Tragic Loss: Legendary Original Voice of Harley Quinn Arleen Sorkin Passes Away at 67

Arleen Sorkin, renowned for her original portrayal of Harley Quinn’s voice in “Batman: The Animated Series” and her acting role in “Days of Our Lives,” passed away on Saturday at the age of 67. The sad news was shared by DC Studios CEO James Gunn via an Instagram post, where he fondly remembered her significant contribution to shaping the beloved character of Harley Quinn.

Sorkin’s journey in the entertainment industry began with her involvement in a comedy troupe and cabaret performances during the 1970s and 1980s. She gained prominence by taking on the role of Calliope Jones in “Days of Our Lives” in 1984. Her outstanding performance in the soap opera earned her two Emmy nominations for outstanding supporting actress in a drama series in 1988 and 1989. Her association with “Days” spanned from 1984 to 1990, and she made subsequent guest appearances in 1992, 2006, and 2010.

Her most iconic contribution was voicing Harley Quinn in the 1992 episode of “Batman: The Animated Series” titled “Joker’s Favor.” Originally intended as a one-episode character, Harley Quinn captured the hearts of fans, thanks in part to Sorkin’s exceptional voice acting. She continued to lend her voice to Harley Quinn across various projects, including “Superman: The Animated Series,” “The New Batman Adventures,” “Gotham Girls,” “Static Shock,” “Justice League,” “Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker,” and “The Batman Superman Movie: The World’s Finest.”

Beyond her acting accomplishments, Sorkin dabbled in writing and production. She contributed as a writer and producer to “How to Marry a Billionaire” and “Fired Up.” In 1997, she co-wrote “Picture Perfect” and penned two episodes of “Tiny Toon Adventures.”

Mark Hamill, known for his role as the Joker, which often intersected with Sorkin’s Harley Quinn, expressed his grief on Twitter. He described Sorkin as not only a brilliant talent but also a genuinely wonderful person. He considered himself fortunate to have worked with her and to have been her friend, extending his heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones.

Sorkin is survived by her husband, Christopher Lloyd, and their two children, Eli and Owen. Her legacy lives on through her remarkable contributions to the entertainment industry, her unforgettable portrayal of Harley Quinn, and the impact she had on her colleagues and fans alike.