The entertainment world is reeling from the loss of the incomparable actress and voice artist, Arleen Sorkin, who passed away at the age of 67. This devastating news was initially delivered by fellow voice actor Neil Kaplan, who took to Twitter to pay a heartfelt tribute, sending shockwaves through fans and colleagues alike. Arleen Sorkin, a luminary known for her iconic roles on the cherished soap opera Days of Our Lives and as the original voice of the enigmatic Harley Quinn, left an indelible mark on the industry with her unparalleled talent and creativity.
Arleen Sorkin’s illustrious career spanned several decades, leaving an indelible imprint across various entertainment platforms. She first captured the hearts of fans as the voice behind Harley Quinn in the groundbreaking Batman: The Animated Series, which made its debut in 1992. Remarkably, Sorkin was not just the voice but also the inspiration for Harley Quinn, a character conceived by her college friend Paul Dini. With a unique blend of zany charisma and genuine depth, Sorkin breathed life into Harley Quinn, propelling her to iconic status within the DC Comics universe.
However, Sorkin’s talents extended beyond the realm of animation; she made an indomitable impact in the world of soap operas as well. Her portrayal of Calliope Jones in the long-standing NBC soap opera Days of Our Lives showcased her versatility as an actress. Over her tenure on the show, spanning from 1984 to 2010, she received four Soap Opera Digest Awards and earned two Daytime Emmy Award nominations. These accolades underscored her exceptional acting abilities and her ability to captivate audiences across diverse genres.
Beyond her work in animation and soap operas, Sorkin graced television series like Duet and America’s Funniest People, leaving an indelible mark with her comedic finesse and endearing on-screen presence. Sorkin’s multi-faceted talents weren’t confined to acting alone; she ventured into screenwriting, co-authoring the screenplay for the 1997 film Picture Perfect, starring Jennifer Aniston, Jay Mohr, and Kevin Bacon.
Sorkin’s legacy extended beyond her professional achievements. She shared her life with television producer Christopher Lloyd since 1995, and together they had two sons, Eli and Owen. Lloyd, renowned for producing the hit sitcom series Frasier, shared a unique connection with Sorkin through their shared endeavors in the entertainment industry, even making a memorable on-screen appearance together in the final episode of the beloved show.
The entertainment community has been swift to pay homage to Arleen Sorkin’s enduring legacy and profound influence. Prominent figures such as Mark Hamill, the iconic voice behind The Joker and Harley Quinn’s on-screen companion, and James Gunn, co-CEO of DC Studios, have taken to social media to honor her memory. James Gunn, in particular, shared a poignant throwback photo of Sorkin, reminiscing about her pivotal role as the original voice of Harley Quinn and her substantial contribution to the character’s enduring popularity.
Arleen Sorkin’s passing represents an irreplaceable void in the entertainment world. Her uncanny ability to breathe life into fictional characters, coupled with her vibrant personality and exceptional talent, etched her into the hearts of fans worldwide. As the world mourns her departure, her contributions to the entertainment industry will be celebrated for generations to come, ensuring that her legacy lives on through the cherished characters she brought to life and the profound impact she had on the hearts of those fortunate enough to experience her work.
