Cesar romero children

1. Early Life and Career
2. Transition to Hollywood
3. World War II and Post-War Career
4. Icon of Pop Culture
5. The Joker and Beyond
6. Later Years and Legacy

Early Life and Career

Cesar Julio Romero, Jr., was born in 1907 in New York City to Cuban parents, Cesar Julio Romero and María Mantilla. His maternal grandfather was José Martí, the Cuban patriot for whom Havana's airport is named.

Transition to Hollywood

After a brief stint as a dancer in nightclubs, Romero made his Broadway debut in 1927 in the show "Lady Do'." His film debut followed in 1933 with "The Shadow Laughs." Throughout the 1930s, Romero starred in numerous films, including the Cisco Kid series and musicals for 20th Century Fox.

World War II and Post-War Career

With the outbreak of World War II, Romero's rising career was interrupted by three years of service in the US Coast Guard. However, he credited this experience with giving him a broader understanding of life.

After the war, Romero continued to play primarily comedic roles in films, collaborating with directors such as Henry King, Gregory Ratoff, Otto Preminger, and Ernst Lubitsch. He was also among the first Hollywood stars to demand a percentage of the profits from their work.

Icon of Pop Culture

In the 1960s, Romero's career reached new heights with two iconic roles. He played Sam Harmon in Lewis Milestone's heist film "Ocean's Eleven." But his most enduring character became the Joker in the wildly popular television series "Batman."

The Joker and Beyond

Romero's portrayal of the Clown Prince of Crime spanned three seasons and became an unforgettable interpretation, despite his unconventional approach to the character. He refused to shave his signature mustache, which remained visible beneath the clown makeup.

Later Years and Legacy

Romero's career continued on television into the 1990s, with appearances in nearly 200 films and television shows. He passed away on January 1, 1994, at the age of 86, from complications of bronchitis and pneumonia.

Romero's passing marked the end of an era in Hollywood. He mourned the loss of its former elegance, stating, "It's a new town now. The old elegance has gone. What was one big family has become an industry. I used to know everyone at the studio and see them all the time. No tourists, no rubberneckers. Half the young guys in Hollywood I don't even know."