Arleen Sorkin, the original voice of the iconic DC Comics villain Harley Quinn, passed away at 67 years old.
Sorkin has had a multi-decade career in Hollywood. She started working as a cabaret performer in the 1970s with a comedy troupe. But her talents in comedy transcended her troupe days when she was cast as Calliope Jones in the beloved 1984 series, “Days of Our Lives.” She stayed with the role full-time until 1990 and made surprise appearances later in 1992, 2006, and 2010.
Her portrayal of the New York-accented Calliope Jones was so memorable that she earned two Emmy nominations for it. But she eventually moved on from the series and co-wrote “Picture Perfect,” a 1997 comedy film starring Jennifer Aniston.
Arleen Sorkin as First Harley Quinn
However, her most famous role was in the animated universe. She originated the voice role of Dr. Harleen Quinzel, aka Harley Quinn, in 1992 for the cartoon adaptation of “Batman: The Animated Series.”
She was only supposed to be voicing the role for one episode, “Joker’s Favor,” but the audience loved her performance so much that she became a mainstay. Her voice cemented Harley Quinn’s demented character in the cartoons forever. But she wasn’t quite ready to part with the role yet.
She also played Harley Quinn in video games, several other animated series, and movies. Her voice was included in childhood classics like “Justice League,” “Gotham Girls,” “Static Shock,” “The New Batman Adventures,” and “Superman: The Animated Series.”
Suffice it to say, Arleen Sorkin walked so Margot Robbie could run. Sorkin’s Harley Quinn resonated so much in our childhood because her high-pitched voice and demented laugh were so hard to forget. Her voice gave life to the craziness of Harley Quinn.
Sorkin Lost the Battle with Multiple Sclerosis
But despite her energetic nature, Arleen Sorkin succumbed to complications from her multiple sclerosis on August 28. Her husband, TV screenwriter and producer, Christopher Lloyd, broke the news.
“We will always remember our dear Arleen for her immense generosity of spirit… It is a sad day for us, but a joyous one, too, knowing how many people today are summoning her memory and smiling.”
Condolences flooded in from the people she has worked with and touched with her roles. James Gunn, the CEO of DC Studios, wrote 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.”
Mark Hamill, who Sorkin worked with in “Batman: The Animated Series,” wrote on X, “Devastated to learn we’ve lost the brilliant Arleen Sorkin. 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.”
Hollywood lost another brilliant soul in Arleen Sorkin’s passing. Her portrayal of every character she was given was utterly sincere and full of heart. She is a legend in her own right, and her work in the DC Universe and other projects will never be forgotten.