Kevin Conroy – I’m Batman
By Kieran Burt.
Another terrific actor has unfortunately passed away recently, Kevin Conroy. The voice of Batman for 30 years, has died of cancer aged 66. In the animated series and in several video games, he was the voice to many heard on their TV or on their xbox. He in many ways defined the voice of Batman,
He first started voicing the character in the 1992-1995 Batman: The Animated Series, but because of his immense popularity from the audience he stayed on in the role. This is also the series that brought Mark Hamill into the fold as the Joker. This appearance is why many see Conroy as the definitive voice of Batman, and has only gone on to solidify this view in subsequent appearances.
To many, he defined the voice of a gruff and gritty Batman long before Christian Bale and Ben Affleck. Indeed, he’s held the role of Batman the longest, voicing the character in 15 films, 15 animated series, and 20 video games. He’s even played as Bruce Wayne in live action, appearing in the Arrowverse’s crossover event, Crisis on Infinite Earths.
Of course, Batman isn’t the only role Conroy played. He also lent his voice to several other DC characters, such as the villain Hush in the Arkham games, Thomas Wayne in Batman Vs Robin and Batman: The Animated Series, John Grayson in The Batman series and The Crimson Avenger in Justice League Unlimited.
Because of his amazing work throughout the years, Kevin has been nominated and won several awards, including 5 Behind the Voice Actors Awards. Projects that Conroy has been a part of have also won awards, like Batman: The Animated Series, winning an Emmy in 1993 for Outstanding Animated Program and a BAFTA for the 2016 Batman: Arkham Knight video game.
Most recently, he appeared in DC League of Super Pets (but not as Batman), and in the MultiVersus video game, proving that even at 66 he wasn’t done with the character. His loss will leave a huge hole in the fans of many, sad in the fact that he won’t be able to reprise his iconic role one last time.
Mark Hamill, who voiced the Joker in the Arkham games and in the animated shows, gave a touching tribute, saying in a tweet:
“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.”
In a further tweet, Hamill said:
“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 and bonded immediately
While many will be saddened at the loss of Conroy, we should take solace in the fact that he was able to make such a huge imprint in the minds of many and helped to solidify the popularity of the hero today. He will be missed, but his legacy is unforgettable.
