New Biography Reveals Hollywood Icon Cesar Romero’s Private Queer Life

The release of a new biography on Cesar Romero, the celebrated Cuban-American actor best known for his iconic portrayal of the Joker on the 1960s “Batman” television series, has ignited renewed discussion about the hidden queer histories of classic Hollywood stars. The book, authored by Samuel Garza Bernstein and published by University of Kentucky Press, claims to document Romero’s private life as a gay man living under the constraints of a conservative industry and era, drawing on interviews, published accounts, and previously unreleased material .

While Hollywood’s golden age was marked by strict social codes and studio-enforced secrecy, Romero’s story offers insight into both the personal costs and quiet resistance of queer actors who shaped American culture from behind the scenes.

Born in 1907 to Cuban parents, Cesar Romero ascended rapidly in Hollywood, becoming a sought-after “Latin lover” in dozens of films from the 1930s through the 1950s. His career spanned more than six decades, encompassing roles in film, television, and theater, and he was recognized for his charm, comedic timing, and versatility. Despite his professional success and regular appearances alongside glamorous actresses such as Joan Crawford, Linda Darnell, and Lucille Ball, Romero never married and was frequently described as a “confirmed bachelor” in media coverage .

Romero’s bachelorhood fueled speculation throughout his life, though the studios and press generally maintained a respectful silence, in keeping with the industry’s unwritten rules about privacy and public image.

Among the most significant sources for Romero’s private life are interviews conducted by author Boze Hadleigh, later published in the book “Hollywood Gays.” In these interviews, Romero reportedly spoke candidly about his sexuality and the realities of being a closeted gay man in Hollywood. According to Hadleigh’s account, Romero was “out” to many entertainment industry colleagues, and his homosexuality was considered “Hollywood’s worst kept secret.” The interviews, however, were not released until after Romero’s death in 1994, honoring his request for discretion during his lifetime .

Romero’s discussion of his queer identity was framed by his experiences as a Catholic and Latino man, adding layers of complexity to his personal journey and relationships.

The biography and supporting historical accounts reference Romero’s long-standing friendship and rumored romantic relationship with fellow actor Tyrone Power. While Power’s affairs with women were widely publicized, biographer Hector Arce and associates of director George Cukor have documented Power’s relationships with men, including Romero. Charles Williamson, a long-time Hollywood insider, recalled that Romero discreetly arranged meetings for Power with male companions, reflecting the careful management of personal lives necessitated by the era’s moral climate .

Romero’s own comments, as recounted in interviews, indicate a deep affection for Power: in a 1989 interview with Howard Johns for Australia’s 2BL radio, Romero reportedly said Power was “the only man I ever loved.” This statement was made in response to Johns’s coverage of Power’s sexuality and alleged affair with Romero in Campaign magazine .

Despite these accounts, other sources urge caution, noting that some interviews and stories about Romero’s private life were only published posthumously and that rumors can be difficult to substantiate fully. Online forums and critical readers have raised questions about the reliability of some claims, suggesting a need for careful review of the available evidence .

Romero’s experience as a queer man in Hollywood was shaped not only by his sexuality but also by his identity as a Cuban-American and practicing Catholic. The intersections of ethnicity, faith, and queerness created unique challenges and pressures. Hollywood in the mid-twentieth century was notoriously homophobic, with studios imposing rigid controls on actors’ public images and relationships. Romero’s ability to maintain his career and dignity, while building a supportive network among colleagues who understood his situation, demonstrates both resilience and the quiet solidarity present within the entertainment world .

Romero’s discretion and professionalism allowed him to avoid the scandals that plagued other stars, and he was respected for the care with which he conducted his private life. His story reflects the broader reality for many LGBTQ+ people of the era, who were compelled to live double lives and conceal their true selves from the public.

The publication of Romero’s biography is part of a larger movement to recognize and honor the hidden histories of LGBTQ+ individuals in Hollywood and beyond. By surfacing these stories, contemporary writers and activists seek to affirm the contributions of queer artists and challenge the erasure that has long been standard practice in entertainment history.

For many LGBTQ+ readers, the revelations about Romero’s life offer a sense of connection and representation, illustrating the diversity and richness of queer experiences across generations. These accounts also serve as reminders of the progress made—and the continuing need for visibility, acceptance, and understanding for all LGBTQ+ identities in media and society.

The book’s claims and supporting material have sparked debate among fans, scholars, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. While several sources, including interviews and testimonies from Romero’s contemporaries, support the account of his private queer life, others caution that some claims remain difficult to verify and may be based on rumor or retrospective interpretation. The ethics of posthumous biography and the balance between public interest and personal privacy remain active issues in media and LGBTQ+ advocacy .

Ultimately, Romero’s story is emblematic of the broader challenges faced by LGBTQ+ people in the public eye—challenges that continue to evolve as visibility and acceptance grow.

Cesar Romero’s life and legacy, as illuminated by recent scholarship and testimonies, provide a powerful example of perseverance, dignity, and quiet activism in the face of adversity. By revisiting and honoring his story, LGBTQ+ communities and allies can continue the work of reclaiming history, celebrating diversity, and advocating for a world in which all people are free to live authentically.