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Arleen Sorkin -- Days of Our Lives star and the inspiration behind DC Comics character Harley Quinn -- has died at the age of 67 after a long battle with multiple sclerosis, her family confirmed via a statement on Saturday.
"We will always remember our dear Arleen for her immense generosity of spirit," reads the statement. "Talented, yes, and dogged, too, as evidenced by her tenacious, decades-long fight with a terrible disease. But more than that, she was a loving presence in the lives of her two boys, Eli and Owen; her mother, Joyce; her brothers, Robert and Arthur; and the countless other children, old and young, whom she took under her beautiful wing over the years.
"It's a sad day for us, but a joyous one, too, knowing how many people today are summoning her memory and smiling."
Paul Dini and Bruce Timm created the wise-cracking villain with Sorkin in mind, even adding her Brooklyn accent. She was also the original voice actress for Harley Quinn alongside Mark Hamill's Joker.
Harley Quinn was only going to appear in one episode, but she became a huge success and is now portrayed by Margot Robbie in the live-action DC Universe films.
Mark Hamill shares touching tribute for Arleen Sorkin
Hamill, 71, shared a touching tribute in memory of the "brilliant" Sorkin, saying he was "devastated" to learn about her passing.
"Devastated to learn we've lost the brilliant Arleen Sorkin," Hamill wrote. "Not just a wonderful talent, but a truly wonderful person. I'm grateful not only to have worked with her, but to have been her friend. Sending my heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones."
Sorkin, born on October 14, 1955, entered show business in the 1970s and made her television debut as an extra in a 1982 episode of Saturday Night Live.
She then had her breakthrough performance as Calliope Jones Bradford on Days of Our Lives in 1984 and earned two Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress. Sorkin also appeared on Duet, Frasier and Open House.