The Bat signal will burn brighter over the citizens of Gotham City this evening to honor the memory of Kevin Conroy, the beloved actor, writer, and voice of Batman. Diane Pershing announced Conroy’s passing, the voice of the DC character Poison Ivy, and publicist Gary Miereanu confirmed the sad news. Conroy passed after “a short battle with cancer,” according to Miereanu.
You can read Pershing’s heartfelt post about Mr. Conroy below:
Conroy starred in the acclaimed Batman: The Animated Series from 1992-96 and continued wearing the cape and cowl through nearly 60 different productions spanning 15 films and 400 television episodes and video games. Recognized by millions as their favorite Batman actor, Conroy represented a generation of fans who patrolled the streets of Gotham City after school and were comforted to learn Conroy is a proud member of the LGBT community. In Conroy’s critically acclaimed story “Finding Batman,” he spoke about his life and experiences as a gay man and how playing Batman gave him strength in dark times.
“Kevin was perfection,” wrote Conroy’s friend and Joker voice actor Mark Hamill. “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.”
On November 30, 1955, Conroy was born in Westbury, New York, and grew up in Westport, Connecticut. He cut his teeth in the acting biz by appearing in television series, including Dynasty, Tour of Duty, Ohara, and the soap operas Search for Tomorrow and Another World. If you look closely, you’ll also catch Conroy doing guest appearances on shows like Cheers, Murphy Brown, Spenser: For Hire, and Matlock.
Like many performers, Conroy struggled to find his place in Hollywood until landing the role of Bruce Wayne/Batman in Batman: The Animated Series. Many actors have worn the cape and cowl, but Conroy is considered the king of the Dark Knight’s animated adventures.
“Early on, I said, ‘This is the most famous and powerful guy in Gotham. Are you telling me he just puts on a mask and no one knows it’s him? Seriously? There’s got to be more to the disguise,'” Conroy told THR in 2017. “My template for the two voices was the 1930s film The Scarlet Pimpernel. I played Bruce Wayne as sort of a humorous playboy to counteract the brooding nature of Batman.”
Mr. Conroy was a talent unlike any other. A frequent member of the con circuit, tales of his interactions with fans are the stuff of legend. Grown-ass adults would revert into their seven-year-old selves in his presence, and he’d comfort them. His legacy will last for generations, and we will miss him. Rest well, kind sir. Your patrol has ended.