Honestly I have this theory that people foam at the mouth when it comes to Ao3 tagging because it means acknowledging that they DO read these so called problematic tropes as long as it's unstated
We lost the legend who voiced and inspired the character Harley Quinn 3 years ago today at 67 years old 🕊️
Harley Quinn was never supposed to become a pop-culture phenomenon. She began as a supporting character created for Batman: The Animated Series, with writer Paul Dini drawing inspiration from his friend Arleen Sorkin after seeing her dressed as a jester in a dream sequence on Days of Our Lives.
Sorkin was then cast as Harley, and her performance helped turn what was originally intended as a one-off appearance into one of DC’s most enduring characters.
Before Harley, Sorkin had already made her mark as the wonderfully eccentric Calliope Jones on Days of Our Lives. But once Harley arrived, Sorkin became permanently connected to the character, returning to her repeatedly across animation and games as Harley grew from Joker’s sidekick into a worldwide DC icon.
Some of her memorable roles included:
Harley Quinn / Dr. Harleen Quinzel (Batman: The Animated Series)
Calliope Jones (Days of Our Lives)
Harley Quinn / Dr. Harleen Quinzel (Batman: Arkham Asylum)
Geneva (Duet)
Veronica (Taz-Mania)
Harley Quinn / Dr. Harleen Quinzel (Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker)
Peg Ferman (Perry Mason: The Case of the Killer Kiss)
Donna di Angelo (Dream On)
Monica (I Don't Buy Kisses Anymore)
Arleen Sorkin left us at only 67, but few performers can say they helped shape a character who eventually became bigger than the series that introduced her. Three years later, every new generation that discovers Harley Quinn is also encountering something that began with Arleen’s humor, personality, and unforgettable performance. 🕊️♦️🃏