When he was 17, Bert met Bonney Lindsey, the daughter of musical conductor Mort Lindsay. In the summer of 1963, Bonney’s father arranged for them to be theater apprentices at Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope, Pennsylvania. This was his first experience working with actors. He also met fellow apprentice Rob Reiner. They built sets, watched rehearsals, and assisted during performances.

In the Fall of 1963, Burt attended the University of California, Santa Barbara. But transferred the following semester to UCLA as a motion picture and theater major. He also got his real estate license. Acting was what he wanted to do but the Real Estate license helped to earn some extra money.

It was through his father that Burt met producer Saul David. Mr. David sent him to see Jim Maloney of the John F. Dugan Agency. It was shortly after Burt and Bonney were married that he received a call from his new agent. An interview was set up at 20th Century Fox Studios in West Los Angeles.

He met with the casting director who then introduced him to Executive Producer William Dozier. When Mr. Dozier made a comment about Burt’s size, Burt replied, “I promise you sir, I won’t grow anymore.” Mr. Dozier laughed and told Burt that he would hold him to that.

A few more weeks passed, he was then called back to do a screen test with Adam West. Burt also showed off his athletic ability for the producers by demonstrating Karate. By then he was a brown belt. He did some falls and tumbles and even broke a 1-inch pine board with his hand.

It wasn’t until 6 weeks after the screen test that Burt learned that he had won the role of Robin. He was everything they wanted. All he had to do was just be himself. His name was legally changed to Burt Ward. Ward being his mother’s maiden name.

Batman was an overnight sensation. Ratings soared. Fans could not get enough of the Dynamic Duo. They made personal appearances and appeared in numerous magazine articles. Unfortunately, the long hours of shooting and stress of everything played havoc with his marriage. Shortly after the beginning of the second season, Burt and Bonney divorced

When asked to give a speech at Harvard about his role on "Batman" (1966/II), he brought the original costume, said to be valued at half a million dollars. Some students came up to him dressed as security guards and told him they would keep the costume safe. Then in the middle of the speech, one student stood up and asked, "When is a costume not a costume? When it's stolen." The lights dimmed and the students grabed the costume and made off. After snapping pictures with one another in the cape, they later called Ward and gave the costume back. The ringleader of the gang? Harvard Lampoon editor, Conan O'Brien.

Sadly, in 1968 Batman was cancelled. Acting jobs were hard to find so Burt continued doing personal appearances as Robin. Along with the appearances and many other acting jobs came different business ventures. Some of these included merchandising of different celebrities, Henry Winkler of Happy Days fame being one celebrity. Burt organized fan clubs overseeing that all fan mail was answered. He also launched a fundraising business to help schools and hospitals raise money.

During the late 1980’s, Burt created an early education program for children aged 3-8 that taught social values, good health and safety rules, and critical thinking skills. It was called the Early Bird Learning Program. A panel of top pediatricians were assembled to give advice and assistance.

It was through this program that Burt met his wife. Tracy Posner. They married on July 15, 1990. A year after they met, Melody Lane Ward was born on February 6, 1991. Six months later Burt’s oldest daughter Lisa made him a grandfather.Our Robin a Grandfather , who would have thought?

In 1994, Tracy adopted a Great Dane from their local animal shelter. From this she learned that some 35 other Great Danes also needed homes. When she called two weeks later to see what had happened to the others, she was horrified to hear that they had all been destroyed. Both Burt and Tracy have a huge love for animals. A decision was made and the Great Dane Rescue was created.

Gentle Giants Rescue and Adoptions rescues primarily “Gentle Giant” dogs. They also have a few “Little Giants” available. Finding safe, loving homes is the top priority. Each dog is fully trained before being put up for adoption. The Ward family together house, feed, and train these Gentle Giants. The Ward’s annual vet bills can top over $100,000 a year not to mention $200,000 a year spent on dog food.
To find out more about the Gentle Giants Rescue and Adoption visit, www.gentlegiantsrescue.com.