Goodbye to Arleen Sorkin: Remembering the Iconic “Days of Our Lives” and Harley Quinn Star at 67.

Australian actress Arleen Sorkin, known for her memorable role as Calliope Jones on the iconic soap opera “Days of Our Lives” and her original portrayal of the DC Comics character Harley Quinn, has passed away at the age of 67. Sorkin’s death was confirmed by a source to The Hollywood Reporter on Thursday. In recent years, she had been dealing with health issues that prevented her from continuing her acting career.

The news of Sorkin’s passing was met with an outpouring of tributes from her colleagues and fans. James Gunn, the director of “The Suicide Squad” and the upcoming HBO Max series “Peacemaker,” took to Instagram to remember Sorkin as the “incredibly talented original voice of Harley Quinn” and praised her for helping to create the beloved character. Mark Hamill, who often recorded his lines as the Joker opposite Sorkin’s Harley Quinn, expressed his devastation and described her as not only a wonderful talent but also a truly wonderful person.

An Unforeseen Icon: The Creation and Success of Harley Quinn

Harley Quinn was initially conceived as a one-episode character for the hit television series “Batman: The Animated Series.” In her debut episode, titled “Joker’s Favor,” Sorkin’s portrayal of the snappy, wisecracking blonde instantly captivated audiences. This led to her return for eight more episodes and the subsequent voicing of the character in video games, animated movies, and various animated series over the years.

Sorkin’s inspiration for Harley Quinn came from her performance as a harlequin in a dream sequence on “Days of Our Lives.” Her college friend and co-creator of Harley Quinn, Paul Dini, was struck by her persona and decided to cast her in the role. Sorkin’s rendition of the character, infused with her talent for singing and her love for the character Adelaide from “Guys and Dolls,” added an extreme touch that resonated with audiences worldwide.

Harley Quinn’s popularity continued to grow, and Margot Robbie’s portrayal of the character in films like “Suicide Squad” and “Birds of Prey” solidified her status as a pop culture icon. Tara Strong, who later voiced Harley Quinn in different adaptations, credited Sorkin as “the inspiration and the heart and soul of this iconic character.”

A Versatile Talent and a Beloved Hollywood Figure

Born on October 14, 1955, in Washington, Arleen Sorkin began her entertainment career as part of a comedy troupe and as a cabaret performer in the 1970s and ’80s. Her breakthrough came when she joined the cast of “Days of Our Lives” as Calliope Jones, a role she played from 1984 to 1990, with intermittent returns in subsequent years.

Sorkin’s acting credits extended beyond soap operas and included appearances in shows like “Duet,” “Open House,” “Dream On,” “Ted & Venus,” “I Don’t Buy Kisses Anymore,” and “Frasier.” She also ventured into hosting, co-hosting the popular show “America’s Funniest People” alongside Dave Coulier from 1990 to 1992.

Additionally, Sorkin demonstrated her talents as a writer and producer, working on TV shows such as “How to Marry a Billionaire” and “Fired Up.” She co-wrote the 1997 film “Picture Perfect” and penned episodes for the animated series “Tiny Toon Adventures.”

Remembering Arleen Sorkin and Her Impact

Arleen Sorkin leaves behind a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry. Her portrayal of Calliope Jones and her iconic voice work as Harley Quinn have cemented her in the hearts and minds of fans around the world. Sorkin’s versatility as an actress, her ability to bring characters to life, and her genuine warmth as a person have endeared her to colleagues and fans alike.

Her passing is a reminder of the profound impact that actors and creators can have on our lives through the characters they bring to life. Sorkin’s contributions to the world of television and animation have left an indelible mark, and her influence will continue to be felt for generations to come.

As we mourn the loss of Arleen Sorkin, it is important to remember and celebrate her immense talent, her dedication to her craft, and the joy she brought to so many. Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family, friends, and all those who were fortunate to work alongside her.