Cesar Romero

Hail, Cesar, and hail, Samuel Garza Bernstein! Here is a biographer with the expertise and empathy to take a beloved 1960s pop culture icon, wipe off the greasepaint, and reveal a pioneer of twentieth century entertainment, a man who worked his way from the ballroom to vaudeville, Broadway to Hollywood, always living on his own terms—and always keeping his mustache, in more ways than one. This is a Hollywood biography that goes far beyond the Joker's laugh to the struggles and triumphs of a true legend and LGBTQ hero.

~Burt Kearns, author of Marlon Brando: Hollywood Rebel

Samuel Garza Bernstein's Cesar Romero: The Joker Is Wild manages to be two things most desired in the biography of a star: exhaustively researched and balanced, and a hell of a lot of fun. How often does that happen? The deep dive I underwent while reading this book had me watching some films for the first time, or others with new eyes, and Romero was a dazzler, not only physically redoubtable, but a captivating screen presence. I applaud Garza Bernstein for showing us this man in his fullness. I enjoyed every detail he offered and the splendid style in which each is presented.

~James Grissom, author of Follies of God: Tennessee Williams and the Women of the Fog

Samuel Garza Bernstein's biography of Cesar Romero is the latest addition to a remarkable body of work celebrating Hollywood history.  Meticulously researched yet delightfully accessible, Bernstein's love and respect for his subject is evident on every page. While Romero's iconic characterization as the Joker is clearly the center piece of the biography, his vast filmography is given full attention. Cesar Romero: The Joker is Wild should find a welcome place on any cinephile's film history book shelf.

~Charles Busch, actor/playwright (Psycho Beach Party and Die Mommie Die)