CESAR ROMERO

February 15, 1907

Cesar Julio Romero Jr. was born in New York City to Cuban Parents.

He grew up in Bradley Beach, New Jersey, and was educated at Bradley Beach Elementary School and Asbury Park High School. 

He appeared on Broadway in the 1929 to 1932, before moving to Hollywood. His first film role was in The Shadow Laughs (1933), after which he gave strong performances in The Devil Is a Woman (1935) and in the Shirley Temple favorite, Wee Willie Winkie (1937).

In 1942, he voluntarily enlisted in the US Coast Guard and served in the Pacific.

He made his television debut in May 1950, as himself on an episode of “Saturday Night Revue” hosted by Jack Carter. 

In 1957, he played Ricky Ricardo’s Cuban friend Carlos Garcia on the very first episode of “The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour” titled “Lucy Takes a Cruise To Havana”.  Set in Havana during 1940, Ricky courts Lucy, while Carlos sets his sights on Lucy’s friend Susie (Ann Sothern). He had guest starred with Sothern on “Private Secretary” the year before this episode, and on Desilu’s "The Ann Sothern Show” the year after. Although the show featured second unit footage shot on location in Romero and Arnaz’s home country of Cuba, the actors remained in Hollywood.

In 1965, Lucille Ball and Cesar Romero were part of “Salute To Stan Laurel” although they shared no scenes together.  Romero did a silent movie sketch with Tina Louise and Audrey Meadows. 

In 1966, he created the role he would be best remembered for, the Joker on TV’s “Batman” appearing on ten two-part episodes of the series over two seasons.  He joined many of Lucy’s guest stars playing villains, including Rudy Vallee, who was also in “Lucy Takes A Cruise To Havana” with him, although they shared no scenes.  Interestingly, Romero refused to shave his mustache for the role, so the clown make-up was applied over it. He also was in the 1966 feature film Batman, based on the series. 

Romero guest starred on a 1969 episode of “Here’s Lucy” as a possible date for Lucy Carter – until she suspects he is a jewel thief. 

Romero never married and had no children, but made frequent appearances at Hollywood events escorting actresses, such as Lucille Ball; he was almost always described in interviews and articles as a "confirmed bachelor.” Many Hollywood historians and biographers have speculated on Romero being closeted about his homosexuality.

On December 9, 1984, Romero was in attendance at the “All-Star Party for Lucille Ball” although he did not speak and was uncredited. They were both there for “All-Star Party for Clint Eastwood” in 1986. 

The same was true about 1985′s “The Annual Friar’s Club Tribute to Gene Kelly”. They were both also part of “Happy Birthday, Hollywood” in May 1987. 

Cesar Romero’s final film was made in 1993 but not released until 1998: The Right Way.

On January 1, 1994, aged 86, Romero died from complications of a blood clot while being treated for bronchitis and pneumonia.