Hello friends! How you have been, all good? Today’s post is about the Joker actors. We will discuss every actor who played the character and also those who voiced it. Bill Finger, Bob Kane, and Jerry Robinson collaborated to create the Joker, a highly recognizable and long-lasting character in the world of comic books.
This notorious character debuted in 1940 in Batman #1, a publication by DC Comics. While the Joker’s background has been delved into and reimagined multiple times over the years, a consistent element is the perplexing and dynamic nature of his origin.
He usually presents with pale skin, green hair, a red grin, and a purple outfit. His laugh is manic, and he’s commonly portrayed as enjoying cruel jokes. What sets him apart is his unclear motives, his attraction to disorder and brutality, and his fixation on Batman, which contribute to his captivating and multi-dimensional persona.
In fact, his memorable quotes, appearances, and deeds have become iconic, sparking a variety of interpretations. People are drawn to his intricate nature, his psychological complexity, and the way he contrasts with Batman’s virtuous image. This has made the Joker’s appeal transcend comic books, expanding into movies, TV series, video games, and more.
Without any further discussion, let’s explore the list of actors who played the character of Joker. We have also included voice actors whose voices are behind the famous characters in series, films, and games. We will start with the most popular actors to less recognized ones. Let’s go.
Watch the Joker series by clicking here.
1- Cesar Romero (The Batman Series 1966)
Cesar Romero portrayed the Joker in the 1960s “Batman” TV series, which aired from 1966 to 1968. His appearance, featuring white face paint, green hair, and a wide grin, closely resembled the classic comic book representation of the character.
The 1960s “Batman” TV series, along with Romero’s performance, is a source of nostalgia for many fans. Cesar Romeo was the first actor to play the character and he nailed it.
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2- Jack Nicholson (Batman 1989)
Another famous actor who played the character amazingly is none other than Jack Nicholson. His portrayal in this movie is widely regarded as a classic and has left a significant mark on the character’s history on the big screen.
In the 1989 film, Jack Nicholson’s Joker is initially introduced as a mobster named Jack Napier. He transforms into the Joker after a clash with Batman (played by Michael Keaton) at a chemical plant. The success of the film and Nicholson’s portrayal of the Joker played a part in renewing interest in superhero movies.
3- Heath Ledger (The Dark Knight 2008)
Heath Ledger is one of the most popular actors to play the character of Joker. He received critical acclaim for his dedication to his role in the 2008 film The Dark Knight. He completely embraced the role, diving into the character’s psychology and forming a Joker version that is frightening and captivating.
Ledger’s bodily change, including the unique makeup, unkempt look, and constant lip licking, contributed to the character’s troubling ambiance. Unfortunately, the actor died before the film’s release. It became the highest-grossing film of 2008. Ledger won many awards posthumously.
4- Joaquin Phoenix (Joker 2019)
Joaquin Phoenix played the character in Todd Phillips’ 2019 film Joker. Phoenix’s depiction provides a unique and fresh understanding of the character, focusing on his spiral into madness. The movie delves into Arthur’s unsettled past, his battles with mental illness, and his eventual adoption of the Joker identity.
The film made its debut at the 76th Venice International Film Festival on August 31, 2019. It earned the prestigious Golden Lion Award. Phoenix’s performance is marked by his physical transformation, including weight loss, and his dedication to portraying the character’s psychological turmoil.
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5- Mark Hamill (Batman the Animated Series 1992)
Mark Hamill is popular for the distinct, high-pitched voice he gave to Joker in Batman the Animated Series. His portrayal aptly captures the Joker’s wit, unpredictability, and malicious tendencies. Through Hamill’s voice acting, the character gains depth, allowing for seamless transitions between moments of humor and eerie malevolence.
The Star Wars actor also lent his voice to characters like the Hobgoblin in Spider-Man, Fire Lord Ozai in Avatar: The Last Airbender, and Skips in Regular Show.
6- Larry Storch (The Adventures of Batman 1968)
Larry Storch initially pursued stand-up comedy but gained significant popularity as a sought-after guest star on TV sitcoms during the 1960s and 1970s. He notably became the first actor to provide the voice for an animated rendition of Batman’s primary adversary, The Joker.
Storch also voiced various characters in famous television and film animations. Some of these include Tennessee Tuxedo, The Pink Panther Show, The Inspector, The Brady Kids, Cool Cat, Treasure Island, Groovie Goolies, and Koko the Clown.
7- Zach Galifianakis (The LEGO Batman Movie 2017)
Zach Galifianakis took on the role of voicing the Joker in the 2017 movie The LEGO Batman Movie. This animated film is a spin-off from “The LEGO Movie”. Zach is a famous actor and comedian who starred in films like The Hangover, Due Date, and The Campaign.
Galifianakis’ portrayal of the Joker in “The LEGO Batman Movie” is light-hearted and amusing, in line with the movie’s comedic style. The film explores the relationship between Batman and the Joker with a comic and satirical touch.
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8- Troy Baker (Batman Arkham: Origins Video Game 2013)
Troy Baker is one of the actors who voiced Joker in the 2013 video game Batman Arkham: Origins. Baker’s vocal work effectively brings out the Joker’s eerie wit and unpredictable nature within the game. This game is a prequel to the acclaimed “Batman: Arkham” video game series.
Troy Baker’s portrayal of the Joker in “Arkham Origins” garnered appreciation from both fans and critics. His performance pays homage to Mark Hamill’s iconic portrayal from the animated series, while also infusing the role with his own unique touches.
9- Brent Spiner (Young Justice Series 2010)
Next up on the list, is the Star Trek actor Brent Jay Spiner. The actor is famous for his portrayal of the android Data in the TV series Star Trek: Next Generation. He voiced the character of Joker in the animated TV series Young Justice.
Spiner gave his voice to Joker in Young Justice(2011) and Young Justice: Phantoms(2021) for various episodes. Additionally, Spiner has lent his voice to various animated series and films. He has provided his voice to characters in shows such as Justice League and Family Guy.
10- Michael Emerson (Batman: The Dark Knight Returns 2012)
Michael Emerson gave his voice-over to Joker in the animated films Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Part 1(2012) and Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Part 2(2013).
Emerson’s portrayal adds a sinister and eerie dimension to the Joker, mirroring the raw and mature essence of the original material. The character’s madness, his link with Batman, and his propensity for violence are depicted with a level of intricacy and richness that resonates with the graphic novel’s depth.
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11- Jared Leto (Suicide Squad 2016)
Jared Leto portrayed the role of Joker in the 2016 film Suicide Squad. In Suicide Squad, Leto presents a distinct incarnation of the Joker, marked by tattoos, extravagant attire, and a fresh approach to the character’s look. He is one of the famous actors who played Joker.
Moreover, Suicide Squad is a part of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), encompassing a group of antiheroes and villains selected by the government to undertake perilous assignments. You know what, the film won an Oscar for Best Makeup and Hairstyling.
12- John DiMaggio (Batman: Under The Red Hood 2010)
John DiMaggio voiced the character of Joker in the 2010 animated movie Batman: Under The Red Hood. The enthralling action-packed movie is one of the best in the DC Universe Animated Original Movies line.
The film’s portrayal of the Joker highlights his sadistic sense of humor and his obsession with Batman. It delves into the clash between Batman and a fresh nemesis in Gotham named the Red Hood, along with revisiting the backstory between Batman and the Joker.
13- Steve Blum (Lego Batman: The Videogame 2008)
Steve Blum’s versatile voice acting skills allowed him to portray a range of characters in the game, and his involvement added to the overall enjoyment and humor of the “Lego Batman” gaming experience. He is one of the actors who voiced both Joker and Batman in a video game.
Further, Blum earned a Guinness World Record for being the most prolific video game voice actor in 2012. He has a deep distinctive voice and voiced characters in video games like Mass Effect, Halo, Metal Gear Solid, and Final Fantasy.
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14- Jeff Bennett (Batman: The Brave and The Bold 2008)
Jeff Bennett is a proficient voice actor who provided the voice for the Joker in the 2008 animated series Batman: The Brave and the Bold. In contrast to some of the darker and more serious interpretations of the character in other adaptations, his voice work helps the show maintain its nostalgic and playful tone.
Jeff Bennett’s portrayal of the Joker indeed enhanced the vibrant and jovial tone of the event. The film “Batman: The Brave and the Bold” is renowned for its distinct aesthetic and willingness to explore the darker and campier facets of Batman’s past.
15- Kevin Michael Richardson (The Batman 2004)
Kevin Michael Richardson’s portrayal captures the Joker’s unpredictability, madness, and theatrical flair. In fact, his deep and recognizable voice contributes a distinct dimension to the character, setting his performance apart from others.
“The Batman” series embraces an action-oriented and stylized storytelling approach, differentiating it from other animated adaptations. Kevin Michael Richardson’s voice acting plays a role in shaping the Joker’s image as a challenging and bewildering foe for Batman.
16- Alan Tudyk (Harley Quinn 2019)
Alan Tudyk lent his voice to the Joker in the animated TV series “Harley Quinn,” which debuted in 2019. This show revolves around Harley Quinn, a former partner and romantic interest of the Joker. Tudyk’s Joker is depicted as a self-absorbed, extravagant antagonist with a knack for theatrics and intricate schemes.
Moreover, Alan Tudyk’s comedic skills shine brightly through his portrayal of the Joker in “Harley Quinn.” His voice acting contributes a layer of humor and irreverence to the character, all the while retaining the distinctive traits of the Joker.
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17- Cameron Monaghan (Gotham 2014)
Cameron Monaghan took on the role of Jerome Valeska in the TV series “Gotham” which aired from 2014 to 2019. Cameron Monaghan’s portrayal of Jerome Valeska adeptly captures the character’s disordered and unhinged behavior.
Although not explicitly named as the Joker due to licensing constraints, Jerome’s portrayal strongly hints at his eventual evolution into the iconic Batman antagonist. The character becomes a pivotal figure in the series’ exploration of Gotham City’s criminal underbelly and the rise of iconic villains.
18- Lennie Weinrib (The New Adventures of Batman 1977)
Lennie Weinrib voiced Joker in the animated TV series “The New Adventures of Batman,” which aired in 1977. This show featured the partnership between Batman and Robin, presenting various adventures and interactions with iconic enemies. Weinrib’s Joker is popular for his unique laughter and theatrical presence.
“The New Adventures of Batman” introduced a fresh perspective on the Dark Knight, distinct from other adaptations. The series stands out for its unique character interpretations and holds a place in the history of animated portrayals of Batman.
19- Richard Epcar (Video Games Mortal Kombat, Injustice 2008)
Richard Epcar is a highly productive voice actor renowned for his contributions across various animated series, video games, and other platforms. He voiced the character of The Joker in several projects including Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe, Mortal Combat 11, Injustice 2, and others.
His prominent roles encompass Ansem in the “Kingdom Hearts” series, Myotismon in “Digimon”, Andrall in “Gormiti Nature Unleashed” Black Ghost/Skull in “Cyborg 009”, and Batou in the “Ghost in the Shell” universe.
20- Anthony Ingruber (Batman: The Telltale Series 2016)
Anthony Ingruber provided his voice for John Doe/The Joker, in the video game “Batman: The Telltale Series” and “Batman: The Enemy Within.” While perhaps not as recognized as other Jokers Ingruber’s take stands out for its engaging exploration of the iconic villain.
Ingruber’s interpretation of the Joker’s evolution introduced an additional layer of complexity to the character and showcased his adaptability as a voice actor.
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