Colin Farrell, Danny DeVito, and More Actors Who Have Played The Penguin

Since his introduction in 1941, The Penguin has become one of Batman’s most recognizable foes. Known for his distinctive appearance and cunning intellect, Oswald Chesterfield Cobblepot has been portrayed by numerous actors across various media, from live-action films to animated series. Notable performances include those by Colin Farrell and Danny DeVito, each bringing their unique flair to this iconic character. This article explores the talented actors who have donned the mantle of The Penguin throughout the years.

The Penguin’s own television series most recently featured Academy Award-nominated actor Colin Farrell in the role. The character’s ascent to prominence in Gotham’s criminal underground is the subject of the HBO drama, which debuted on September 19, 2024. Every Sunday, new episodes of the show are released.

Here’s the list of actors who have portrayed The Penguin from his 1966 on-screen debut.

1. Burgess Meredith: The Original Penguin

Burgess Meredith was the first actor to portray The Penguin in the classic Batman television series from 1966 to 1968. His performance was characterized by a theatrical flair that set the tone for future interpretations. “I wanted to create a character that was both charming and sinister,” Meredith once said, highlighting his approach to the role.

2. Danny DeVito: A Darker Interpretation

Danny DeVito took on the role in Tim Burton’s Batman Returns (1992), delivering a performance that was both grotesque and captivating. “I wanted to make him a little more monstrous,” DeVito explained about his vision for the character. His portrayal is often regarded as one of the most memorable adaptations of The Penguin.

3. Robin Lord Taylor: A Modern Take

In the television series Gotham (2014-2019), Robin Lord Taylor offered a fresh perspective on The Penguin’s origin story. “His end game is to not be powerless anymore,” Taylor explained, providing depth to the character as he navigated his rise within Gotham’s criminal underworld.

4. Colin Farrell: A Transformation for HBO’s The Penguin

Colin Farrell portrayed The Penguin in The Batman (2022) and will reprise his role in the upcoming HBO series The Penguin. Farrell underwent extensive makeup and prosthetics to transform into the character, stating, “If it wasn’t for Mike’s design… we wouldn’t have had the HBO show.” His commitment to embodying Oswald Cobblepot has garnered critical acclaim.

5. Minnie Driver: A Unique Twist

Minnie Driver took on a gender-swapped version of The Penguin as Oswalda Cobblepot in Batman: Caped Crusader. “This was such a beautiful retelling of that villain,” she remarked, showcasing her enthusiasm for reimagining this iconic character.

6. Paul Williams: Voice of The Penguin in Animation

Singer-songwriter Paul Williams provided the voice for The Penguin in Batman: The Animated Series and its sequel series. His unique vocal style added a memorable dimension to the character, making him a fan favorite.

7. Wayne Knight: Bringing Humor to The Penguin

Wayne Knight lent his voice to The Penguin in the animated series Harley Quinn (2019). His comedic background allowed him to bring a lighter touch to the character while maintaining its villainous edge.

8. Tom Kenny: Versatile Voice Acting

Tom Kenny, best known as SpongeBob SquarePants, has voiced The Penguin in multiple animated projects, including The Batman (2004) and various Lego DC movies. His versatility showcases how this character can adapt across different styles of storytelling.

9. Steven Blum

Voice actor Steven Blum, who has portrayed Batman villains Bane and The Penguin in 2013’s Lego Batman: The Movie – DC Super Heroes Unite, is well-known for his roles in the anime Cowboy Bebop, Nickelodeon series The Legend of Korra, and Cartoon Network’s Ben 10.

10. Ted Knight

The iconic figure was voiced by comedian Ted Knight in the original animated Batman series, The Adventures of Batman.

11. Lennie Weinrib

Several villains in The New Adventures of Batman, including The Penguin, were voiced by the late Lennie Weinrib, who was the original voice of Scrappy-Doo in the Scooby-Doo series.

12. William Salyers

Actor who voices the character on The Regular Show, portrayed the villain in the animated films Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders (2016), Batman vs. Two-Face (2017), and Batman: The Doom That Came to Gotham (2023).

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