Arleen Sorkin, the original voice actress of DC Comics character Harley Quinn has died. She was 67.
Sorkin began her career as a cabaret performer in the ’70s and ’80s before landing her role of Calliope Jones in Days of Our Lives in 1984. Her performance in Days of Our Lives scored her two Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in 1988 and 1989. Sorkin played the character from 1984 to 1990, and subsequently made guest appearances in 1992, 2006 and 2010.
However, DC fans would know her best as Harley Quinn in the 1992 Batman: The Animated Series episode ‘Joker’s Favor’. Harley was intended to be a one-episode character but Sorkin later voiced her in other DC shows such as Superman: The Animated Series, Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker, Gotham Girls, Justice League and Static Shock. Sorkin turned Harley from an unnamed jester henchwoman to one of the biggest comic book characters.
Sorkin also lent her voice as Harley for DC video games Batman: Arkham Asylum, DC Universe Online and DC Universe Online: The Last Laugh.
DC co-head James Gunn shared the news of the actress’ passing on Instagram. He wrote, “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.”
Star Wars legend Mark Hamill also posted a tribute to the actress on X (previously known as Twitter).
“Devastated to learn we’ve lost the brilliant Arleen Sorkin,” wrote Hamill. “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.”
Sorkin is survived by her husband, Christopher Lloyd, and her two children, Eli and Owen.
Don’t judge a book by its cover, for behind all this makeup, is a geek just like you. To simply put it, superheroes, Star Wars, Harry Potter and all things gore and creepy makes this girly girl swoon.
Natalie
