9 Incredible Images Of Actors Becoming The Joker

There is arguably no comic book villain as well known, iconic and straight up beloved as The Joker. Even before the character had new life breathed into him by Heath Ledger's immense portrayal in 2008's The Dark Knight, the Clown Prince of Crime has always been the most notable of the Caped Crusader's enemies, known for combining an insane penchant for violence with hilarious high-camp and occasional psychological insights into Bats himself (namely that he's pretty crazy himself). In TV, movies, video games and animation, the character has been physically performed and voiced by a multitude of actors, the majority of whom have each given their own unique spin on The Joker for our entertainment. Just as impressive as the performance itself, though (if not more so), is the ridiculous amount of effort which goes into making an actor able to play The Joker, whether it's a ton of prosthetics and make-up, or the intensity required to sell a character's presence primarily through a voice-over and aided by strong direction. It can't be easy for the actors regardless of the medium they've played him in, and in these 9 images from a variety of productions, it's fun to observe how, through make-up, the wonders of modern technology, and good old fashioned grimacing like your life depends on it, these actors have managed to convey the spirit of one of comic lore's best-loved characters, whether a hero or villain. Without any further ado, here are 9 incredible images of actors becoming The Joker...