Arleen Sorkin was born on October 14th, 1955

Written by: Jack Thompson

Arleen Sorkin: The Iconic Voice Behind Harley Quinn

Arleen Sorkin is an American actress, screenwriter, television presenter, and comedian, best known for her role as Calliope Jones on the NBC daytime serial Days of Our Lives and as the voice of DC Comics' beloved character Harley Quinn, which she helped co-create with Paul Dini on Batman: The Animated Series.

Early Life and Career

Arleen Frances Sorkin was born on October 14, 1955, in Washington, D.C. to Irving and Joyce Sorkin. Her father, a dentist, was also a producer on the 2004 film Something the Lord Made. Sorkin had two brothers, Arthur and Robert, and her family is Jewish.

Sorkin began her career in cabaret in the late 1970s and early 1980s as a member of the comedy group The High-Heeled Women, alongside Mary Fulham, Tracey Berg, and Cassandra Danz.

Rise to Fame

One of her more prominent roles was the wacky but lovable Calliope Jones, which she played on Days of Our Lives from 1984 to 1990 and made return visits in 1992 and 2001. She reprised her role on the soap for the fourth time on February 24, 2006, and returned to Days for a limited run beginning on May 5, 2010.

In addition to her work on Days of Our Lives, Sorkin played Geneva, a sexy maid to yuppie couple Richard and Linda Phillips, on the Fox dramedy series Duet from 1987 to 1989. She would reprise this role on one episode of Open House, the sequel series to Duet.

Harley Quinn and Beyond

It was during her time on Batman: The Animated Series that Sorkin cemented her legacy as the voice of Harley Quinn, a character she helped co-create with Paul Dini. Harley Quinn has since become a beloved character in the DC Comics universe, with Sorkin's iconic voice bringing her to life.

In addition to her work on Batman: The Animated Series, Sorkin was the original female co-host on America's Funniest People in 1990.

Awards and Legacy

Sorkin's impact on the entertainment industry cannot be overstated. Her work as Harley Quinn has inspired countless fans and helped shape the character into the beloved villain she is today.

While she may not have received widespread recognition for her contributions, Sorkin's influence on popular culture is undeniable. Her legacy continues to inspire new generations of actors, comedians, and animators.

Personal Life and Philanthropy

Little is known about Sorkin's personal life, but it is clear that she has dedicated herself to her craft and her fans. While she may not have been forthcoming with her personal struggles and triumphs, her impact on the world of entertainment speaks for itself.

Through her work, Sorkin has inspired countless fans to pursue careers in the entertainment industry, and her legacy continues to grow with each new generation.

Trivia and Fun Facts

• Sorkin's father, Irving Sorkin, was a dentist and producer on the 2004 film Something the Lord Made.
• Sorkin's family is Jewish.
• She was a member of the comedy group The High-Heeled Women in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
• Sorkin played the role of Calliope Jones on Days of Our Lives from 1984 to 1990 and made return visits in 1992 and 2001.

Sorkin's contributions to the world of entertainment are undeniable, and her legacy continues to inspire and delight fans to this day. As the iconic voice behind Harley Quinn, she has cemented her place in the annals of pop culture history.