‘Days of Our Lives’ star Harley Quinn voiced by Arlene Sorkin has died at the age of 67

celebrities

by Jack Hobbs

August 28, 2023 | 8:30 am

Arlene Sorkin, the former “Days of Our Lives” star who served as the voice and inspiration for iconic “Batman” anti-hero Harley Quinn, died Thursday. She was 67 years old.

Sorkin’s husband, TV producer and screenwriter Christopher Lloyd, died after a long struggle with multiple sclerosis. he told Entertainment Weekly.

“We will always remember our dear Arlene for her immense generosity of spirit,” the family said in a statement. “Yes, talented, and stubborn too, as evidenced by her tenacious, decades-long struggle with a terrible disease.”

But more than that, she was a loving presence in the lives of her sons, Ellie and Owen; her mother, Joyce; her brothers Robert and Arthur; and countless other children, old and young, whom she took under her sweet wing over the years.

And the statement added that although her passing was sad, it was also “joyful, knowing how many people today remember her memory and smile.”

Sorkin made her television debut as a guest extra on ‘Saturday Night Live’ in 1982, but her breakout role came in 1984 as Calliope Jones Bradford on the hit TV series ‘Days of Our Lives’.

The gig earned her two Daytime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress and she has gone on to reprise the role several times.

In 1992, Sorkin made her voice acting debut as Harley Quinn in an episode of Batman: The Animated Series.

According to the show’s presenters, fans loved this wise woman so much that Sorkin was invited back for eight more episodes as well as invited to voice the character in several video game adaptations.

Since her debut, Harley Quinn has become a staple of DC and has spawned two live-action films as Academy Award-nominated Margot Robbie as well as her own animated series on Max, where she is voiced by Kaley Cuoco.

Director James Gunn posted a tribute to Sorkin on Instagram, praising her for bringing such an iconic character to life.

“Rest in peace, Arlene Sorkin.” he wrote. “The talented original voice of Harley Quinn, who helped create the character so many of us love. Love to her family and friends.”

Mark Hamill, who voiced the Joker opposite Sorkin, also posted a tribute to his on-screen love interest.

“I was devastated to learn that we have lost the amazing Arlene Sorkin,” the “Star Wars” legend wrote. On X (formerly Twitter).

“Not just an amazing talent, but a truly amazing person. I am grateful not only to have worked with her, but to have been her friend. I send my heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones.”