Arleen Sorkin, a renowned actress celebrated for her roles on the NBC soap opera Days of Our Lives and as the original voice behind Harley Quinn in Batman: The Animated Series, has passed away at the age of 67.
The confirmation of Sorkin’s demise came through a heartfelt message posted by voice actor Neil Kaplan on Twitter. Kaplan’s post expressed his sorrow, “It broke my heart to hear… the original voice of Harley Quinn, Arleen Sorkin has passed away. I adored her work as HQ & as Calliope in ‘Days of Our Lives.'”
Sorkin, a Washington, D.C. native, commenced her journey in the entertainment world as a cabaret performer during the 1970s. With her penchant for comedic roles, she garnered recognition when cast as Calliope Jones in Days of Our Lives in 1984. This opportunity not only brought her fame but also introduced her to Paul Dini, the co-creator of the iconic character Harley Quinn.
Dini was struck by Sorkin’s portrayal on Days of Our Lives, leading him to conceptualize Harley Quinn, famously known as the Joker’s girlfriend. This fictional character drew inspiration from Sorkin’s distinctive dream sequences performed on the soap opera.
From 1992 to 1994, Sorkin lent her voice to Harley Quinn in Batman: The Animated Series. Her exceptional voicing skills enabled her to reprise this role across various other shows and movies, including The New Batman Adventures, Superman: The Animated Series, and Gotham Girls.
Sorkin’s prowess extended beyond voice acting; she was also a proficient writer and producer. Notably, she contributed to the success of series such as Tiny Toon Adventures and Picture Perfect during the 1990s. Additionally, she co-hosted America’s Funniest People in 1990.
The cause of Sorkin’s passing remains undisclosed. She is survived by her husband, Richard Rosenstock, along with their two children. A later time will see the holding of a memorial service to celebrate her life.
Arleen Sorkin’s demise is a poignant loss to the realm of animation and entertainment. Her talents as an actress and voice artist left an indelible mark, particularly through her embodiment of Harley Quinn. Her memory will persist through her iconic contributions, continuing to captivate and motivate fans for generations to come.
