Kevin Conroy, the actor who voiced the Dark Knight in numerous computer games, notably the Batman Arkham series, as well as the classic series Batman: The Animated Series and the Justice League, became Batman for generations of fans. He was 66.
Prior to Warner Bros. Animation confirming the news, Conroy's passing was first reported by Diane Pershing, who co-starred with Conroy as Poison Ivy in the venerable Batman: The Animated Series.
In a statement released by Warner Bros., casting director Andrea Romano said, "Kevin was far more than an actor whom I had the pleasure of casting and directing—he was a good friend for 30+ years whose compassion and generous nature knew no boundaries.I will always remember Kevin's kind heart, beautifully deep laugh, and genuine love of life."
Mark Hamill, the Star Wars actor who provided the voice of the Joker alongside Conroy's Batman, remarked, "Kevin was perfection. He was one of my all-time favorite persons, and I cherished him as a sibling. His genuine concern for those around him was evident in everything he did. My spirits were raised each time I saw or chatted with him.
Conroy's dual portrayal of the playboy Wayne persona and the tragic, tortured Batman immediately won over audiences, cementing his voice as the definitive interpretation of the Dark Knight. He continued to voice the character in follow-ups like the film Mask of the Phantasm, the successor series The New Adventures of Batman and Batman Beyond, as well as other DC animated series like Justice League and Justice League U. Conroy has continued to voice the Dark Knight in a variety of media for decades following the conclusion of The Animated Series, including various DC animated films as well as video games including the Batman: Arkham trilogy and Injustice fighting games. Conroy even went on to portray a live-action Bruce Wayne in the crossover DC TV epic Crisis on Infinite Earths for the CW.
"A mask of assurance to the outside, and one tortured by conflict and wounds in the interior." In his DC Comics Pride story, Conroy discussed Batman's duality and his identity as an out homosexual. They questioned Batman, "Could I relate to that? Was it my private or public face that was present? Had I compromised too much? My breath became deeper, my heartbeat increased, I felt my face flush, I started to speak, and a voice I didn't recognize came out. My body shook as a throaty, husky, rumbling sound filled the air. And with that grumbling sound, Conroy established the voice that, for hordes of fans, came to represent Batman and will continue to do so even after his death.