Diane McBain, the star of Surfside 6, died on Wednesday, December 21, at the age of 81. She was most recognized for her role as Pinkie Pinkston, Bruce Wayne’s companion, in the second season of ABC’s Batman. McBain’s friend Michael Gregg Michaud broke the news first, reporting that she died of liver cancer. On social media, actress BarBara Luna expressed her sorrow, writing that it is a big loss for the entertainment sector. She even recounted their first collaboration, writing that she met McBain while visiting her friend Van Williams on the set of Surfside 6. She concluded her article by stating,
“My heartfelt condolences go out to her son Evan Burke and family. Ms Diane, rest in peace…. You have become one of the angels.”
On Twitter, people pay homage to Diane McBain.
Diane McBain rose to prominence as a result of her many appearances in films and television series. When word of her death spread, Twitter was inundated with tributes.
Bruce and Britt fighting over Pinky Pinkston, played by the lovely Diane McBain who passed away this past Wednesday. Thankful for the memories. RIP. #MeTVBatman pic.twitter.com/3Cdx7nOqrN
— 60s Batman ➐ (@60s_Batman) December 25, 2022
RIP Diane McBain. Here with David McCallum on set whilst filming The Deadly Toys Affair. pic.twitter.com/LmTlN6m4GB
— Napoleon & Illya (@kuryakin_solo) December 22, 2022
Diane McBain was well-known for her work with Warner Bros.
McBain, who was born on May 18, 1941, first became interested in movies as a child. When a talent scout from Warner Bros. watched her perform in a high school stage play, she got her big break and joined the firm. Following a few TV appearances, she rose to prominence for her roles in the Western series Maverick and the detective drama Sunset Strip. Ice Palace, a 1960 historical drama, was her feature film debut. The film received negative reviews and was a box office flop.
McBain continued to have a successful television career, appearing on series such as The Alaskans, Bourbon Street Beat, Lawman, and others. She was well recognized for her role as Daphne Dutton in the ABC sitcom Surfside 6. The character was a socialite who had a space for her yacht, the Daffy II, near the SurfSide houseboat. McBain immediately came to prominence after landing a position on Surfside 6 and acting in other films such as 1966’s Spinout with Elvis Presley. She became well-known for her roles in films such as Parrish, Claudelle Inglish, Black Gold, The Caretakers, and Mary, Mary.
The actress has appeared as a guest on series such as Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre, Vacation Playhouse, Arrest and Trial, Burke’s Law, and others. Her next project was three films with American International Pictures. She took a sabbatical from acting in the 1970s, although she did feature in a few films, including Wicked, Wicked, The Wild Season, The Deathhead Virgin, Police Story, Marcus Welby M.D., Hawaii Five-O, Matt Houston, Crazy Like a Fox, and others. Beginning in the 1990s, she appeared in a number of popular films and television series, including Puppet Master 5, Medicine Woman, Invisible Mom II, Strong Medicine, and others.
