Cesar Romero originated the live-action role of a vibrant, campy Joker in the 1966 Batman television series and the spin-off film. He famously refused to shave his mustache, which was covered by white clown makeup, and his natural chuckle was adopted as the character's iconic laugh. Credit: @fox | History In Pictures

Cesar Romero was the very first actor to bring the Joker to life in the 1960s Batman series, complete with bright suits, a wild laugh, and his famously visible mustache painted over with white makeup. Long before the darker, award-winning versions of the character appeared, Romero’s Joker was playful, theatrical, and full of charm. Though he never received the modern Oscar-level praise later Jokers did, he was already a beloved Hollywood star with a long, successful career behind him. When he pa