Today is a sad day for comic book fans everywhere, as it has recently been reported that iconic voice actor Kevin Conroy, best known for voicing Batman on the widely revered Warner Bros. television show, Batman: The Animated Series, passed away yesterday afternoon following his brief, but harsh battle with cancer according to Variety. He was only 66. Conroy was a long-time voice actor who portrayed the Caped Crusader in at least thirteen animated DC films throughout his lifetime, though he is most notably recognized for his work on Batman: The Animated Series.

Conroy’s work on Batman: The Animated Series earned him critical acclaim across the board, with many considering his performance as Batman to be the most iconic and celebrated interpretation of the Caped Crusader across any medium. Conroy was also known for his live-action roles in such well-known series as: Dynasty, Another World, Search for Tomorrow, and Murphy Brown.

Conroy’s untimely death has sent shockwaves throughout social media, including a great outpour of sympathy and condolences on Twitter from former friends, colleagues, and admirers, such as voice acting legend Tara Strong (Teen Titans, The Powerpuff Girls), newly appointed cochair of DC Studios James Gunn (the Guardians of the Galaxy series, The Suicide Squad), fellow Batman voice actor Troy Baker (The Last of Us, Batman: The Long Halloween), and lifelong Batman fan Jack Quaid (The Boys, The Hunger Games).

Mark Hamill (the Star Wars saga, The Sandman), Conroy’s longtime friend and co-worker who worked on Batman: The Animated Series opposite Conroy as the clown prince of crime himself, the Joker, also took to social media to express his grief and respects to both Conroy and his family.

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.#RIPKevinConroy 💔 pic.twitter.com/THlaZ2uTSh

— Mark Hamill (@MarkHamill) November 11, 2022

I don’t have the words. Not today. My heart is broken. There will never be another. He IS #Batman. #RIPLEGEND pic.twitter.com/hJcUVEVeWm

— tara strong (@tarastrong) November 11, 2022

🦇 Wow. Very sad to see this. What an absolute legend. Rest in peace. #KevinConroy #Batman https://t.co/kfpyyqQEnO

— Jack Quaid (@JackQuaid92) November 11, 2022

Conroy was also the only openly gay actor to portray Batman, something which he touched on in his story Finding Batman, which was showcased earlier this year as part of DC Pride 2022. He is survived by husband, Vaughn C. Williams, brother Tom Conroy, and sister Trisha Conroy.

Photo credit: Raymond Flotat