Cesar Romero: The Joker Is Wild

Screen Classics

De: Samuel Garza Bernstein

Narrado por: Gary Galone

Dynamic and debonair, Cesar Romero was best known for creating the role of the Joker in the 1960s Batman television series. As a closeted gay man of Latin American descent, Romero gracefully faced many personal challenges while maintaining his suave public image and starring opposite legends, ranging from Shirley Temple to Marlene Dietrich, Carmen Miranda to Frank Sinatra, and Kurt Russell to Jane Wyman.

The first biography of the consummate entertainer, Cesar Romero: The Joker Is Wild, captures the critical moments of Romero's childhood, adolescence, and accomplishments in Hollywood. Author Samuel Garza Bernstein shares anecdotes regarding Romero's public and personal life, as well as Romero's private disdain for his reputation as the "Latin lover," a discriminatory stereotype he found constrictive both in terms of his range as an actor and as a man who kept his sexuality private.

Cesar Romero is an in-depth study of a significant Hollywood star and his impact on the entertainment industry. Batman made him immortal, but with more than 400 film and television credits, his six-decade career as an actor, dancer, and singer made him a true Hollywood icon.

The book is published by University Press of Kentucky. The audiobook is published by University Press Audiobooks.

©2025 Samuel Garza Bernstein (P)2026 Redwood Audiobooks

Reseñas de la Crítica

"A skillful and vivacious biography of a multitalented and under appreciated celebrity." (Kirkus)

"A gem you can't miss... A fascinating story that blends glamour, identity, and the strength of remaining true to oneself." (People en Español)

"Full of surprises...this is a tome even Batman would don his Bat-Glasses to enjoy!" (Film-Flam Man)

No joking around, a great audiobook!

We finally have the definitive biography of American actor Cesar Romeo, probably best remembered for playing The Joker on the 1960's hit TV series "Batman." Samuel Garza Bernstein does a fantastic job of tracing Romeo's path to a prolific career in Hollywood, with his canny ability to consistently re-investing himself. This book establishes the icon's iconic laugh and how he adopted the nickname Butch.

Romeo never married or had any children; nor did he have any regrets regarding his life or career. The book exams his private world, discussing his lifestyle and exploring the Hollywood rumor regarding a possible relationship with fellow actor Tyrone Powers. Despite never tying the knot, Romero was without a doubt family man being devoted to taking care his loved ones. The versatile actor was commonly described as being warm and generous, and you'll be hard pressed to find colleagues that offered a negative word about him.