In Memoriam: Kevin Conroy's Interminable Passion
On November 10th, the world lost a hero. Last week, representatives announced that noted film, TV, and stage actor Kevin Conroy had passed away at age 66 after a short battle with intestinal cancer. As the renowned voice behind D.C. Comics’ Batman in over 60 animated productions, Conroy donned the cowl for a record-setting 3 decades.
With his passing, the world grieves the loss of an icon.
Having studied at Juilliard with the likes of Kelsey Gramer, Harriet Harris, and Robin Williams, Conroy began his career as a New York theater actor. He received rave reviews for his leading role in Eastern Standard on Broadway as well as A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Public Theater.
But in 1991, a small project at WB Animation would cause a major paradigm shift. In came Batman: The Animated Series. Created by Bruce Timm and Eric Radomski, this project would change the landscape of children’s animation and superhero fare in general.
In contrast to the camp of Adam West’s 60s Batman, the noir aesthetic and mature storytelling would radically modernize the character. For a whole generation, including myself, Conroy’s performance would shape the essence of Caped Crusader.
Though several actors would bring their own flair to the character across games, feature films, and other series, they were all to some extent doing a Kevin Conroy impression. He was the standard by which all others were and will continue to be, judged.
During his decades-long stewardship of Batman’s voice, Conroy's love for the role would show through his passion for what the hero stood for. BTAS podcast host Justin Michael shared a telling off-mic moment from his time interviewing the voice actor. At the time, Michael had been inviting all the Animated Series voice actors to read in-character commercial parodies.
Though happy to do the interview, Conroy politely declined when pitched the advertising segment. Michael noted the responsibility Conroy felt to the character. Even in jest, the thought of Batman selling products for corporate America would shatter the image of what the hero stood for.
Conroy with fellow volunteers providing meals to 1st responders. Circa 2001
Many friends, colleagues, and fans have spoken out during the past week in remembrance and appreciation of his passion and talent. Renown actress Tara Strong had this to say:
“The world lost a legend last week. The world is different…There will never be another Kevin Conroy. Aside from his talent, he was a true mensch. He always gave 100% to his fans. He always gave 100% to all he did. I’m gonna miss you friend. Until we meet again in that big Batcave in the sky.”
Among the outpouring of tributes that have emerged over the last few days, many have passionately spoken of the sense of wonder Conroy evoked, both in character and out. In the 2013 documentary I Know That Voice, Conroy recalls an anecdote from his volunteer work. While helping to cook meals for first responders shortly after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Conroy was recognized by a fellow volunteer.
The man pulled Conroy along into the dining area, where he delivered the iconic line “I am vengeance, I am the night, I am Batman!” for the crowd. Suddenly, what was a somber room was full of laughter, full of joy. “What does it feel like to be Santa Claus?” the man asked, “Cuz that’s what just happened.”
As a child, I was a first-hand recipient of that magic. Christmas morning had nothing on the giddy, reverent feeling of popping in a Batman: The Animated Series DVD. I’ve seen nearly all the Batman films and series Conroy contributed to. But there remains something special about the original animated series. The “otherworldly timelessness” animators sought to evoke with its monochrome title cards and noir flourishes make for vibrant viewing, but Conroy’s stunning performance was the final touch that breathed life into all that art.
Part of the beauty and excitement of animation is the way each voice jumps out through the art onscreen. But some voices go one step further, some voices resonate; and through that resonance, the hearts of a whole generation are moved.
Many have taken up the mantle of the years, but for me, Kevin Conroy simply….was Batman.
Beyond the surface-level, brooding aesthetic of The Dark Knight, so much of what Batman’s character has come to represent is right there in his performance. A rich, textured baritone that makes you feel the complexity of the hero, one that’s always bolstered by the humanity of the man.
Conroy spoke often of sharing an emotional life through that performance, telling one Collider reporter “When you’re the voice of an animated character, you live in people’s heads…it’s a very intimate relationship.” No matter how long it’s been, no matter who else has taken up the mantle, it’s no wonder Bruce Wayne sounds the same each time I open a comic book.
Kevin Conroy is survived by his husband Vaugn C. Williams, sister Trisha Conroy, and brother Tom Conroy—as well as the legions of fans who’ve each been inspired by his work.
Much has been said about the man behind the voice, but there’s nothing like seeing the depth of someone's life through their own words. Last June, Conroy penned the autobiographical comic Finding Batman as a part of DC Comics’ pride anthology. To honor his legacy, it’s been made available to read for free. Every hero has an origin story, and I urge you to check this one out.
