Alfred Pennyworth
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| Information | |
| Real name: | Alfred Pennyworth |
| Species: | Human |
| Hair: | White (originally black) |
| Eyes: | Black |
| Relatives: | Bruce Wayne ("ward") |
| Base: | Gotham City |
| Affiliations: | British Secret Service; Batman |
| Voiced by: | Clive Revill Efrem Zimbalist, Jr. |
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Alfred Pennyworth was the butler to Thomas and Martha Wayne, and later to their son Bruce, the first Batman. Before entering the Wayne family's service, he was an agent of the British Secret Service.
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[edit] History
The length of his service to the British Government has never specifically mentioned. It can be reasonably inferred however that it lasted for at least two decades if not a little longer than that. Specifically, the British Secret Service (the MI-5 and MI-6) tend to recruit persons who are already trained in some regard from other branches of the government, especially political or military. If, like his mainstream comic book counterpart, Alfred served in the British S.A.S. in his late teens into his twenties then was recruited into government service. Again, it can be inferred that his government service lasted many years as Alfred had enough Seniority to work in both diplomatic assignments and be trusted with the arming codes to a missile. Indeed, his government service may account for the diverse range of skills Alfred has demonstrated.
After leaving intelligence work, Alfred assumed a life as an ordinary domestic servant. He served Thomas and Martha Wayne since before their son was born, and helped to raise him.
When the Waynes were killed by a mugger, Alfred helped shelter the orphaned Bruce, and assisted him in his training to become a crime fighter.
During his many trials, Bruce came to rely on Alfred as a source of advice and moral support, one of the few men with whom he shared confidences.
Alfred was also an invaluable source of aid in all aspects of Batman's life, from keeping his home in perfect order, to helping him maintain his public facade as Bruce Wayne, and occasionally carrying out espionage and investigation on his behalf.
Alfred's secret service past came back to haunt him briefly, when he was forced to leave Bruce's employ without notice to help rescue an old colleague who had been kidnapped by Red Claw.
Alfred passed away sometime before 2019 (when Bruce quit the Batman title), leaving Bruce alone.
[edit] Abilities and Equipment
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Alfred had no superhuman powers or abilities, nor did he claim to be extraordinary in any way. However, he was extraordinarily competent in all the fields necessary to help maintain Batman's life, from ordinary housekeeping and cooking, to mechanical maintenance and computer operation.
His background in intelligence also made him a skilled analyst, investigator, and spy.
[edit] Personality
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A traditional English butler, Alfred always kept a stiff upper lip, even under the extraordinary circumstances imposed by his master's secret identity. No matter what the situation, Alfred always responded with resolve, equanimity, and good humor.
Though he and Bruce occasionally quarreled, Alfred's loyalty remained absolute. Partially this could be explained by continued loyalty to Thomas Wayne, and a traditional sense of duty to one's master. At the same time, Alfred found ways to express his pride in Bruce, and his belief in the cause he was fighting for.
Also, Alfred may well have felt (not without cause) that Bruce couldn't get by without his help.
[edit] Reflections in the Future
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Though Alfred was gone by the time Terry McGinnis adopted the identity of the Batman, his relationship with Bruce was reflected in many ways by Terry's relationship with Maxine Gibson. Like Alfred, Max was technically brilliant in a number of ways that made her invaluable to Terry, she was able to help him maintain his "public life" and guard his secret identity, and finally, it was a great comfort to Terry that he could share his identity and his occasional doubts with a sympathetic listener.
During one of Commissioner Barbara Gordon's visits to Wayne Manor, Bruce remarked that he never did find out how he made those little tea-cakes, to which Barbara pointed out, were crumpets.
[edit] Background Information
- Alfred is one of the most familiar supporting characters from the Batman comics. In the comics, before entering service, Alfred was an actor on the London stage. It has been suggested that it was Alfred who taught Bruce the arts of disguise and impersonation. Alfred also occasionally uses his talents to go undercover himself.
- In the episodes "Cold Comfort" and "Over the Edge" of The New Batman Adventures, and "Starcrossed" of Justice League, Alfred is jokingly addressed as "Jeeves," a reference to P.G. Wodehouse's unshakable and nearly omniscient valet character. Alfred strongly resembles Jeeves.
- In the first four produced episodes of Batman: The Animated Series, Alfred was voiced by Clive Revill. Thereafter, on the remainder of Batman: The Animated Series, and on Superman: The Animated Series, Static Shock, and Justice League, he was voiced by Efrem Zimbalist, Jr.. Zimbalist is probably best known for his leading roles on the popular television series 77 Sunset Strip and The F.B.I.
- Coincidentally, Zimbalist's daughter, Stephanie, appeared on the episode "Trial" of Batman: The Animated Series, as District Attorney Janet Van Dorn.
- In the episode "Beware the Gray Ghost," Alfred mistakenly had a white mustache instead of his usual black one.
