From now, Batman loses a piece of herself: Kevin Konroy, the character’s historical voice actor, passed away after a brief battle with cancer, which separated him from the affection of his loved ones and his fans at the age of 66. Born in New York in 1955, Conroy has had a long career beginning in the late 1970s in television and television movies, including a recurring role on the popular 1980s series Dynasty.
His voice became iconic when Warner Bros. chose him in 1992 to print the Batman (and his alter ego Bruce Wayne) from Batman: The Animated Series, who will become so beloved that he will be reimagined in virtually every (or almost) non-live action entertainment product with the Dark Knight in it. By now, many have donned the Batman costume, but no one will ever match his record for nominated jokes, between animated series, feature films, and video games. His latest test is very recent and he is the Batman featured in the MultiVersus fighting game.
According to the official memo on DC’s website, Conroy has voiced Batman in about sixty different productions, including fifteen movies, as many animated series (we’re talking 400 episodes), and a few dozen video games. A career that culminated in playing a now elderly Bruce Wayne, also in live action in the Arrowverse television crossover “Crisis on Infinite Earths”.
Of course, it wasn’t just Batman throughout his career, but we can hear him at work in other titles too, for example Kevin Smith wanted him to play Mer-Man and Hordak in Masters of the Universe: Revelation.
Kevin was more than just an actor I got to cast and direct: he was a close friend for over thirty years, whose kindness and generous spirit knew no bounds.
says Andrea Romano, award-winning dubbing director.
Mark Hamill (who, as we recall, is not only Luke Skywalker, but also the historical voice actor of the Joker in the animated series and in video games) recalls his colleague thus:
Kevin was perfection. One of my favorite people on earth, and I loved him like a brother. He really cared about those around him, a kindness that radiated in everything he did. Every time I saw him or talked to him, my mood soared.
He was a brilliant actor. For generations he was the ultimate Batman. (…) It was such a complementary and creative experience. I don’t think I could have done it without him. He will always be my Batman.
Thus concludes Paul Dini, the character’s major TV author and producer of Batman: The Animated Series:
Kevin carried the light with him everywhere. Whether it was the lectern that gave it all, or provided relief during 9/11, or ensured that every fan who ever waited for it could have a moment with “their” Batman. A hero in every sense of the word. Irreplaceable. Eternal.
Source: Lega Nerd
