15 Famous People You Didn"t Realise Were In Batman: The Animated Series

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Batman: The Animated Series boasted 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 the DC series. Batman: TAS is 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 Series was also filled with celebrity guest appearances that might surprise even the most devoted viewers.
Airing from 1992 to 1995, Batman: The Animated Series was 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 minor Batman: TAS villains to brief cameos, making Batman: The Animated Series a hidden treasure trove of celebrity performances.
15 Adam Ant Played Red Claw’s Henchman Bert Batman: TAS Season 2, Episode 12 “The Lion And The Unicorn” Close 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 in Batman: The Animated Series demonstrated his versatility as a performer. While his role was brief, it’s a fun fact for fans of both the singer and the show.
14 Jim 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,” Close Legendary voice actor Jim Cummings, known for roles in Winnie the Pooh and Darkwing Duck, made several guest appearances in Batman: 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, often blending into the cast so smoothly that viewers didn’t realize his involvement. Cummings’ contributions, though often uncredited, helped create the immersive world of Gotham.
13 Adam West Played Gray Ghost Batman: TAS Season 1, Episode 18 “Beware The Gray Ghost” Close In a nostalgic nod to Batman’s television history, Adam West, who famously played Batman in the 1960s TV series, appeared in Batman: The Animated Series as 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 character in Batman: TAS.
12 Tim Curry Was the Original Joker Batman: TAS Season 1, Episode 9 “Be A Clown” & Season 1, Episode 24 “Fear Of Victory Close 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” to Batman: The Animated Series lore. Curry’s dark tone would later find a home in other characters, appearing in Batman: TAS as a henchman and a robot clown.
11 Roddy McDowall Voiced The Mad Hatter Mad Hatter Appears In 6 Batman: TAS Episodes Close Roddy McDowall, a celebrated actor known for Planet of the Apes, brought Jervis Tetch, aka the Mad Hatter, to life in Batman: The Animated Series. McDowall’s portrayal gave Tetch a tragic, obsessive quality that made him one of the more sympathetic villains. However, McDowall still gave 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.
10 Malcolm McDowell Appeared as Arkady Duvall Batman: TAS Season 2, Episode 13 “Showdown” Close Malcolm McDowell, known for his role in A Clockwork Orange, appeared in Batman: The Animated Series as 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 evil that even Ra’s al Ghul deemed too volatile.
9 Megan Mullally Played Cindy Batman: TAS Season 2, Episode 5 “House And Garden” Close Long before her famous role as Karen on Will & Grace, Megan Mullally voiced Cindy in Batman: 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.
8 Kate 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” Close Kate Mulgrew, best known for playing Captain Janeway in Star Trek: Voyager and Red in Orange 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, and Mulgrew’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 many Star Trek alumni to appear in Batman: TAS.
7 Jeffrey Tambor Had a Minor Role as Crocker Batman: TAS Season 1, Episode 26 “Appointment In Crime Alley” Close Jeffrey Tambor, known for Arrested Development and Transparent, voiced a character named Crocker, a minor role in Batman: The Animated Series. Though Crocker was a small-time villain, he worked for Roland Dagget, a primary Batman: TAS villain who was seeking to build a property on Crime Alley. Tambor’s performance gave 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.
6 Ron Perlman Played Clayface Clayface Appeared In 6 Batman: TAS Episodes Close Ron Perlman, famous for his roles in Hellboy and Sons of Anarchy, voiced the tragic villain Clayface in Batman: The Animated Series. Clayface, a former actor turned shape-shifting monster, is one of Gotham’s most heartbreaking villains. Perlman’s gravelly voice added 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 in Batman: TAS “Feat of Clay” is particularly compelling, giving the villain a huge amount of pathos.
5 John Glover Voiced The Riddler The Riddler Appeared In 5 Batman: TAS Episodes Close John Glover, who later appeared as Lionel Luthor in Smallville and as Dr. Jason Woodrue in Batman & Robin voiced Edward Nygma, aka The Riddler, in Batman: The Animated Series. Glover’s intellectual, taunting performance captured the Riddler’s obsession with puzzles and mental superiority. His portrayal balanced intelligence with arrogance, making the Riddler a formidable opponent for Batman. Glover’s precise and calculating voice helped define the Riddler as a cerebral villain. Glover is one of few Batman: TAS actors to appear in live-action Batman movies.
4 David Warner Appeared as Ra’s Al Ghul Ra’s Al Ghul Appeared In 5 Batman: TAS Episodes Close David Warner, an acclaimed British actor, voiced Ra’s al Ghul, one of Batman’s most formidable adversaries. Warner is celebrated for stage and screen, though is perhaps most recognizable for his performances in The Omen and Titanic. Ra’s al Ghul’s complex motives and desire for immortality made him a unique antagonist, and Warner’s voice lent gravitas and menace to the character. His cultured, commanding tone perfectly captured Ra’s al Ghul’s ancient wisdom and arrogance. Warner’s portrayal made Ra’s one of the series’ most compelling villains, appearing in some of the greatest Batman: TAS fight scenes.
3 John Rhys-Davies Played Waclaw Jozek Batman: TAS Season 1, Episode 31 “The Cape And Cowl Conspiracy Close John Rhys-Davies, known for playing Sallah in the Indiana Jones franchise and Gimli in The Lord of the Rings, appeared in Batman: The Animated Series as Waclaw Jozek. Jozek was a lowlife conman who exploited charities and had ties with the Interrogator. Rhys-Davies’ powerful voice added weight to the character’s pomposity and self-styling as a Baron. Though he only appeared in one episode, Rhys-Davies’ performance brought gravitas to a character who represented the moral duplicity of Gotham’s world. The scene in which Jozek confesses everything he knows to Batman is particularly effective.
2 Levar Burton Voiced Hayden Sloane Batman: TAS Season 1, Episode 6 “The Worry Men” Close Levar Burton is most recognizable for playing Geordi La Forge in Star Trek: The Next Generation. He also voiced Hayden Sloane, a minor character in Batman: The Animated Series. Levar Sloane is the CEO of Sloan Securities and is wrongly accused of a string of robberies across Gotham. Although Burton’s role was brief, Burton’s performance brought charisma and intensity to Sloane. Burton’s smooth, commanding voice gave the character an authoritative presence, demonstrating his ability to bring life to even the smallest roles. His contribution, though minor, added a layer of familiarity for those familiar with his work in science fiction.
1 Heather Locklear Appeared as Lisa Clark Batman: TAS Season 1, Episode 19 “Prophecy Of Doom” Close Heather Locklear is a 1980s and 1990s TV icon, who appeared in Dallas, Melrose Place, and Money Talks. Locklear voiced Lisa Clark in Batman: The Animated Series, a friend of Bruce Wayne whose father has become eglombroiled in a predatory cult. Locklear’s recognizable voice and charisma brought a charm to the character, making Lisa Clark memorable despite her limited screen time. Her appearance is a fun Easter egg for viewers familiar with her work, adding another layer of star power to the impressive cast in Batman: The Animated Series.

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