ABOVE: Kevin Conroy and fans. Photo via Conroy’s Facebook.
Actor Kevin Conroy, known for voicing and appearing as Batman for more than three decades, died Nov. 10. He was 66.
Conroy, who was openly gay, originated the titular role in 1992’s “Batman: The Animated Series.” His voice became synonymous with the DC Comics character over the years, appearing as Bruce Wayne and/or Batman in dozens of films, television shows and video games.
The news was first confirmed by fellow voice actor Diane Pershing, who played Poison Ivy in “Batman: The Animated Series.” Reports have indicated the performer died after a “short battle with cancer.”
“Very sad news: our beloved voice of Batman, Kevin Conroy, died yesterday,” Pershing shared via social media. “He’s been ill for a while but he really put in a lot of time at the cons, to the joy of all of his fans. He will be sorely missed not just by the cast of the series but by his legion of fans all over the world.”
She also shared a number of photos, seen below.
Mark Hamill, the “Star Wars” icon who voiced Batman’s primary antagonist Joker on the series, also reflected on his passing.
“Kevin was perfection,” Hamill said in a statement. “He was one of my favorite people on the planet, and I loved him like a brother. He truly cared for the people around him – his decency shone through everything he did. Every time I saw him or spoke with him, my spirits were elevated.”
DC as a whole also reflected on the loss. The company published a feature written by Conroy this year for their Pride anthology. It reflected on his career as Batman through the lens of being openly gay.
“DC is deeply saddened at the passing of Kevin Conroy, a legendary actor and the voice of Batman for multiple generations,” the company shared. “His iconic voice made Batman real not only through his work in Batman: The Animated Series, but a host of video games, animated features, and more.”
“Kevin was far more than an actor whom I had the pleasure of casting and directing – he was a dear friend for 30+ years whose kindness and generous spirit knew no boundaries,” Andrea Romano, casting/dialogue director, added. “Kevin’s warm heart, delightfully deep laugh and pure love of life will be with me forever.”
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