5 Actors Who Have Played The Joker

Joker, a criminal mastermind, psychopath and goofy prankster with a sadistic sense of humor, is undeniably one of the best villains that DC or Marvel has ever created. The fact that it often listed among the greatest fictional characters of all time speaks volumes about the influence it has had on pop culture. First appearing in 1940 in the debut Batman comic, the Joker is as old as the caped crusader himself and has been a part of several of his movies, TV shows and games.

The actors who were picked to play the role of this twisted trickster have been vocal about the troubles they faced in playing the disturbed character. Take a look at some people who have made an attempt to fit in the large clown shoes.

#1. Cesar Romero

Cesar Romero acted, sang and danced but what most people remember him for is his portrayal of Joker in the 1966-series Batman. With this, the actor became the first person to portray the character on screen.

(Image Courtesy: CulturaOcio)

#2. Jack Nicholson

Jack Nicholson, the most nominated male actor in the history of Academy Awards, was picked to play the superhero’s arch nemesis in Tim Burton’s 1989 Batman. Michael Keaton, who was escaping his image as a comedic actor to play the superhero, sizzled on the screen but it was Jack’s Joker who grabbed everyone’s attention. The film turned out to be a smash hit, with critics as well as audience loving Nicholson’s Joker.

(Image Courtesy: 13th Dimension)

#3. Mark Hamill

Best known for playing the part of Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars movies, Mark Hamill has been the voice of Joker for more than two decades. Beginning with the 1992 Batman: The Animated Series, he has voiced the character for several movies, TV series and games till now.

(Image Courtesy: GeekNation)

#4. Heath Ledger

The Dark Knight had Heath Ledger playing the maniac like no one had done ever before. His meticulous performance even won him a posthumous Academy Award for the Best Supporting Actor; the first Oscar ever won by an actor in a superhero film. To prepare for the role, Ledger apparently locked himself in a hotel room for six weeks, going through material on the character and practicing his voice.

(Image Courtesy: Reddit)

#5. Jared Leto

The Joker was seen in the 2016-blockbuster Suicide Squad, which had the Academy Award-winner Jared Leto playing the insane murderer. Though the actor, singer, songwriter, and director went to great lengths to fill Nicholson and Ledger’s shoes, he was panned by audience and critics alike.

(Image Courtesy: Inverse)

Tell us who you loved as the Joker and anything else you would like to say on this topic through your comments in the section below. We'd love to hear from you.