William Austin

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For the artist, see William Austin (caricaturist).

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William Austin (June 12, 1884 - June 15, 1975) was a British character actor who was born in Georgetown in British Guiana (now Guyana) and appeared in many American films and serials between the 1920s and the 1940s, though the vast majority of his roles were small and uncredited. He is the brother of actor Albert Austin. He died in Newport Beach, California.

Mr. Austin's portrayal in the 1943 Batman serial of Batman's butler Alfred is the iconic portrayal still used in the comics. Previous to being played by Mr. Austin, the character was fat and had no facial hair. Performed by Mr. Austin, the character was thin with a mustache. Shortly after the serial was released, Alfred in the comics was changed to match the look of the serial; this representation of the character has continued to this day.