Stanley Ralph Ross

Stanley Ralph Ross (Born, July 22, 1935, in New York City, New York. – Died, March 16, 2000, in Los Angeles, California) was raised in Brooklyn New York, starting his career in advertising, then soon going 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.

Career
In 1958, Ross teamed with Bob Arbogast to write and record the novelty record "Chaos, parts 1 and 2". When it came out (on Liberty Records), it sold 10,000 copies in three days and then was banned from radio play on the fourth day - when stations realized that it satirized "Top 40" radio. Dr Demento has kept "Chaos" alive. They later co-wrote an album of parody songs titled My Son, the Copycat (a parody of Allan Sherman's albums) and the book, Speak When You Hear the Beep.

Actor
Burn Hollywood Burn (1998) as Himself, Romantic Comedy (1983) actor, Helter Skelter (1976) as Sgt. Ross, Candy Stripe Nurses (1974) as Dr. Kramer, Sleeper (1973) as Sears Wiggles, Tony Rome (1967) as Sam Boyd, The Flight of the Phoenix (1965) as Arab Singer, John Goldfarb, Please Come Home (1964) as Muezzin.

Screenwriter
Coffee, Tea or Me? 1973

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.

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 Challenge of the SuperFriends and Super Friends cartoons, as well as taking over as Brainiac in Super Friends, 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.

His radio vignettes were heard on KFI, Los Angeles during 1973.

Audio books
In addition to his other work Ross also recorded audio books. Some of his recordings are A Book of the Five Rings based on the book of the same name by Musashi Miyamoto, Believe and Achieve based on the writings of Napoleon Hill and Awakening Your Mind Power, Channeling Your Higher Self, Explore Your Past Lives, Meditation and Self Hypnosis all based on the writings of Edgar Cayce.

Being Prolific, Etc...
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.

One of his famous quotes: "Jesus was a Jew, yes, but only on his mother's side"

Ross became an ordained minister, marrying Burt Ward, who starred as Robin on the 1960s Batman series, to his third wife.

Death
Ross died of lung cancer on March 16, 2000 leaving behind a wife and three children. He was buried in Hillside Memorial Park Cemetery. His grave reads: Larger Than Life Beloved Son, Husband, Father, Grandfather STANLEY RALPH ROSS July 22, 1935 * March 16, 2000 "Thanks, I Had A Wonderful Time!"