Joker’s Grin Behind the Scenes

Cesar Romero is captured in this 1967 snapshot, transforming into the Joker on the “Batman” TV series set. Refusing to shave his mustache, he applied makeup, adding a unique texture to the character’s infamous grin. The Joker, created in 1940 by Bill Finger, Bob Kane, and Jerry Robinson, evolved from a straightforward villain into a complex, iconic figure in popular culture.

Various actors have portrayed this character, each bringing a distinct flavor, but Cesar’s portrayal, with his theatrical laugh and colorful appearance, set the foundational tone for the Joker’s subsequent interpretations. His makeup ritual symbolized the meticulous crafting of one of comics’ most enduring antagonists.