Former Batman actor Adam West has died aged 88, his family said.

He died peacefully on Friday night after a “short but brave battle with leukaemia”, a family statement read on West’s official Facebook page.

They added: “It’s with great sadness that we are sharing this news.

Adam West
Adam West has died (Lennox Mclendon/AP)

“He was a beloved father, husband, grandfather, and great-grandfather. There are no words to describe how much we’ll miss him.

“We know you’ll miss him too and we want you to know how much your love and support meant to him throughout the years. Hug your loved ones today.”

West rose to fame during the 1960s for his camp TV portrayal of the superhero and his alter ego Bruce Wayne.

While Batman remained his signature role, West also collected nearly 50 movie credits including roles in Drop Dead Gorgeous, The New Age, An American Vampire Story and Robinson Crusoe On Mars.

He notched up a number of other TV roles while younger audiences will recognise him for voicing Mayor Adam West in Family Guy. He also lent his vocals to The Simpsons, Rugrats, Johnny Bravo and dozens more.

Born in 1928 in Walla Walla, Washington state, he launched his acting career in Hawaii in the 1950s.

Adam West
Adam West was beloved by fans (Richard Shotwell/AP)

He is survived by his wife, Marcelle, six children, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Tributes began to pour in for the fan favourite.

Many of those expressing their sadness shared that West’s portrayal of the Caped Crusader had been their childhood hero.

Adam West my after school hours were filled with

Adam West my after school hours were filled with excitement watching you battle fantastic Villains. You were a delight to meet on the convention circuit. John Barrowman MBE

Mark Hamill, who appeared in later incarnations of Batman and worked with West on a short called Batman: New Times, shared his condolences.