems like the right people came along for him just at the right time. I'm sure all our thoughts go out to Fred's family and friends.
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