Top 10 Portrayals of the Penguin

“The Adventures of Batman” (1968-69)

Before landing his career-defining role as Ted Baxter on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” Ted Knight regularly worked as a radio announcer and voiceover artist. He most notably worked with Filmation, helping the company secure a license to DC characters. When Filmation produced “The Adventures of Batman,” Knight lent his voice to multiple characters, including the narrator and Commissioner Gordon. His most memorable contribution was voicing the Penguin, becoming the first actor to portray the villain in animation. While the show’s animation was admittedly stiff, Knight’s puckish performance was full of life, setting a tone for many voice artists who followed. Hanna-Barbera brought Knight back to play the Penguin in “The New Scooby-Doo Movies,” making him the go-to voice for a period.

“Harley Quinn” (2019-)

From Ted Knight to Wayne Knight in another show featuring the Dark Knight. Wayne Knight has one of the most infectious voices in comedy. While you can sense a bit of Newman and Nedry in his Penguin voice, Knight otherwise escapes into the role, delivering one of his most unrecognizable performances. As is the case with most of the characters in this satirical spin on Batman, Knight’s Penguin stands out from his predecessors in a few ways. For starters, he’s Jewish and a very involved uncle. He isn’t involved for too long, however. Let’s just say someone else does the nose-biting here. While his time on the show might’ve been short-lived, Knight’s larger-than-life performance struck the ideal balance between sophisticated and slimy.

“Batman: The Brave and the Bold” (2008-11)

“The Brave and the Bold” revisited Batman’s campier 60s era, but with an affectionate self-awareness. Every actor understood the assignment, including Stephen Root as the Penguin. It almost sounds like Root is trying to do a British accent, although he isn’t fooling anybody. In a way, that’s fitting for a character like the Penguin, who tries to present himself as a refined member of high society. In reality, though, the Penguin is nothing but a criminal who’s always hatching a scheme. Keeping in tune with the rest of the show, Root has fun in the role without going too over the top. While Root’s portrayal harkens back to past versions, he avoids impersonating his predecessors, making the part his own.

“Gotham” (2014-19)

“Gotham” not only explored the rise of a young Bruce Wayne, but many of the villains that Batman will one day face. While the show had its highs and lows, Robin Lord Taylor’s take on Oswald Cobblepot was the most consistent bright spot. This version of Cobblepot is introduced as a bottom-of-the-barrel criminal who’s given the demeaning nickname of - you guessed it - Penguin. Throughout the series, Cobblepot changes the Penguin moniker from a source of ridicule to one of Gotham’s most feared names. Climbing the criminal food chain, Oswald proves more cunning than his former bosses or the authorities imagined. Every interpretation of the Penguin has style, but few possess more flair than Taylor. Plus, Paul Reubens returning as the Penguin’s father? Perfection.

“Batman: Arkham” series (2009-)

One of the most prolific voices in gaming, Nolan North is best known for the “Uncharted” franchise. You’d never guess Nathan Drake was the voice behind the Penguin in the “Batman: Arkham” games. Easter eggs aside, Oswald Cobblepot was absent from “Arkham Asylum.” His anticipated debut in “Arkham City” didn’t disappoint thanks to North’s cold-blooded performance. A testament to his versatility, North’s Penguin could be mistaken for Bob Hoskins with that cockney accent. North’s voice is so gruff that you can practically smell the cigar smoke emanating from the Penguin’s grotesque mouth. While physically no match for Batman, this Penguin talks a big game. Also, say what you will about “Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League,” but how many actors have voiced Penguin and Superman?

“The Batman” (2004-08)

Tom Kenny has voiced the Penguin in TV, games, and even films like “Batman vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.” Yet, his most notable tenure was on “The Batman” animated series. Kenny’s Penguin leans more into the character’s animalistic traits with every laugh sounding like a growl. The Penguin nonetheless puts himself on a pedestal, entering every room as if he owns it with zero shame. Although the Cobblepot name has fallen from grace, Oswald refuses to live anything less than the high life, going straight to crime. Kenny’s voice here finds a middle ground between whiny and greedy, epitomizing every nepo baby who thinks they’re the center of the universe. At the same time, this Penguin has claws, proving surprisingly formidable in a fight.

“The Batman” (2022)

Of all the actors who have played the Penguin in live-action, Colin Farrell perhaps went through the most drastic transformation. We picture the Penguin as someone short, stout, and… not Irish. Farrell is none of the above, but any traces of the actor are lost behind the Oscar-nominated makeup effects. Beyond the physical aspects, Farrell creates a Penguin who’s menacing, humorous, and a ton of fun to watch. When we’re introduced to Oswald, he isn’t starting from ground zero, but he hasn’t achieved Kingpin status. Despite his distinct appearance, nobody pays much attention to Cobblepot. Like Fredo Corleone, he poses a greater threat than many assume. This Penguin is just getting started with his ascension taking center stage in an HBO limited series.

“Batman” (1966-68)

Other than Mickey in the “Rocky” movies, the Penguin may be Burgess Meredith’s most iconic role. Being the first actor to play the comic book villain, many still view Meredith as the definitive Penguin. Sure, there have been more intimidating versions, but few brought more class to the tophat, monocle, and cigarette holder. Speaking of which, the smoke made it difficult for Meredith to get through takes without coughing. To cover the coughs, he conceived a “quack” sound, which became a staple of his interpretation. Meredith acknowledged that he sounded more like a duck, but the writers grasped onto it and children often asked him to quack in public. A favorite of the show’s creators and viewers, 60s “Batman” wouldn’t be the same without him.

“Batman Returns” (1992)

As far as live-action casting goes, Danny DeVito already had most of the attributes we look for in the Penguin. Tim Burton could’ve just dressed him in a tuxedo and called it a day. The filmmakers went the extra mile, though, turning DeVito into the most vicious Penguin we’ve seen yet. This Oswald Cobblepot is truly more animal than man, being abandoned by his parents and raised by penguins in Gotham’s sewers. This is the kind of madness you just have to give into, and DeVito fully commits. He’s funny, frightening, and occasionally sympathetic, although even his minions begin to question his biblical methods of revenge. In what’s arguably the most twisted “Batman” film, DeVito took the depravity up to eleven, Happy Meals be damned!

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

This Penguin Is a Mother Who Won’t Hesitate to Crack Her Own Eggs

One of the Film’s Editors Is Also Lego Penguin

The Voice of Rigby Becomes a Regal Bird

Voicing Lego Penguin & Bane, Blum Is No Strange to Bat Baddies

And We Thought Master Shake Was Cold

DC Animated Universe (1992-2019)

Yes, we know that Luke Skywalker voices the Joker, but can we talk about how the guy who co-wrote “Rainbow Connection” is the Penguin? Known for his music background, Paul Williams seemed like an odd choice to voice a character who’s better at squawking than singing. Yet, Williams hit all the right notes with a mix of empathy, gentlemanly charm, and something fiendish underneath. The DCAU’s Penguin is portrayed as a cultivated criminal who wants acceptance. Between society’s natural cruelty and his own worst instincts, though, he struggles to be an outstanding bird. Even upon going quote-unquote “legit,” he’s still a crook. Although David Ogden Stiers took over the role in “Mystery of the Batwoman,” Williams’ voice has become inseparable from the Penguin.