Arleen Sorkin, Soap Star and Voice Actress, Dead at 67

Arleen Sorkin has died. She was 67 years old.

Sorkin, best known as the original voice of and inspiration behind the fictional DC Comics character Harley Quinn, died on Aug. 24, according to a statement shared with The Hollywood Reporter on Saturday, Aug. 26. A cause of death has not been confirmed.

Though health issues reportedly kept Sorkin from accepting new roles in recent days, the award-winning actress–born Oct. 14, 1955, in Washington, D.C.–was fondly remembered by industry veterans, including filmmaker James Gunn and Sorkin's former Batman: The Animated Series co-star Mark Hamill.

"Rest in Peace, Arleen Sorkin, the incredibly talented original voice of Harley Quinn, who helped to create the character so many of us love," Gunn wrote in a tribute shared via Instagram on Saturday. "Love to her family and friends."

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Hamill took to the social media site formerly known as Twitter Saturday night, writing, "Devastated to learn we’ve lost the brilliant Arleen Sorkin. 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. Sending my heartfelt condolences to her family & loved ones."

Tara Strong, who currently voices the character of Harley Quinn, also mourned the loss of Sorkin, calling her a "talented goddess."

"Without this gorgeous, talented goddess, #HarleyQuinn would have never existed. She was the inspiration & the heart & soul of this iconic character. I was in awe as #Batgirl watching her alongside @MarkHamill & Kevin. Sending love to her family #RipArleenSorkin."

Actor Jim Cummings, who starred with Sorkin in Hamill's 2004 mockumentary Comic Book: The Movie, credited his late co-star with paving the way for "an entire generation" in his tribute.

"RIP Arleen Sorkin, the original voice of #HarleyQuinn. You paved the way for an entire generation and I'll never forget our time working together."

Dave Coulier, who worked with Sorkin during their time co-hosting America's Funniest People, remembered her on Instagram as "a one-of-a-kind funny person who brought laughter and lots smiles to millions."

Before voicing one of the most iconic DC Comics characters on TV in the 1990s, Sorkin worked in a female comedy troupe called The High-Heeled Women in the 1970s and ’80s. Then in 1984, she was cast in the role of Calliope Jones on the NBC hit soap opera Days of Our Lives. She played the character as a regular for a six years and made additional appearances in 1992, 2001, 2006 and 2010.

Other acting credits include Duet (1987-1989), Open House (1989), Fraiser (2004), Gotham Girls (2000-2002), among many more. Sorkin later wrote and produced How to Marry a Billionaire (2011) and Fired Up (1997-1998).

Survivors include her husband, Modern Family producer-writer Christopher Lloyd, and the couple's two children.

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