Arleen Sorkin, original Harley Quinn voice actor, dead; James Gunn, Mark Hamill pay tribute; know about the icon

Actor, screenwriter, television presenter, and comedian Arleen Sorkin passed away on August 24, 2023. She was 67. Sorkin was the original voice of the character of Harley Quinn and also the inspiration behind the character. James Gunn, DC Studios’ co-chief executive officer, posted a tribute to Sorkin on social media. Know more about her.

James Gunn said in his tribute, "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."

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Star Wars actor Mark Hamill said, "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."

Arleen Sorkin's career

Arleen Sorkins was most known for being Harley Quinn’s voice. Beginning her career with cabaret performances, she was a part of the comedy group called The High-Heeled Women.

Days of Our Lives time

Arleen Sorkin first became famous for her portrayal of Calliope Jones on the popular NBC show Days of Our Lives from 1984-1990. She reappeared in Days of Our Lives in 1992, 2006, and 2010. Arleen Sorkin went on to be nominated for Daytime Emmy nominations twice for her role in Days of Our Lives, in 1988 and 1989, for the award of Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series.

This role was noticed by her college friend Paul Dini, which led to the creation of the iconic character of Harley Quinn.

Voicing Harley Quinn – an era is over

Harley Quinn was based on Arleen Sorkin, and she made it iconic.

Arleen Sorkin poured her own lively personality and behavior into voicing Harley Quinn, complete with a Brooklyn accent with a Yiddish twang. She first voiced Harley Quinn in the show Batman: The Animated Series in 1992–1994.

Soon, the character of Harley Quinn became an integral part of the DC Animated Universe.

Sorkin went on to voice Quinn in The New Batman Adventures (1997–1999), Superman: The Animated Series (1997), Gotham Girls (2000–2002), Static Shock (2003), and Justice League (2003). She was also part of one episode of Frasier (2004). Arleen Sorkin also voiced some video games as Harley Quinn from 1994 to 2011.

Arleen Sorkin was also a screenwriter and TV host. She was a writer on board the famous animated series Tiny Toon Adventures. She also co-wrote the screenplay for the film Picture Perfect (1997).

In 1995, Arleen Sorkin married TV writer and producer Christopher Lloyd. The couple had two sons, Eli and Owen.

FAQs

Who was Arleen Sorkin?
Arleen Sorkin was the voice of the original Harley Quinn character in several productions and video games. She is said to be the inspiration behind the character.

How did Arleen Sorkin die?
Arleen Sorkin is said to have died of lung cancer, though there is no official announcement from her family. Arleen Sorkin died on August 24, 2023.