The Joker character was created by Bill Finger, Bob Kane, and Jerry Robinson, debuting in Batman #1 as a villainous character in DC Comics.
The Joker was designed with a clown-like appearance including green hair, white skin, and a permanent grin, establishing his iconic look.
In the 1988 comic storyline 'A Death in the Family,' the Joker brutally murders Jason Todd, the second Robin, marking a darker turn in the character's portrayal.
The graphic novel 'Batman: The Killing Joke' by Alan Moore further developed the Joker's character, exploring his origin and his complex relationship with Batman.
Jack Nicholson portrayed the Joker in Tim Burton's Batman film, bringing a high-profile and influential live-action depiction of the character to mainstream audiences.
Mark Hamill started voicing the Joker in 'Batman: The Animated Series,' a role that became iconic and influential in defining the character's voice and personality in animation.
Heath Ledger's portrayal of the Joker in 'The Dark Knight' won critical acclaim and an Academy Award posthumously, redefining the character for a modern audience.
Jared Leto portrayed a new version of the Joker in the 2016 film 'Suicide Squad', bringing a fresh take to the character with a distinct look and style.
The standalone film 'Joker,' starring Joaquin Phoenix, explored the character's origin in a gritty, realistic context and earned Phoenix an Academy Award for Best Actor.
