Like the rest ofBatmansrogues gallery, the Penguin varies from laughable to horrific, and everything in between.
Here are some of the best actors, all with interesting takes on the umbrella man.
Burgess Merediths take on the Penguin might have been the most striking of them all.
Meredith played up the gimmicks of his character, including his waddling posture and long-stemmed cigarette holder.
Its a part he would reprise two more times.
Burgess was equally effective on television.
Meredith took home an Emmy in 1977 forTail Gunner Joeand received a nomination the next year forThe Last Hurrah.
ThusDanny DeVitostake on the Penguin drew somewhat from grittier Bronze Age comics.
Bile spews from his mouth when he eats fish and he bites off a snotty executives nose.
Burton and screenwriterDaniel Watersuse the characters unpleasant elements as a way to satirize politics.
The sub-five-foot actor excels at playing short men with huge personalities.
But thats hardly the only skill in the actors toolbox.
And, oh yes, he also played the Penguin onBatman: The Animated Series!
But Williams has a long career as an actor in film and television.
Although the character looked like the Cobblepot ofBatman Returns, Williams gave him a more controlled and sinister edge.
Which is a surprise, given Taylors slight physique.
Then again, everything aboutGothamis a surprise.
Instead it became a wacky adventure that somehow is weirder than any Batman comic.
Taylor does a lot to build that craziness.
Part of the pleasure offered byGothamwas getting to watch Taylor work.
He threw himself into the role, the first major part of his career.
Thanks to the Penguin, Taylors worked steadily sinceGothamwrapped up.
Well, mostly grounded.
The film does, however, make allowances for the goofy wheneverColin Farrellas Oz Cobblepot shows up.
The thin Irish character actor makes for a unique choice to play the Penguin.
For his version of the Penguin, Farrell combines both aspects of his Hollywood run.
Farrell has the most fun inThe Batman, fun hell hopefully bring to his upcoming solo showThe Penguin.
