Arleen Sorkin, “The Heart, Soul and inspiration” behind Harley Quinn has passed away aged 67
Arleen Sorkin, the original voice behind Harley Quinn and a talented actress known for her role as Calliope Jones on the NBC soap opera “Days of Our Lives,” has passed away at the age of 67. According to a source, Sorkin’s health issues had kept her from acting in recent years.
Esteemed figures in the entertainment industry, including James Gunn and Mark Hamill, have paid heartfelt tributes to Arleen Sorkin. James Gunn, the creative force behind DC, expressed his condolences on Instagram, acknowledging Sorkin’s pivotal role as the original voice of Harley Quinn and her contribution to shaping the character. Mark Hamill, who frequently voiced the Joker opposite Sorkin’s Harley Quinn, shared his devastation at the loss of a
brilliant talent and an even more wonderful person.
Hamill recalled not only working alongside her but also cherishing a genuine friendship. He extended his heartfelt sympathies to Sorkin’s family and loved ones.
Harley Quinn initially debuted as a one-episode character on “Batman: The Animated Series” in the 1992 episode “Joker’s Favor.” Created as a henchwoman to Mark Hamill’s Joker, Harley Quinn was intended to be a fleeting presence. However, the character’s charm and appeal led to an extended run. The co-creator of Harley Quinn, Paul Dini, was inspired to cast Arleen Sorkin in the role after catching her performance on an episode of “Days of Our Lives,” where she played a harlequin in a dream sequence. Her dynamic persona aligned with what Dini had in mind, and this marked the beginning of her remarkable journey with the character.
Arleen Sorkin’s portrayal of Harley Quinn resonated with audiences, leading to her reprising the role in multiple episodes, video games, animated movies, and series over the years. She brought her unique touch to characters in “Gotham Girls,” “Justice League,” “The Batman Superman Movie: World’s Finest,” and beyond. Reflecting on her process, Sorkin mentioned how she found her Harley Quinn voice by drawing inspiration from “Adelaide’s Lament” from “Guys and Dolls,” a character she had always aspired to play. Sorkin’s creative input amplified the character’s essence, making her even more captivating.
The impact of Harley Quinn’s character reached international heights, with Margot Robbie’s portrayal on the big screen becoming iconic. Tara Strong, who succeeded Sorkin as the voice of Harley Quinn in other adaptations, hailed Sorkin as the
“heart, soul, and inspiration behind this timeless character.”
Arleen Sorkin, born on October 14, 1955, in Washington, had a diverse career spanning comedy troupes, cabaret performances, and television roles. Her presence on “Days of Our Lives” as Calliope Jones garnered recognition, with engagements spanning the years from 1984 to 2010. Beyond her iconic roles, Sorkin contributed to the entertainment industry as a writer and producer. She co-hosted “America’s Funniest People” alongside Dave Coulier and was involved in projects like “How to Marry a Billionaire,” “Fired Up,” and “Tiny Toon Adventures.”
Survived by her husband, producer-writer Christopher Lloyd, and their two children, Arleen Sorkin leaves behind a legacy that has touched hearts and shaped the landscape of popular culture. Her talents and contributions will be remembered and celebrated by fans and fellow artists alike.
