Arleen Sorkin: Original voice of Harley Quinn, and ‘Days of Our Lives’ actress, dies at 67
Fans and collegues are mourning the passing of Arleen Sorkin, the 67-year-old actress perhaps best known for her squeaky voiced interpretation of DC’s animated anti-hero, Harley Quinn.
In addition to voicing Harley, Sorkin had a rich resume in television and film and is also well-known for her portrayal of the “eccentric fashion designer/wedding planner Calliope Jones on ‘Days of Our Lives‘ from 1984-1990.” She made several re-appearances in that soap in later years and earned two Daytime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her role in that daytime drama, according to TV Line.
James Gunn, one of the new heads of DC, confirmed the actresses’ death and paid tribute to her on Instagram, posting: “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.”
Arleen Sorkin Bio
Sorkin initially lent her voice to become that of the iconic Harley Quinn’s beginning back in 1992 during the episodes of “Batman: The Animated Series.” She also served as the voice of Harley in future DC animated and gaming Batman endeavors, up through 2012.
Insider shared that Diane Pershing, who worked closely with Sorkin as the voice of Poison Ivy on “Batman: The Animated Series,” said that Sorkin, whose official cause of death has not been released, had been suffering from a long-term illness.
“I used to visit her when she was bedridden with her long term illness and I would read to her, and I loved her very very much,” she said. “I hadn’t seen her since I moved to Washington in January 2022, but I sent her messages and pictures of cosplayers at various Cons dressed as her, the original Harley Quinn.”
Actor Mark Hamill also worked very closely with Sorkin as he provided the voice for Harley’s DC super-villain boyfriend, The Joker. Hamill also paid tribute to the beloved actress 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.” ~ Mark Hamill / Twitter
Some of Sorkin’s other acting credits include, Duet, Open House, Dream On, Ted & Venus, I Don’t Buy Kisses Anymore and Frasier. Fans also remember her from co-hosting America’s Funniest People with Dave Coulier from 1990 – 1992.
Sorkin also served as a writer and producer on the TV shows How to Marry a Billionaire and Fired Up, co-wrote the 1997 film Picture Perfect and penned two episodes for Tiny Toon Adventures. ~ The Hollywood Reporter
Sorkin is survived by her two children and her actor / producer / writer husband, Christopher Lloyd, of TV’s “Taxi” and “Back to the Future” film franchise fame.
Rest in Peace Arleen Sorkin
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(Cover photo of Arleen Sorkin, Image credit: Twitter)
~ Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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