"Joker" Was Based On This True Story of an Unhinged Man

Pushing the Envelope

Conrad leaned into his roles in real life. After becoming recognized for his strange characters, he began acting strangely in his every day. He'd go to theaters dressed in a cape and monocle, similar to the appearances of classic villains at the time. It was intriguing, but just like the Joker, soon Conrad’s commitment to his artistic craft went a bit too far...

Developing Obsession

Conrad became dedicated in all forms. A local actor offered him free acting lessons, which Conrad accepted. He soon was enamored with perfecting every performance, getting to the point that he'd skip meals and stopped bathing regularly. He lost weight quickly, and his new haunting figure would prove to be helpful in his new search for roles...

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The More You Know

  • Chihuahuas have the biggest brains in the canine world.
  • Benjamin Franklin was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame.
  • The Nobel Committee declined to award the Nobel Peace Prize in 1948 because "there was no suitable living candidate." This was meant as tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, who was assassinated earlier that year without receiving the Prize.
  • In 1966 and 1967, soldiers testing Agent Orange in Canada were told the chemical was completely safe and sprayed it on each other to cool off.
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Post originally appeared on Upbeat News.