Overview

Cesar Julio Romero Jr. (February 15, 1907 – January 1, 1994) was an American actor, singer, dancer, and vocal artist. With a career spanning almost 60 years, Romero was active in film, radio, and television. He was known for his debonair charm and versatility, taking on roles ranging from Latin lovers and historical figures to characters in light domestic comedies. He gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of the Joker in the Batman television series (1966-1968) and the subsequent film in 1966, where he brought a comedic and playful energy to the iconic villain. Beyond the Joker, Romero had a prolific career with over 200 acting credits, including roles in ‘The Thin Man,’ ‘Wee Willie Winkie,’ and ‘Falcon Crest’. He also served in the United States Coast Guard during World War II. Romero received two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contributions to motion pictures and television.

What Is Cesar Romero’s Net Worth?

Cesar Romero, a multifaceted American entertainer whose career spanned acting, singing, dancing, and vocal performances, had a net worth of $5 million at the time of his death in January 1994. This figure, adjusted for inflation, represents the culmination of decades of work across various entertainment mediums. While specific details regarding the breakdown of his income from various sources are not publicly available, we can infer that his net worth was comprised of earnings from his extensive work in film, television, radio, and stage productions.

Cesar Romero’s Career in Film and Television

Romero’s acting career was remarkably prolific, boasting over 200 acting credits. He gained significant recognition for portraying the Joker in the iconic television series “Batman” (1966-1968) and the subsequent 1966 film adaptation. While his exact salary for “Batman” remains undisclosed, similar roles in major network television shows during that era typically commanded salaries ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 per episode for established actors. Given Romero’s experience and established career, his compensation likely fell within this range.

Beyond “Batman,” Romero held starring roles in various other television series, including “Passport to Danger” (1954-1958), where he played Steve McQuinn, and “Falcon Crest” (1985-1988), where he portrayed Peter Stavros. Information regarding his specific contracts and earnings for these roles is not publicly accessible, it’s safe to assume these roles significantly contributed to his overall wealth. Furthermore, Romero received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in the 1963 film “If a Man Answers.” While a nomination doesn’t directly translate to increased earnings, it does elevate an actor’s profile and potentially leads to higher-paying roles in the future.

His filmography includes a wide array of films, showcasing his versatility as an actor. He appeared in musicals, comedies, and dramas, often cast as the charming Latin lover or portraying historical figures. Details on box office performance and his individual earnings for each film are not comprehensively available, making it difficult to provide a precise breakdown of his film-related income.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Cesar Romero was born in New York City in February 1907. His family had business interests in the sugar industry, providing him with a relatively privileged upbringing. The specific details of his early schooling and residences are not widely documented in readily available resources. However, his family’s financial stability likely allowed him to pursue his passion for performing arts without immediate financial constraints. This advantage may have provided him the opportunity to take acting lessons, attend dance classes, or network within the entertainment industry, all of which could have contributed to his early career development.

While Romero’s initial foray into the entertainment industry began with stage performances and dance revues, detailed financial records from his early career are scarce. It is known that he possessed a natural talent for performance and actively sought opportunities to showcase his abilities. Although his early earnings may not have been substantial, they provided valuable experience and laid the foundation for his future success in film and television.

Recognition and Legacy

Cesar Romero’s contributions to the entertainment industry were formally recognized with two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960, one for Motion Pictures and another for Television. While these stars do not directly contribute to his net worth, they serve as lasting symbols of his impact and enduring legacy. Romero passed away on January 1, 1994, at the age of 86. His estate was valued at $5 million (inflation adjusted). While this figure offers a snapshot of his financial standing at the time of his death, it doesn’t provide a comprehensive picture of his lifetime earnings or investment strategies.

It is important to note that estimating a deceased individual’s net worth, particularly for figures from the mid-20th century, involves a degree of inference and approximation. Publicly available financial records are often incomplete, and details regarding personal investments, real estate holdings, and other assets may not be readily accessible. Therefore, the $5 million figure should be considered an informed estimate based on available information.

© 2025 Net Worth Ranker / All Rights Reserved