Batman: The Animated Seriesboasted an unforgettable voice cast, but beyond the well-known actors who brought Gotham’s iconic characters to life, a number of famous actors quietly lent their voices to lesser-known roles in theDCseries.Batman: TASis reknowned for its mature themes and complex storytelling, fronted by Kevin Conroy’s Batmam and Mark Hamill’s Joker. From rockstars to TV legends,Batman: The Animated Serieswas also filled with celebrity guest appearances that might surprise even the most devoted viewers.
Airing from 1992 to 1995,Batman: The Animated Serieswas a landmark in television animation, combining noir aesthetics with mature storytelling. The show’s influence reached far beyond its young audience, becoming a touchstone for fans and critics alike. Known for its dark tone and complex characterizations, it attracted top-tier voice talent to fill even the smallest roles, bringing unexpected star power to Gotham City. These guest roles spanned from minorBatman: TASvillainsto brief cameos, makingBatman: The Animated Seriesa hidden treasure trove of celebrity performances.
15Adam Ant Played Red Claw’s Henchman Bert
Batman: TAS Season 2, Episode 12 “The Lion And The Unicorn”
Rockstar Adam Ant lent his voice to Bert, one of the henchmen for Red Claw, an international terrorist and a fierce adversary for Batman. Although Bert was a minor character, Adam Ant’s casting added a touch of rock-and-roll to the gritty Gotham underworld. Known for his work in the music industry as part of the band Adam and the Ants, Adam Ant’s unexpected cameo inBatman: The Animated Seriesdemonstrated his versatility as a performer. While his role was brief, it’sa fun fact for fans of both the singer and the show.
14Jim Cummings Voiced Several Characters
Batman: TAS Season 1, Episode 9 “Be A Clown,” Season 1, Episode 42 “Tyger, Tyger,” Season 2, Episode 5 “House And Garden,”
Legendary voice actor Jim Cummings, known for roles inWinnie the PoohandDarkwing Duck, made several guest appearances inBatman: The Animated Series. Cummings voiced a range of characters, including thugs and background villains, adding to the texture of Gotham’s seedy underbelly. Cummings voiced the villain Tygrus, a rich Gothamite called Saunders, and Jekko the Clown - whose act Joker steals. His ability to seamlessly embody multiple roles demonstrated his vocal versatility, oftenblending into the cast so smoothly that viewers didn’t realize his involvement. Cummings’ contributions, though often uncredited, helped create the immersive world of Gotham.
13Adam West Played Gray Ghost
Batman: TAS Season 1, Episode 18 “Beware The Gray Ghost”
In a nostalgic nod to Batman’s television history, Adam West, who famously played Batman in the 1960s TV series, appeared inBatman: The Animated Seriesas the Gray Ghost. This character was a fictional hero who inspired Bruce Wayne as a child. West’s performance brought a sense of reverence and nostalgia, as he portrayed an older, forgotten hero who influenced Batman’s journey. The episode “Beware the Gray Ghost” was a heartfelt tribute to West’s legacy, giving him a unique place in the animated series.It honored his legacy in the franchise through his characterinBatman: TAS.
12Tim Curry Was the Original Joker
Batman: TAS Season 1, Episode 9 “Be A Clown” & Season 1, Episode 24 “Fear Of Victory
Before Mark Hamill took over the role, legendary actor Tim Curry was originally cast as the Joker. Curry recorded several episodes as the Clown Prince of Crime, but his performance was ultimately deemed too frightening for younger viewers. Although his version of the Joker was never aired,videos have surfaced showing what could have been. The idea of Curry’s sinister voice giving life to Gotham’s greatest villain adds an intriguing “what if” toBatman: The Animated Serieslore. Curry’s dark tone would later find a home in other characters, appearing inBatman: TASas a henchman and a robot clown.
Roddy McDowall, a celebrated actor known forPlanet of the Apes, brought Jervis Tetch, aka the Mad Hatter, to life inBatman: The Animated Series. McDowall’s portrayal gave Tetch a tragic, obsessive quality that made him one of the more sympathetic villains. However, McDowall stillgave the character a sinister tone that made him truly chilling. The Mad Hatter’s fascination with Alice in Wonderland was enhanced by McDowall’s refined, slightly unhinged voice, which captured both the intelligence and madness of the character. His performance added a memorable layer to the psychological landscape of Gotham.
10Malcolm McDowell Appeared as Arkady Duvall
Batman: TAS Season 2, Episode 13 “Showdown”
Malcolm McDowell, known for his role inA Clockwork Orange, appeared inBatman: The Animated Seriesas Arkady Duvall, Ra’s al Ghul’s estranged son and Talia’s half-brother. His character was a ruthless figure whose actions led to his imprisonment. Although he only appeared in one episode, McDowell’s voice brought gravitas to the role, enhancing Duvall’s intensity and menace. McDowell’s appearance added a layer of villainy that was both sinister and captivating, fitting well with Gotham’s atmosphere, making him perfect for a foe so evilthat even Ra’s al Ghul deemed too volatile.
9Megan Mullally Played Cindy
Batman: TAS Season 2, Episode 5 “House And Garden”
Long before her famous role as Karen onWill & Grace, Megan Mullally voiced Cindy inBatman: The Animated Series. Cindy was a minor character, appearing as Dick Grayson’s date before their evening is quickly ruined by Batman and Poison Ivy. Although her role was brief,Mullally’s unique vocal style stood out,giving the character an upbeat, engaging quality. It’s a fun surprise for those who know her from comedy, showing her range as an actress early on in her career.
8Kate Mulgrew Voiced Red Claw
Batman: TAS Season 1, Episodes 15-16 “The Cat And The Claw” & Season 2, Episode 12 “The Lion And The Unicorn”
Kate Mulgrew, best known for playing Captain Janeway inStar Trek: Voyagerand Red inOrange Is the New Black, voiced Red Claw, a powerful international terrorist and one of Batman’s rare female adversaries. Red Claw’s cunning and ruthlessness made her a formidable enemy, andMulgrew’s commanding voice gave her character an added intensity. Mulgrew’s portrayal made Red Claw a memorable villain, highlighting her intelligence and ambition, and making her a standout in the male-dominated world of Gotham’s criminals. Mulgrew also marks the first of manyStar Trekalumni to appear inBatman: TAS.
Batman: TAS Season 1, Episode 26 “Appointment In Crime Alley”
Jeffrey Tambor, known forArrested DevelopmentandTransparent, voiced a character named Crocker, a minor role inBatman: The Animated Series. Though Crocker was a small-time villain, he worked for Roland Dagget, a primaryBatman: TASvillain who was seeking to build a property on Crime Alley. Tambor’s performancegave the character personality and depth. His ability to add complexity to even minor roles is a testament to Tambor’s acting skills. This small but interesting role showcases Tambor’s versatility, making him a memorable part of the show’s extended cast.
6Ron Perlman Played Clayface
Clayface Appeared In 6 Batman: TAS Episodes
Ron Perlman, famous for his roles inHellboyandSons of Anarchy, voiced the tragic villain Clayface inBatman: The Animated Series. Clayface, a former actor turned shape-shifting monster, is one of Gotham’s most heartbreaking villains. Perlman’s gravelly voiceadded a powerful, tragic depth to Clayface’s character,emphasizing the pain and resentment that drive him while also highlighting his monstrous aspects. Perlman’s performance helped to make Clayface one of the series’ most memorable and sympathetic villains. His origin story inBatman: TAS“Feat of Clay” is particularly compelling, giving the villain a huge amount of pathos.
