The Simpsons Kill Off Character After 35 Years, Fans In Disbelief
In true sitcom fashion, The Simpsons typically maintains the status quo, without often showcasing canon events like the death of a character. However, on occasion, the series will break its habits and kill someone off, making it all the more shocking when it happens. In the most recent episode, the sitcom crushed fans with the death of Larry the Barfly, a character who has been in the show since the very first episode in 1989.
Larry The Barfly
First appearing in the 1989 Christmas special and inaugural episode, “Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire,” Larry the Barfly has regularly appeared throughout The Simpsons’ 35 seasons. He was one of two dudes often seen at Moe’s Tavern, the other, Sam, is another character introduced in the original episode. The minor character was voiced by Harry Shearer, who also voices a handful of major characters including Ned Flanders, Mr. Burns, and Waylon Smithers.
Cremains Of The Day
The latest episode, titled “Cremains of the Day,” explored the aftermath of Larry’s death. Homer and the gang, including Lenny, Carl, and Barney, come to terms with the death of their friend and the mysteries of his life. The Simpsons episode marked the 765th episode of the overall series.
Fans React
It wasn’t just the characters in The Simpsons who had to come to terms with Larry’s death. Fans of the series also needed some time to adjust, considering Larry has been with the series since the beginning.
“Just learned they are killing off Larry on The Simpsons tomorrow,” one person wrote on social media. “I need a minute.”
Another person expressed their disbelief on X, posting, “I can’t believe they killed off Larry Dalrymple on The Simpsons last night.”
Another fan shared their sadness over the character’s death, commenting, “One thing about the latest Simpsons episode is that all jokes aside, Larry The Barfly’s life is really f***ing sad and tragic.”
While Larry’s death felt tragic to many fans of the series, some fans didn’t know Larry’s name before he was killed off. One person wrote, “I’m over 30 and younger than 40..been watching The Simpsons all my life and just discovered the name of the guy that sits in the bar is named Larry.”
The First Simpsons Death
While The Simpsons isn’t known for frequently killing its characters, this isn’t the first time there’s been a death in the series. Throughout the 35 seasons, many characters, both recurring and one-time, have seen their demise. Hubert Simpsons was the first person to ever die in The Simpsons, his death occurring in Season 2 and proving that sometimes serious events could happen in the show.
On occasion, characters have come back from the dead with little to no explanation on their return. But, typically, deaths that happen in Springfield are permanent. This means that most likely, Larry is gone for good, though his legacy as a Moe’s Tavern barfly will remain a part of The Simpsons’ history forever.
The Simpsons Soldier On
The Simpsons holds records as the longest-running American animated series, the longest-running American sitcom, and the longest-running American scripted primetime television series, both in terms of seasons and individual episodes. The Simpsons Movie released on July 27, 2007, garnered both critical acclaim and commercial success worldwide. As of 2018, a sequel to the film is in development, further solidifying the franchise’s enduring impact on popular culture.
