Voice actor Kevin Conroy – best known for his Batman voice in cartoons – has died at the age of 66 after a brief battle with cancer.
Conroy has voiced the Dark Knight in 60 different productions over the past 30 years, including 15 films such as Batman: Mask of the Phantasm and 15 animated series, including Batman: The Animated Series, spanning nearly 400 episodes and more than 100 Hours of TV shows, as well as video games.
Mark Hamill, 71, who plays the Joker opposite Conroy in the Batman: The Animated Series, said: “He’s one of my favorite people on the planet, I love him like a brother.
“He really cared about the people around him – everything he did showed his decency.
“Every time I see him or talk to him, my spirits are lifted.”
Hamill, best known for playing Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars film franchise, added: “He’s been the definitive Batman for generations.
“It’s a perfect scenario where they find the exact right person for the exact right part and the world is a better place because of it.
“His rhythm and subtlety, tone and delivery—all of those things help influence my performances.
“He’s the ideal partner – it’s a complementary, creative experience.
“I couldn’t do it without him. He’ll always be my Batman.”
Born in Westbury, New York, in 1955, Conroy studied acting at the Juilliard School with Christopher Reeve and his roommate Robin Williams.
Conroy also starred as the live-action Bruce Wayne when DC Comics showcased Arrow, Supergirl, The Flash, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, and Batwoman.
Poison Ivy Diane Pershing, who stars Conroy opposite, wrote on Facebook: “He really puts in a lot of time at[the Comic-Con event]to the delight of all his fans.
“He will be dearly missed not only by the cast of the series, but also by his many fans around the world.”
Emmy Award-winning casting and dialogue director Andrea Roman, whose credits include Batman: The Animated Series, said in a statement: “Kevin is so much more than someone I’ve been privileged to cast. And the actor who directed it – he’s been a good friend of mine for 30 years + kindness and generosity of spirit knows no borders.
“Kevin’s warm heart, cheerful and deep laughter and pure love for life will always be with me.”
Conroy is survived by his husband Vaughan C. Williams, sister Trisha Conroy and brother Tom Conroy.