‘The Simpsons’ to Kill Off Major Character
Another Simpsons character will be joining Maude Flanders, Frank “Grimey” Grimes and Snowballs I through IV in the Springfield cemetery soon.
The show’s executive producer Al Jean said recently that a major character will soon meet their demise, according to the Hollywood Reporter. “We are doing this story for the same reason we do all others – we think it has a good emotional through-line,” he explained. “The story will be produced this year, though it may air in Season 26.”
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Jean joked that he hoped the stunt would help the show pull “Breaking Bad-type numbers” and, while he wouldn’t divulge which character would be killed off, he hinted that the actor who portrays him or her won an Emmy for the role.
This could mean bad news for fans of Princess Penelope or the notorious Sideshow Bob and his murderous/rake-stepping antics. Anne Hathaway picked up an Emmy in 2010 for her turn as Penelope, while Kelsey Grammer won in 2006 for his portrayal of Krusty the Clown’s vengeful former sidekick. Or it could be one of the bazillion Springfieldians voiced by Hank Azaria or Dan Castellaneta.
The Simpsons has killed off several characters during its run – most famously Maude, the wife of Simpsons neighbor Ned Flanders, following a payment dispute with voice actress Maggie Roswell. Other notable passings include Lisa’s saxophone mentor Bleeding Gums Murphy, mobster Fat Tony (who was quickly replaced by his cousin, Fit Tony) and Homer’s mother, Mona.