Kevin Conroy, one of the most recognizable voices behind the DC hero Batman, has passed away at the age of 66.
His representative, Steven Neibert, announced Conroy’s passing.
The actor provided the voice of the caped crusader in “Batman: The Animated Series,” which aired 85 episodes from 1992 and 1996, as well as in many DC animated films and video games. He brought the persona to life in over 60 different projects.
In 2019, he performed a live-action version of the character for the first time, appearing as a future Bruce Wayne in the CW television event “Crisis on Infinite Earths.”
Conroy was the first and only actor to play Batman who was out gay. Conroy wrote a comic titled “Finding Batman” for DC Pride in June 2022, in which he reminisced on his time voicing the character while coming to terms with his gay orientation. Conroy praised fans for their “overwhelming” support in a Twitter video posted immediately after the release of the comic.
Please accept our gratitude.
8 June 2022 — Kevin Conroy (@RealKevinConroy)
Following the announcement of the actor’s passing, tributes poured in. Mark Hamill, who portrayed Batman’s archenemy The Joker in “Batman: The Animated Series,” described Conroy as “wonderful” in the press release.
According to Variety, Hamill remarked, “He was one of my favorite people on the earth, and I loved him like a brother.” “He genuinely cared for those around him; his decency shined through in all that he did. Whenever I saw him or chatted with him, my mood was lifted.”
Mark Hamill and Kevin Conroy attend Fan Expo Canada in 2016. Isaiah Trickey
The voice of Batgirl in the DC Animated Universe, Tara Strong, also delivered a touching homage to the actor.
Alongside a photo of herself and Conroy, she tweeted, “There will never be another.”
I am at a loss for words. Today is not the day. My heart is broken. Never again will there be another. He IS the Bat. #RIPLEGEND pic.twitter.com/hJcUVEVeWm
— tara strong (@tarastrong) November 11, 2022
Another actor who has voiced Batman in video games, Troy Baker, commended Conroy for being a lifelong inspiration.
His was superior.
He will forever be the greatest.
He was Batman to me.
He was my buddy.
He will never fully comprehend how much he inspired me, but I’m glad I told him every opportunity I had.
Thank you, Kevin.
To sleep, to sleep, and perhaps dream…
— Troy Baker (@TroyBakerVA) November 11, 2022
Batman may have been Conroy’s most recognizable work, but he voiced numerous characters throughout his decades-long career. According to his iMDB filmography, he voiced characters in the “Masters of the Universe” series and lent his Batman impression to other cartoons, including “Scooby-Doo and Guess Who?” Conroy was also an actor on stage.
Conroy was born in November 1955 in Westbury, New York. He went on to study acting at The Julliard School in New York City, where he was enrolled alongside such legends as Christopher Reeve and Robin Williams. His spouse, Vaughn C. Williams, his sister Trisha Conroy, and his brother Tom Conroy survive him.