Arleen Sorkin, the voice behind the first-ever appearance of 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:Harley Quinn, has died at the age of 67. She played Harley in 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:Batman: The Animated Series from 1992, later reprising her role until 2011's 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:DC Universe Online.
Sorkin's death was first reported last night, as she is said to have died from complications stemming from lung cancer. Tributes are pouring in from fans and colleagues alike, as everyone remembers the woman who gave us one of the most iconic performances of all time, with its influence still being felt to this day.
Sorkin's impact on the DC universe cannot be overstated. Not only did she serve as inspiration for the character's design, but her performance as Harley would immediately solidify the character as a fan favourite.
Since The Animated Series, many other actors have taken up the role of Harley, all drawing upon Sorkin's depiction for inspiration. Sorkin's "Mistah Js" and "Puddins" set the standard so much that we've even heard it in live-action, with Margot Robbie playing her in the DC Extended Universe. Through every change in Harley's life, Sorkin's performance will always be the blueprint.
Even lesser-mentioned aspects of Harley are only there thanks to Sorkin. While there the obvious similarities betwe🥃en their first names, Sorkin is also from a Jewish family, a trait th𝔍at would be passed on to Harley.
Having played Harley for so many years, she touched the lives of creatives across t꧋he industry. Trib🔜utes are led by Mark Hamill, who played The Joker alongside her in The Animated Series.
"Devastated to learn we've lost the brilliant Arleen Sorkin," Hamill. "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."
Hamill is joined by Tara Strong, who went on to play Harley herself when Sorkin departed from the role. Before this, Strong played Batgirl in The Animated Se⛎ries༺, working alongside Sorkin.
"Without this gorgeous, talented goddess, Harley Quinn would have never existed," says Strong. &🅘quot;She was the inspira🍬tion and the heart and soul of this iconic character. I was in awe as Batgirl watching her alongside Mark Hamill and Kevin [Conroy]. Sending love to her family."
Strong also says she will be donating all money raised from signing Harley Quinn autographs this weekend to the National Coalition Against Dom🉐estic Violence. This highlights the fact that Harley quickly became a symbol for women facing abuse, as she went on to leave her toxic relationship with The Joker.
Director James Gunn - who used the character of Harley in his film 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:The Suicide Squad - also pays tribute to the late actress.
"Rest in Peace, Arleen Sorkin, the in🍌credibly talented original voice of Harley Quinn, who helped to create the character so many of us love," Gunn. "Love to her family and friends."
Even with her passing, Sorkin's work lives on. Now, as Lady Gaga is set to become the latest actor to take up the role of Harley, her popularity shows absolutely no signs of waning. Sorkin influenced comic book culture more than we could ever say, and it's all thanks to the phenomenal performance she put in for what was once a guest character in a 1992 cartoon.