27/08/2023
Jesus... She had the perfect voice for Harley :/ Legend â¤ď¸
It is with the heaviest of hearts to announce that actress Arleen Sorkin, the original voice of Harley Quinn, has passed away today at the age of 67.
One of her most well known roles outside of the Batman universe being Calliope Jones on the soap opera âDays of Our Livesâ (1984-1990), this fun and lovable character and Sorkin herself inspired friend Paul Diniâs visual inspiration for Dini and Bruce Timmâs character Harley Quinn. Debuting in the âBatman: The Animated Seriesâ episode âJokerâs Favorâ on September 11, 1992, a once thought one off character within the animated show translated to Harley being a dominant figure within the 90s television series, in particular due to Sorkinâs voice and personality making the new DC character an automatic fan favorite.
Over the next two decades, Arleen Sorkin would voice Harley Quinn and other characters in animated television and film including âBatman: Mask of the Phantasmâ (1993) as Ms. Bambi, âThe New Batman Adventuresâ (1997-1999), âSuperman: The Animated Seriesâ (1997), âGotham Girlsâ (2000-2002), âBatman Beyond: Return of the Jokerâ (2000), âStatic Shockâ (2003: âHard as Nailsâ), and âJustice Leagueâ (2003). Sorkin also voiced Harley Quinn in video games âThe Adventures of Batman & Robinâ (1994), âBatman Vengeanceâ (2001), âBatman Arkham Asylumâ (2009), and DC Universe Online (2011), which marked the last project Sorkin voiced the beloved character.
Arleen Sorkinâs original take on Harley Quinnâs chaotic cutie has not only influenced actresses who have brought Harley to life over the years across all visual media, but helped mold one of DCâs most popular characters. We thank and will always remember Sorkinâs personal, lovable personality she implemented into all the characters she portrayed on television and film. Condolences to her family, friends, colleagues, and fans across the multiverse. R.I.P. âŚď¸đď¸đ