In one of DC’s most celebrated adaptations, Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill have risen to fan-favorite status for their portrayals of the iconic characters Batman and Joker. Their collaboration spans across various animated series, films, and video games, nurturing a profound mutual respect.
Hamill’s insistence on voicing the iconic character solely alongside Conroy’s Batman highlights their close bond, which extends beyond the screens. The Star Wars actor has shared how their off-screen relationship mirrored the dynamic between Batman and the Joker, emphasizing Conroy’s significance as one of his most cherished individuals.
Mark Hamill Reflected on His Off-Screen Dynamics With Kevin Conroy
In an interview with Inverse, Mark Hamill opened up about his deep bond with his late co-star Kevin Conroy. He expressed his admiration for Conroy as he shared that they developed their character side by side and commended him for his outstanding performance.
“He was just a wonderful, wonderful guy, a great actor,” he said before adding, “We became great friends.” Reflecting on their off-screen dynamic, he described it as similar to Joker and Batmam’s relationship, highlighting how their differing personalities and roles in the series contributed to a cohesive and balanced partnership.
“I think our relationship mirrored the Joker and Batman in the sense that we realized how the characters completed each other, the dark and the light.”
Hamill emphasized their mutual respect and appreciation for each other and recognized the value each brought to their collaboration despite their differences. He also fondly remembered his co-star, who passed away following a battle with intestinal cancer, as one of his favorite individuals.
Mark Hamill’s Enduring Admiration for Kevin Conroy
During his conversation with Inverse, Mark Hamill also shared his enduring admiration for Kevin Conroy, the beloved Batman actor who sadly passed away on November 10, 2022. Hamill shared that he did not get much opportunity to get to know his co-stars while working on the shows or movies. However, they learned more about each other through interactions at Comic Cons.
“At work, it was all work. In between, you could socialize. I really got to know Kevin later when we did cons together and question-and-answer panels for Batman and Joker.”
Speaking fondly of Conroy, Hamill expressed the depth of his loss, describing him as one of the most cherished individuals in his life. “But he was just one of my favorite people, and I’ll never stop missing him,” he said.
After his passing, Hamill announced his decision not to voice the Joker anymore, stating that he “won’t voice the role unless it’s opposite Conroy’s Batman.” He reaffirmed his decision in an interview with Empire Magazine, where he shared that he doesn’t foresee returning as the Joker following the passing of his longtime friend and collaborator.