Batman: Every Live-Action Alfred Pennyworth Ranked Worst To Best

Michael Gough portrayed Alfred Pennyworth in Batman, Batman Returns, Batman Forever, and Batman & Robin. Unlike other actors who've taken on the mantle, Gough isn't an Oscar-winner or a household name. But his mannerisms, temperament, and etiquette is so on point, it's easy to assume the studio hired a real butler.

It's debatable who the best Alfred is but there's no question Gough is the most gentle. Because of how warm-hearted he is, you can fully believe he turned a traumatised boy into the greatest hero the world has ever known.

Even though the nicest people have moments where their emotions get the better of them, it's impossible to picture this Alfred as anything but uncompromisably nurturing. When Bruce is stubborn and dismissive, Alfred never goes on the offence and instead, finds the right words to put his mind at ease.

Gough must also be commended for maintaining a solid performance in the universally loathed Batman & Robin. While the other actors were phoning it in or hamming it up, Gough never stops feeling like a real human being, making him the only consistent element in an otherwise atrocious movie.