Out Gay Batman Voice Actor Kevin Conroy Dies Aged 66
Image: Images: Facebook
Out gay actor Kevin Conroy, best known as the voice of Batman in Batman: The Animated Series, passed away on Thursday, after a battle with cancer. He was 66 years old.
In a statement, Warner Bros Animation, said, “Warner Bros. Animation is saddened by the loss of our dear friend Kevin Conroy. His iconic portrayal 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.”
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Voiced Batman Since 1992
From 1992 till 1996 Conroy starred in the acclaimed series Batman: The Animated Series, endearing himself to a generation of young fans.
Since then, Conroy has voiced Batman in 15 films, 400 TV episodes, and over two dozen video games.
In the comic, Finding Batman, written by Conroy about his journey as batman and as a gay man, Conroy wrote, “I’ve often marvelled as how appropriate it was that I should land this role. As a gay boy growing up in the 1950s and ‘60s in a devoutly Catholic family, I’d grown adept at concealing parts of myself.”
In the book, he revealed that his “Batman voice” was one that “seemed to roar from 30 years of frustration, confusion, denial, love, yearning.”
Friends and Colleagues Mourn Actor
Friends and colleagues mourned Conroy’s death on social media.
In a statement, co-star Mark Hamill, who usually voiced the Joker opposite Conroy’s Batman, said, “For several generations, he has been the definitive Batman. It was one of those perfect scenarios where they got the exact right guy for the right part, and the world was better for it. He will always be my Batman.”
In a subsequent post to Twitter, Hamill, wrote, “Though we’re all sad, I know he wouldn’t want that. I’m finding great solace in all the memories I have of him…the thrill of our earliest recording sessions, discovering the unique bond our characters shared, how we complemented one another & bonded immediately.”
Though we're all sad, I know he wouldn't want that. I'm finding great solace in all the memories I have of him…the thrill of our earliest recording sessions, discovering the unique bond our characters shared, how we complemented one another & bonded immediately. 🙏🦇s, 💜💚🃏 pic.twitter.com/jt8CHbdCsa
— Mark Hamill (@MarkHamill) November 13, 2022
Ed Boon, video game programmer and creator of the Injustice series, wrote “So sad to hear about Kevin Conroy. He was THE voice of Batman for generations, including our INJUSTICE games. So iconic. What a loss.”
So sad to hear about Kevin Conroy. He was THE voice of Batman for generations, including our INJUSTICE games.
So iconic. What a loss. RIP :( pic.twitter.com/JpgRwIGDAh
— Ed Boon (@noobde) November 11, 2022
Actor Michael Rosenbaum wrote, “Devastating. Kevin was a remarkable man inside and out. I will truly miss those big hugs and that magical voice. You will always be my batman. Rest in Peace my friend.
Devastating. Kevin was a remarkable man inside and out. I will truly miss those big hugs and that magical voice. You will always be my batman. Rest in Peace my friend. Flash #kevinconroy #Batman #justiceleague pic.twitter.com/rReMdBaPh3
— Michael Rosenbaum (@michaelrosenbum) November 11, 2022
Actor Tara Stong, who acted alongside Conroy, as the voice of Harley Quinn and Batgirl, wrote, “No one played him better. There will never be another [Kevin Conroy]. Aside from his talent he was a true mensch. He always gave 100% to his fans. He always gave 100% to all he did. I’m gonna miss you friend. Until we meet again in that big #Batcave in the sky. G’night Batsie.”
No one played him better. There will never be another @RealKevinConroy. Aside from his talent he was a true mensch. He always gave 100% to his fans. He always gave 100% to all he did. I’m gonna miss you friend. Until we meet again in that big #Batcave in the sky. G’night Batsie🦇 pic.twitter.com/fhmVeg5q7t
— tara strong (@tarastrong) November 12, 2022
Conroy is survived by his husband, Vaughn Williams, sister Trisha Conroy and brother Tom Conroy.
