Warner Brothers have announced the death of long-time Batman voice actor Kevin Conroy after a short battle with cancer.
The 66-year-old is famed for having voiced the caped crusader in the acclaimed Batman: The Animated Series from 1992-96. He continued on with the role through nearly 60 different productions spanning 15 films and 400 episodes of television as well as video games.
Known as the definitive voice of Batman, Conroy regularly starred alongside Mark Hamill's Joker. “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.”
Stunned by the loss of this brilliant actor. Words can't express my admiration and respect for the man. I loved him like a brother.#RIPKevinConroy 💔 pic.twitter.com/THlaZ2uTSh
— Mark Hamill (@MarkHamill) November 11, 2022
He also featured in franchises such as Scooby-Doo and Masters of the Universe, appearing on episodes of Netflix’s Masters of the Universe: Revelation (playing Mer-Man in 2021) and He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (playing Hordak).
“Warner Bros. Animation is saddened by the loss of our dear friend Kevin Conroy,” WB Animation said in a statement. “His iconic performance of Batman will forever stand among the greatest portrayals of the Dark Knight in any medium. We send our warmest thoughts to his loved ones and join fans around the world in honoring his legacy.”
Conroy's most recent foray was in writing, releasing his autobiography Finding Batman this year. The book outlined his experiences as an openly gay actor, the only one to play Batman.
Born into an Irish-Catholic family, the New Yorker studied acting at Juilliard alongside noteworthy actors such as Christopher Reeve and Kelsey Grammer and was roommates with Robin Williams. Before his breakout into voice acting, Conroy appeared in famous 80's TV shows such as Cheers, Dynasty and Matlock.
There have been countless Batman's over the years but Conroy remains the voice of Batman, and will forever RIP.
saw an interview where Kevin Conroy spoke on his favourite batman lines and mentioned this moment as one he loved and was proud of. pic.twitter.com/8ETrHQVfv8
— 🦇 (@gothamfreak_) November 11, 2022
The Empire State Building held an incredible tribute to Conroy last night.
RIP, Kevin Conroy. You will be missed
📷: nycnikon/IG pic.twitter.com/II4Dk3qkxk— Empire State Building (@EmpireStateBldg) November 11, 2022
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