The actress who provided Harley Quinn’s original voice for “Batman: The Animated Series” and “Days of Our Lives” passed away on Saturday. She was 67 years old.
James Gunn, the CEO of DC Studios, posted on Instagram to inform followers of Sorkin’s passing.
“Rest in Peace, Arleen Sorkin, the wonderfully gifted original Harley Quinn voice actor who contributed to the development of the character that so many of us adore. Regards to her loved ones.
In the 1970s and 1980s, Sorkin got her start in the entertainment business by performing in cabarets and with a comedy company. In 1984, she was cast in “Days of Our Lives” as Calliope Jones.
The “Days of Our Lives” performance by Sorkin earned her two nominations for excellent supporting actress in a drama series at the 1988 and 1989 Emmys. She would play a permanent character on “Days” from 1984 until 1990, and then make cameos in 1992, 2006, and 2010.
In the 1992 “Batman: The Animated Series” episode “Joker’s Favor,” she provided the voice of Harley Quinn, a one-episode character. In addition to “Superman: The Animated Series,” “The New Batman Adventures,” “Gotham Girls,” “Static Shock,” “Justice League,” “Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker,” and “The Batman Superman Movie: The World’s Finest,” Sorkin would continue to voice the part.
Sorkin also worked as a writer and producer on the TV shows “How to Marry a Billionaire” and “Fired Up.” In 1997, she co-wrote “Picture Perfect” and two “Tiny Toon Adventures” episodes.
On X/Twitter, Mark Hamill, who played the Joker and frequently appeared with Sorkin, expressed his sympathy.
“Devastated to hear that the bright Arleen Sorkin has passed away. A truly beautiful person, not simply a wonderful gift. Not only am I appreciative of having worked with her, but also of having been her friend. My sincere condolences go out to her family and close friends.
Her two children, Eli and Owen, as well as her husband, Christopher Lloyd, are still alive.