Who Played the Joker in The Dark Knight
Heath Ledger portrayed the Joker in Christopher Nolan’s 2008 film The Dark Knight. His performance is widely cited as a defining interpretation of the character.
Background and Casting
Ledger was cast after a competitive process that included actors like Jack Nicholson and Jared Leto. He prepared using a journal of disturbing images and improvisation.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
The role earned Ledger a posthumous Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor and reshaped expectations for comic book villains. The Dark Knight remains a benchmark for superhero films.
For more on the film and casting, see the The Dark Knight page on IMDb.
