EntertainmentAmerican1956 – present

Arleen Sorkin

Voice of Harley Quinn, actress on 'My So-Called Life'

Biography

Arleen Sorkin (born October 14, 1956) is an American actress, comedian, and voice artist who gained prominence in the 1980s and 1990s. She is perhaps best known for her energetic performance as Callie Bradford on the ABC sitcom 'My So-Called Life,' though she also appeared in numerous television shows and films throughout her career. However, her most iconic and enduring role is as the original voice of Harley Quinn in 'Batman: The Animated Series' (1992-1995), a character she helped define for an entire generation of fans. Her vocal performance brought manic energy and dark comedy to the character, establishing the blueprint for how Harley Quinn would be portrayed in subsequent adaptations across comics, films, and other media. Sorkin's work in animation and television comedy demonstrated her versatility and timing, making her a respected figure in voice acting and character comedy during a transformative period in animated television.

The Name Arleen

Arleen represents a mid-20th century American name that gained cultural visibility through television and entertainment, making it familiar to parents who grew up watching classic sitcoms and animated series from the 1990s.

Quick Facts

Arleen

Germanic-Irish origin

“An Anglicized feminization combining the Germanic 'arl-' root with the -een suffix, popular in Irish and American naming traditions. Arleen has a lilting, melodic quality that evokes early-to-mid 20th century charm. The name feels both spirited and grounded, with roots in working-class American and Irish communities.”