Cesar Romero

The grandson of Cuban revolutionary José Martí , Cesar Romero was born Feb. 15, 1907, in New York City and began his career as a nightclub performer (known in many circles as "the Latin from Manhattan") before moving to the Broadway stage.

Transitioning to films, Romero played a gigolo in 1934's The Thin Man. The part soon led to starring roles in such classics as The Devil Is a Woman (1935), The Gay Caballero (1940), Romance of the Rio Grande (1940), Springtime in the Rockies (1942) and The Captain from Castile (1947). As debonair as ever in his mid-50s, Romero scored a Golden Globe nomination as Best Supporting Actor for the 1962 comedy If a Man Answers.

But Romero is most often remembered for his turn as clownish villain the Joker on the TV series "Batman" -- a colorful role that earned the actor a cult following for years to come. He passed away Jan. 1, 1994.

The Thin Man

1934 NR

The first installment of one of the most successful detective serials in film history introduces stylish sleuthing spouses Nick and Nora Charles (William Powell and Myrna Loy), who -- between martinis -- investigate the disappearance of a wealthy inventor. Powell and Loy's quick-witted repartee in their crackling debut set a Hollywood tradition, but the film's rapid-fire mystery plot still delights modern viewers.