"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

  • Enzo Ferrari told a man "you may be able to drive a tractor but you will never be able to handle a Ferrari properly." The man was so angry that he vowed to create the perfect car. His name was Ferruccio Lamborghini.
  • In 2009, Burger King launched a campaign that if you unfriended 10 friends on Facebook, you were entitled to a free Whopper. The person you unfriended would get a message telling them that their friendship is worth less than a Whopper.
  • A team of six women programmed the first digital computer.
  • It costs the U.S. Mint almost twice as much to mint each penny and nickel as the coins are actually worth. Taxpayers lost over $100 million in 2013 just through the coins being made.
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Post originally appeared on Upbeat News.