Michael Gough, 'Alfred,' dies

LONDON - Michael Gough, the British actor best known for playing Bruce Wayne's butler Alfred in a series of Batman movies, died yesterday at age 94, his ex-wife said.

Gough appeared in more than 150 movies and television shows, including British science-fiction show "Doctor Who."

He recently voiced characters in Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland" and "Corpse Bride." His well-known voice graced many films and TV series.

But he remains best remembered for his role as Alfred Pennyworth in the Batman franchise, opposite three different Batmans: Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer and George Clooney, in hit action films "Batman Returns," directed by Burton in 1992, and "Batman Forever" in 1995 and "Batman and Robin" in 1997, both by Joel Schumacher.