Arleen Sorkin’s legacy as an actress remained closely tied to her iconic portrayal of Harley Quinn, a character that left an indelible mark on pop culture. Her work brought life and personality to the character, contributing to its enduring popularity.
The news of Sorkin’s passing away has saddened not just her fans but also the film fraternity, who had the opportunity to work with her and know her closely.
Beyond Arleen Sorkin’s professional achievements, her courage in facing the challenges posed by multiple sclerosis resonates with those who understand the complexities of living with chronic conditions. However, the talented actress died at the age of 67, putting an end to an era!
Read more about this below!
How Did Arleen Sorkin Die?
The passing of Arleen Sorkin, a talented actress best known for her iconic portrayal of Harley Quinn, was confirmed by her husband’s agent, Christopher Silbermann, on 27 August, which was later confirmed by her other friends on X (formerly Twitter). Sorkin’s death was attributed to multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by the immune system attacking the protective covering of nerves.
MS leads to nerve damage that disrupts the communication between the brain and the body, resulting in a wide range of symptoms. These symptoms can include vision loss, pain, fatigue, and impaired coordination, among others.
After fans and friends of the late actress started pouring their love for the star after her demise, Diane Pershing, who lent her voice to the character Poison Ivy in the same series, also paid tribute to Sorkin on social media.
Using Facebook, Pershing conveyed that Sorkin had been dealing with a long-term illness. She shared that she used to visit Sorkin and read to her during this difficult time.
Pershing’s heartfelt message reflected the deep bond between the two actresses. She expressed her love and admiration for Sorkin and acknowledged the enduring connection they shared.
Was Arleen Sorkin the Inspiration for Harley Quinn?
Arleen Sorkin left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment by becoming the first voice to embody the character of Harley Quinn, the Joker’s unhinged girlfriend and partner in crime. Not many know that the character was exclusively designed for Sorkin!
Harley Quinn’s inception as a character was intrinsically tied to Arleen Sorkin’s portrayal in the animated series “Batman: The Animated Series.”
The character’s initial design and introduction were tailor-made for the show before she transcended into the realm of comic books due to her overwhelming popularity.
Sorkin’s distinct voice lent Harley Quinn a cartoonishly playful yet twisted quality, instantly resonating with audiences and propelling her to fan-favorite status.
The chemistry between Arleen Sorkin’s voice and the character’s personality was a crucial ingredient in Harley Quinn’s instant success. Sorkin’s portrayal added a layer of complexity to the Joker’s sidekick, infusing her with a unique blend of humor, unpredictability, and darkness.
Sorkin’s impact extended beyond her initial portrayal, as she continued to lend her voice to Harley Quinn in various iterations, including “The New Batman Adventures,” “Superman: The Animated Series,” “Gotham Girls,” “Static Shock,” and “Justice League.” Her versatile vocal skills allowed her to bring the character to life across different projects, showcasing her enduring connection to Harley Quinn’s evolution.
As Sorkin’s passing marks a somber moment in the world of entertainment, she joins the ranks of the original cast of “Batman: The Animated Series,” who have left a lasting legacy.
Arleen Sorkin’s Personal Life
Arleen Sorkin celebrated for her iconic voice acting and contributions to the world of entertainment, also had a dynamic personal life that encompassed her relationships, experiences, and passions beyond the spotlight.
Born on October 14, 1955, in Washington, D.C., Sorkin’s journey began in the realm of performance at an early age. She pursued her love for acting and comedy, and her talents eventually led her to the distinguished role of Harley Quinn, which would become her most recognizable accomplishment.
Outside of her professional achievements, Arleen Sorkin maintained a multifaceted personal life. She was married to television writer and producer Christopher Lloyd, with whom she shared a deep bond of 28 years. The couple have two sons, Eli and Owen.
Throughout her life, Arleen Sorkin remained a private individual, choosing to keep certain aspects of her personal life away from the public eye.
Let us know what your thoughts on the portrayal of Harley Quinn by Sorkin. What do you think of the iconic character that was specially designed for the late actress?
Have you watched Sorkin’s other movies? Let us know below!
