Beloved Actress and Original Voice of Harley Quinn, Arleen Sorkin, Passes Away at 67
Arleen Sorkin, best known for her portrayal of Calliope Jones in the hit NBC soap opera “Days of Our Lives” and as the original voice of the iconic DC Comics character Harley Quinn, has died at the age of 67. According to sources, Sorkin passed away on Thursday after battling health issues in recent years.
Arleen Sorkin’s passing has left a void in the entertainment industry, with many expressing their condolences and paying tribute to her talent and personality. DC boss James Gunn took to Instagram to honor Sorkin and her contribution to the character of Harley Quinn, stating, “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.”
Mark Hamill, who often recorded his lines as the Joker opposite Sorkin, also shared his grief over her loss in a heartfelt tribute. He described Sorkin as not only a wonderful talent but also a truly wonderful person, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to work with her and be her friend. Hamill sent his heartfelt condolences to Sorkin’s family and loved ones.
Harley Quinn initially started as a one-episode character when she debuted on “Batman: The Animated Series” in 1992. It was Sorkin’s portrayal of a snappy, wisecracking blonde in a dream sequence on an episode of “Days of Our Lives” that inspired Paul Dini, Harley Quinn’s co-creator and “Batman” writer, to cast her for the role. The character quickly became a fan favorite, appearing in various animated series, video games, and movies over the years.
Sorkin’s talent and dedication to her craft were evident in her portrayal of Harley Quinn. She remarked that she found it easy to find Harley’s voice, drawing inspiration from Adelaide, a character she always wanted to play in “Guys and Dolls.” Her extraordinary performance left a lasting impact, and today, Harley Quinn is internationally recognized, with Margot Robbie portraying her on the big screen.
Tara Strong, who voiced Harley Quinn in other iterations, also paid tribute to Sorkin, calling her “the inspiration & the heart & soul of this iconic character.”
Born on October 14, 1955, in Washington, Arleen Sorkin’s acting career spanned several decades. In addition to her roles in “Days of Our Lives” and “Batman: The Animated Series,” she appeared in various TV shows and films, including “Duet,” “Open House,” “Dream On,” and “Frasier.” Sorkin also worked as a writer and producer on several projects.
Arleen Sorkin is survived by her husband, producer-writer Christopher Lloyd, and their two children. Her legacy as a talented actress and the original voice of Harley Quinn will continue to resonate with fans and industry professionals alike. She will be fondly remembered for her immense contribution to the world of entertainment.