Stanley Ralph Ross
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Stanley Ralph Ross (July 22, 1937, New York City – March 16, 2000) started his career in advertising, however soon went to work as a writer and actor on various television shows, most notably cult-classics such as the 1960s Batman series starring Adam West and also The Monkees. Ross was sometimes credited as Sue Donem.
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[edit] Career
In 1958, Ross teamed with Bob Arbogast to record the novelty record "Chaos, parts 1 and 2" which parodied Top 40 radio.
[edit] Television writing
Ross made his mark on television with writing. As an ABC executive, he wrote (and directed) the classic opening segment to ABC's Wide World of Sports:
| “ | Spanning the globe to bring you the constant variety of sport… the thrill of victory… and the agony of defeat… the human drama of athletic competition… this is ABC's Wide World of Sports! | ” |
He wrote a third of the 1960s Batman episodes, including one in which he played "Ballpoint Baxter." The character had no lines. Baxter was his nickname in real life.
Although most recognized for his work on Batman, Ross also wrote for The Monkees, Wonder Woman, All in the Family, and G. I. Joe.
[edit] Voice over work
Ross also was known for his distinctive voice and did much voiceover work.
He also did the voice of Gorilla Grodd on the Challenge of the SuperFriends cartoon, Brainiac in Super Friends: The Legendary Super Powers Show and The Super Powers Team: Galactic Guardians, Perry White in the 1988 Superman cartoon, Dark Paw in Paw Paws, and has had numerous smaller parts (voice and acting) on television, movies, and over 1000 commercials.
He was also the voice of the Doberman and Pitbull characters in the movie, Babe: Pig in the City.
[edit] Other work
Ross was also a song writer, composing over 200 pieces, collaborating with such talent as Henry Mancini.
He also taught at the University of Southern California film school.
Ross became an ordained minister, marrying Burt Ward, who starred as Robin on the 1960s Batman series, to his third and current wife.
[edit] Death
Ross died of lung cancer on March 16, 2000 leaving behind a wife and three children.
