Batman: All 7 Penguin actors ranked from worst to best

3. Paul Williams

Paul Williams’ turn as The Penguin came in the early ’90s when he voiced the character in Batman: The Animated Series and its subsequent spin-off sequel The New Batman Adventures – and like with everything in the legendary DC Animated Universe, it was a portrayal for the ages.

Though the original Animated Series design was visually inspired by Tim Burton’s Gothic reinvention (he was smaller, with long hair that was balding at the top and even had flippers), there was a refined elegance about him more akin to the Oswald Cobblepots of the comics.

A hopeful socialite desperate to be recognized and welcomed by society, he was very well-spoken and had the most charming of voices. That was, of course, down to Paul Williams’ voice performance, as he spoke in almost a seductive tone that made viewers want to hear more from him – and that was very effective in making the character sound like the wealthy socialite he wanted to be.

The character was physically redesigned for the sequel series in 1997, adopting an appearance more in-line with his classic comic book look – as his long hair was shortened and his flippers were replaced with (in the words of Danny DeVito’s Penguin) “five chubby digits” – and he now owned the corrupt Iceberg Lounge. Having achieved his dream of being a well-respected socialite, it was only fitting that Williams returned to reprise the role – nailing it all over again.