Arleen Sorkin, the iconic voice behind Harley Quinn in the animated DC Universe, has passed away at the age of 67. The news was shared by DC co-head James Gunn, who paid tribute to Sorkin 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,” Gunn wrote.
Sorkin’s career began in 1982 with a background appearance on Saturday Night Live, and she went on to star in shows such as Duet, Open House, Dream On, and Perry Mason: The Case of the Killer Kiss.
In 1992, Sorkin started voicing Harley Quinn in Batman: The Animated Series and continued to portray the character in other shows like Superman: The Animated Series, Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker, Gotham Girls, Justice League, and Static Shock. She also lent her voice to Harley Quinn in popular video games such as Batman: Arkham Asylum, DC Universe Online, and DC Universe Online: The Last Laugh.
Apart from her work in the DC Universe, Sorkin also played Calliope Jones Bradford in the NBC daytime soap Days of Our Lives.
Mark Hamill, who famously voiced the character of the Joker opposite Sorkin’s Harley Quinn, expressed his condolences on social media. “Devastated to learn we’ve lost the brilliant Arleen Sorkin,” Hamill wrote. “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.”
Fans and colleagues alike are mourning the loss of Sorkin’s incredible talent and will always remember her contribution to bringing Harley Quinn to life.