Batman legend Kevin Conroy has passed away at the age of 66 following a battle with cancer. Conroy’s gravelly voice was beloved by millions.
On Friday, November 11th, word spread that beloved voice actor Kevin Conroy had passed away. For so many, Conroy was not only the voice of Batman, but he was Batman and will forever be.
Kevin Conroy wasn’t always Batman
Conroy’s career had a humble beginning as a bartender in a small TV movie called “How to Pick Up Girls!” in 1978. He also landed roles in TV series such as Another World, Dynasty and Rachel Gunn, R.N from 1980 to 1992.
However, the trajectory of his career changed forever by landing the role of Batman/Bruce Wayne in Batman: The Animated Series.
Kevin Conroy was quite literally the voice of many childhoods for DC fans. Conroy would be the voice of Batman over 85 episodes from 1992 to 1995. He would also become part of an iconic trio entwined forever with Mark Hammill’s Joker and Tara Strong’s Harley Quinn.
In 1992, his carer changed forever
While Conroy would land other gigs since his role as Batman in the animated series, he became so synonymous with the Caped Crusader, this would be a role that became his for decades to come.
What’s more, this wasn’t considered to be a detriment being so closely associated with the role of Batman. Instead, it was simply because he excelled in the role beyond measure.
No doubt there was a generation that missed out on Batman: The Animated Series. So for some, Conroy’s introduction would be made in a critically acclaimed video game series from Rocksteady Studios. I am of course talking about the Batman Arkham series which spawned in 2009.
As much as he perfected the role in the animated series, Conroy also made the voice of Bruce Wayne his own with the likes of Batman: Arkham Asylum as well as its sequels, Arkham City and Arkham Knight.
Conroy would also don the cape furthermore in the fighting series Injustice: Gods Among Us and Injustice 2 from Mortal Kombat developer NetherRealm Studios.
Kevin Conroy is The Batman
Kevin Conroy’s last known role was as Mer-Man and Hordak in Masters of the Universe and He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, respectively. Filming was also currently ongoing for the Batman: Caped Crusader animated series.
Many of us grew up adoring Batman as well as the characters portrayed in Gotham City. To each Batman fan, you will likely get a different answer as to who is the best Caped Crusader. However, most will probably argue that Kevin Conroy is the best Batman.
Thank you, Kevin
That being said, I think there’s little to debate that Conroy’s Gotham Knight is placed firmly alongside the likes of Adam West, Michael Keaton and Christian Bale.
While many of us never had the privilege of knowing Kevin Conroy, he was not only the hero we deserved but was a hero we came to cherish.
Finally, thank you for being the voice of Batman for the decades that have passed but also for the decades that are yet to come.
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Featured Image Credit: Kevin Conroy/Warner Bros