(Photo Credits: Candice Dunlap, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
Kevin Conroy, the voice actor behind DC’s caped crusader superhero Batman, died from intestinal cancer at the age of 66 on Thursday, November 10 at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. His death was confirmed by his husband of 10 years, Vaughn C. Williams.
Mr. Williams said, “It seemed to me that he was Batman. He had an early life that was troubled and had some negative ailments, but he turned that into an incredible personal strength.”
Conroy is best-known for his deep, iconic voice which landed him the much-coveted title role in “Batman: The Animated Series,” which ran from 1992 to 1996. Reportedly, over 500 actors auditioned for the role. And so, for the next three decades, Conroy would go on to become the voice behind Batman in not just about three dozen television shows but also a number of movies and video games.
Meanwhile, Conroy’s costar, Mark Hamill, who played the role of The Joker, said of the legendary actor’s passing, “Stunned by the loss of this brilliant actor. Words can’t express my admiration and respect for the man. I loved him like a brother.”
Hamill added on a separate tweet:
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.
DC also released an official statement through the company’s Twitter account. It reads, “DC is deeply saddened at the passing of Kevin Conroy, a legendary actor and the voice of Batman for multiple generations. He will be forever missed by his friends, family, and fans.”
Conroy recently played Bruce Wayne in The CW’s 2019 crossover Crisis on Infinite Earths. He was also the voice behind Mer-Man, Netflix’s 2021 Masters of the Universe: Revelation, and Hordak in He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (2022).
Conroy is survived by his husband Vaughn C. Williams, and his siblings Trisha and Tom Conroy. Read about this in full here. You can also read his personal story where he related his experience in playing his iconic role while at the same time accepting his sexuality in a piece called Finding Batman which he released in DC’s annual Pride Anthology this year here.
He suffered and he endured.
His time came and he went.
Angela Lansbury’s time came as did Elizabeth II’s.
We all go when it becomes our time; the smart ones already know this, and go quietly.
What becomes pertinent is how we are remembered and by whom?
This, ultimately, determines the value and tenacity of our Legacy.
Wow, didn’t know of him! RIP
sad loss indeed, RIP Mr. Conroy .. not only a powerful animated voice but also a very talented actor .. loved you on “Dynasty” too ♥
A beloved Gay actor has died. That’s sad. Wonder if it’s any more or less sad when a beloved Straight actor dies.
Maybe someday there’ll be equality and there won’t be a difference.
You are asking such a question on a Gay Site?
He was Gay and as such, this being a gay site, his death was noted.
It is logical and expected.
No need to get your Skirt or Sun-Dress up high!
A very viable question Kasper.
We did, however, lament “The Queen,” beginning 8 September 2022!