Why Cesar Romero Kept His Mustache as the Joker

When Cesar Romero played the iconic role of the Joker in the 1960s Batman TV series, one of the most striking things about his character was his thick mustache. Contrary to some beliefs, Romero did not shave off his mustache. On the contrary, he insisted on keeping it as part of his image and brand as an actor. Let's explore the reasons behind this decision and how it affected his portrayal of the Joker.

Popular Belief and Reality

It's not uncommon for urban legends to spring up around the entertainment industry, and the idea that Cesar Romero shaved his mustache for the role of the Joker is one of them. However, the truth is quite different. Thanks to careful observation and a closer look at the footage, it's clear that Romero's mustache was still visible, just beneath a layer of white oxide makeup.

Romero’s Image and Brand

Cesar Romero was a true star in the Hollywood of the 1950s and 1960s, known for his distinctive Latin look and his portrayal of the quintessential Latin lover. His mustache was a significant part of his brand, and he was confident enough in his image to make demands like keeping it during his role as the Joker.

Practical Reasons and Comedians' Insight

Despite the mustache being visible in some scenes, Romero's decision can also be understood as a practical one. The mustache served as a comforting reminder of his past roles and the persona he was known for. Comedians and actors often rely on certain elements of their look to anchor their character, and Romero’s mustache did just that.

Behind the Scenes: The Makeup Challenge

It’s important to understand that applying a mustache to the Joker character was a significant makeup challenge. The need to completely cover his mustache with large amounts of white oxide makeup was necessary for both the visual look and the depictions of the Joker's comedic antics. This explains why Romero had no qualms about keeping his mustache, as the white oxide makeup was enough to make him look the part.

Role Disruption Concerns

Another factor that should be considered is the potential disruption to Romero's acting career if he had been forced to shave his mustache. He was already a regular on a western TV series at the time. The television network and production team strategically kept his mustache to avoid conflicting with his other commitments, although the makeup fulfilled all necessary requirements for the role.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Cesar Romero's decision to keep his mustache as the Joker was a mix of practical and image considerations. It was an integral part of his brand and personal image, and the makeup process was designed to handle the mustache. This decision not only made the character more authentic but also tied him back to his established image as a leading man in Hollywood.