Murray Franklin

"And finally, in a world where everyone thinks they could do my job, we got this video tape from Pogo's Comedy Club right here in Gotham. Here's a guy who thinks if you just keep laughing, it'll somehow make you funny. Check out this joker."

- Murray Franklin before playing Arthur's video

Murray Franklin is a major character in the 2019 film "Joker". He is a veteran talk show host in Gotham City with his program, Live With Murray Franklin.

He is portrayed by Robert de Niro.

History
Murray Franklin hosted the show Live With Murray Franklin.

In 1981, Arthur Fleck's failed comedy routine came to Murray's attention, and he played clips on his show. Due to the unexpected popularity of Arthur's clips on the show, Murray invites the comedian to appear as a guest.

Completely unaware that Arthur has been slipping into insanity, Murray introduces him as "Joker" at Arthur's request. While on the show, Arthur makes several misanthropic and morbid jokes. He also admits to killing the three Wayne Enterprises executives on a subway train. Railing against society's abandonment of the disenfranchised and Murray's mockery of him, Arthur pulls out a gun and shoots his eye, killing Murray instantly on live television.

Quotes
"You don't know the first thing about me, pal. Look at what happened because of you did, what it led to. There are riots out there, two police men are in critical condition- You're laughing, you're laughing. Someone was killed today because of what you did."

- Murray to Joker "No, I think we've had enough of your jokes."

- Murray telling Joker he doesn't want to hear anymore "jokes" "Call the police, Gene, call the police."

- Murray's last words before Joker shoots him in the head

Trivia

 * Franklin is based on Johnny Carson. The layout of his show is strikingly similar to The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, and he even has a sidekick and bandleader that resemble former Tonight Show cast members Ed McMahon and Doc Severinsen respectively.