3. Melissa Gilbert / Mary Kay Bergman
Appeared in: Batman: The Animated Series (Gilbert), Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero (Bergman)
Batman: The Animated Series‘ run somewhat mirrored the original 1966 Batman TV series, as the majority of its first two seasons focused on Batman and Robin’s adventures before Batgirl came along towards the end of its run. However, Barbara Gordon was actually introduced earlier in the show, with Melissa Gilbert voicing the character.
Barbara is a young woman but incredibly mature and focused. This came across from her first appearance, and even moreso when she dons the Batgirl suit in later episodes, with Gilbert’s performance complementing the show’s portrayal. She played Barbara as confident and self-assured, particularly standing out in the episode “Batgirl Returns” when the character stood up to Robin.
While we didn’t get to see enough of Batgirl on the original animated series, she did return for the animated movie Batman and Mr. Freeze: SubZero, with the late great Mary Kay Bergman taking over the role. Barbara had a much bigger part to play, and Bergman did a wonderful job voicing her, channeling Melissa Gilbert’s version of her but also adding unique qualities of her own.
It’s hard to pick a favorite between the two portrayals since they are the same version of the character, and both actresses were amazing in the role.