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October 13, 2025 48 mins

Author, playwright, and screenwriter Samuel Garza Bernstein takes us deep into the extraordinary life of Cesar Romero, the Hollywood icon who became the Joker in the 1960s Batman series.

In his new book Cesar Romero: The Joker Is Wild, Samuel uncovers surprising family history, reveals how Romero's career spanned six decades, and shares why Romero embraced being remembered as the Joker. From ballrooms to Broadway, Rat Pack hangouts to Falcon Crest, this is the untold story of a star who never stopped entertaining.

Episode Highlights:

  • Cesar Romero's surprising family connection to Cuban national hero José Martí
  • How Romero's ballroom dancing led him to Broadway and Hollywood stardom
  • The unusual reason Romero refused to shave his mustache as the Joker
  • Why Romero outshined the Rat Pack in Ocean's 11
  • Romero's late-career comeback on Falcon Crest that brought him back into the spotlight

 

You're going to love my conversation with Samuel Garza Bernstein

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Thanks for checking out Classic Conversations! Dive into pop culture nostalgia with comedian Jeff Dwoskin as he hosts the best TV and film interviews. Hear inspiring stories from actors, comedians, musicians, and pop culture icons about the road to success. Part comedy, part drama—always entertaining.

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