Arleen Sorkin, who is known for voicing the original Harley Quinn in the Batman animated series as well as for Days of Our Lives, has died at the age of 67.
It’s confirmed that Arleen Sorkin died on Thursday and that health issues have been keeping her from acting in recent years.
She also voiced Harley Quinn for the DC Universe Online video game, the Batman: Arkham Asylum video game, the Gotham Girls animated series, the Batman: Vengeance video game, the Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker animated movie, The New Batman Adventures animated series, The Batman Superman Movie: World’s Finest animated movie, Superman: The Animated Series, and The Adventures of Batman & Robin.
Batman: The Animated series creator Paul Dini came up with the idea of Harley Quinn and cast Arleen Sorkin in the role based on watching Sorkin, his college friend, playing a harlequin in a dream sequence in an episode of Days of Our Lives.
The head of the DCU, James Gunn, commented on Instagram.
“Rest in Peace, Arleen Sorkin, the incredibly talented original voice of Harley Quinn, who helped to create the character so many of us love. Love to her family and friends,” posted Gunn.
Mark Hamill, who voiced Joker in the Batman animated series, also commented on the death of his co-star.
“Devastated to learn we’ve lost the brilliant Arleen Sorkin. Not just a wonderful talent, but a truly wonderful person. I’m grateful not only to have worked with her, but to have been her friend. Sending my heartfelt condolences to her family & loved ones,” said Hamill.
Devastated to learn we've lost the brilliant Arleen Sorkin. Not just a wonderful talent, but a truly wonderful person. I'm grateful not only to have worked with her, but to have been her friend. 🙏 Sending my heartfelt condolences to her family & loved ones. 💔 pic.twitter.com/g1Mb3BWoKn
— Mark Hamill (@MarkHamill) August 27, 2023
Batman producer Michael Uslan also posted on Instagram, “A sad farewell to the beautiful and talented Arleen Sorkin who gave us Harley Quinn and such joy…”
