DC Actors Who Have Sadly Passed Away

The DC entertainment landscape has been shaped by many talented actors who are no longer with us today. These individuals brought iconic heroes and complex villains to life across film and television. Their performances helped build the foundation of modern superhero media and inspired millions of fans around the world. While these actors have passed away their artistic contributions remain a permanent part of cinematic history. We honor their memories by revisiting the incredible roles they played throughout their distinguished careers.

Christopher Reeve

Christopher Reeve became a global icon for his portrayal of the Man of Steel in ‘Superman’ and its subsequent sequels. He brought a sense of sincerity and warmth to the dual roles of Clark Kent and the Last Son of Krypton. Beyond his time in the cape he advocated for spinal cord injury research following a horse riding accident. His performance remains the gold standard for many fans of the character. He passed away in 2004 leaving a lasting impact on the superhero genre.

Adam West

Adam West portrayed the Caped Crusader in the 1960s ‘Batman’ television series and the accompanying feature film. His campy and earnest delivery defined the Bright Knight era of the character for a generation. West also lent his voice to various DC projects including ‘Batman Return of the Caped Crusaders’ later in his career. He remained a beloved figure in the fan community and frequently appeared at conventions to celebrate the role. He died in 2017 after a battle with leukemia.

Heath Ledger

Heath Ledger delivered a transformative performance as the Joker in the 2008 film ‘The Dark Knight’. His chaotic and gritty interpretation of the Clown Prince of Crime earned him posthumous Academy Award recognition. Ledger worked closely with director Christopher Nolan to create a version of the villain that felt grounded and truly dangerous. The actor passed away shortly after filming was completed during the post production phase of the movie. His work continues to be cited as one of the greatest antagonist portrayals in cinematic history.

Kevin Conroy

Kevin Conroy was the definitive voice of the Dark Knight for many fans starting with ‘Batman The Animated Series’. He voiced the character across dozens of animated shows movies and the popular ‘Batman Arkham’ video game franchise. Conroy eventually portrayed a live action version of Bruce Wayne during the ‘Crisis on Infinite Earths’ crossover event. His distinct vocal performance captured the duality of the billionaire and the vigilante perfectly. He passed away in 2022 following a short battle with cancer.

Margot Kidder

Margot Kidder starred as Lois Lane alongside Christopher Reeve in four ‘Superman’ films. She was praised for her spirited and independent take on the Daily Planet journalist. Kidder also returned to the DC universe later in life with a guest role on the television series ‘Smallville’. Her chemistry with her costars helped ground the fantastical elements of the early superhero blockbusters. She passed away in 2018 at her home in Montana.

Arleen Sorkin

Arleen Sorkin was the original voice and inspiration for the character Harley Quinn in ‘Batman The Animated Series’. Her performance was so impactful that the character was eventually integrated into the mainstream DC comics continuity. Sorkin voiced the Joker’s accomplice in various media including the ‘Batman Arkham Asylum’ video game. She brought a unique blend of humor and pathos to the character that helped Harley become a fan favorite. The actress passed away in 2023.

Cesar Romero

Cesar Romero brought a vibrant and theatrical energy to the role of the Joker in the 1966 ‘Batman’ television series. He was famous for refusing to shave his mustache and simply covering it with white face paint for the role. His performance established many of the visual and personality traits associated with the character in live action. Romero appeared in twenty two episodes of the show as well as the theatrical movie. He died in 1994 at the age of eighty six.

George Reeves

George Reeves was the first actor to achieve widespread fame playing the Man of Steel in ‘Adventures of Superman’. The show ran for six seasons in the 1950s and made him a household name across America. Reeves also appeared as the character in the film ‘Superman and the Mole Men’. His portrayal emphasized the hero’s role as a champion of truth and justice for children. He passed away in 1959 under circumstances that remain a subject of historical debate.

Michael Gough

Michael Gough was a mainstay of the DC film universe during the late eighties and nineties as Alfred Pennyworth. He played the loyal butler to the Wayne family across four different films starting with ‘Batman’ in 1989. His calm and supportive presence provided a necessary anchor for the various actors who stepped into the role of Bruce Wayne. Gough appeared in ‘Batman Returns’ as well as the subsequent sequels directed by Joel Schumacher. He passed away in 2011 at the age of ninety four.

Eartha Kitt

Eartha Kitt took over the role of Catwoman in the final season of the 1960s ‘Batman’ television series. Her purring delivery and distinct energy brought a new dimension to the feline fatale. She was one of the first African American actresses to play a major role in a superhero production during that era. Kitt also provided voice work for other animated projects later in her career. She passed away in 2008 leaving behind a legacy as a trailblazing performer in the industry.

Frank Gorshin

Frank Gorshin played the Riddler in the 1960s ‘Batman’ television series and the 1966 feature film. His manic energy and high pitched giggle became defining traits of the character for decades. He received an Emmy nomination for his work which was a rare feat for a comic book performance at the time. Gorshin also returned to voice characters in later DC animated projects such as ‘The Batman’. He passed away in 2005 at the age of seventy two.

Please share your thoughts on these legendary performers in the comments.