I suppose it's some sort of comment about America's utter lack of sense about its theatrical heritage and short memory that the obits for veteran stage and screen actor Pat Hingle eulogize him as "Commissioner Gordon" and basically ignore the fact that he appeared in over twenty Broadway plays...notably as the original Gooper in CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF, winning a Tony for DARK AT THE TOP OF THE STAIRS, and other distinguished performances in END AS A MAN; J.B.; & CHILD'S PLAY. Among his film performances beyond Batman, there was THE STRANGE ONE; SPLENDOR IN THE GRASS; THE UGLY AMERICAN; ALL THE WAY HOME; HANG 'EM HIGH; THE FALCON & THE SNOWMAN; and THE GRIFTERS. His TV performances were countless.
What would you want your obit headline to be: "Commissioner Gordon Dies" or "Tony-Award Winning Broadway Actor Dies"?