The Simpsons has introduced memorable and well-structured characters over its ongoing long life that have become fan favorites. Sadly, some of these well-rounded individuals have since died over their respective tenures, leaving a sentimental void in the animated comedy.
We're paying tribute to the ones who has since passed on, as they impacted The Simpsons' legacy in a guiding and meanigful light.
These The Simpsons characters died, but they're not forgotten
Troy McClure
You might remember Troy McClure- the washed-up actor from Springfield and voiced by the late Phil Hartman. Troy's first appearance was in season 2's "Homer vs. Lisa and the 8th Commandment" and his last was in season 10's "Bart the Mother."
McClure was a composite of past Hollywood stars Troy Donahue and Doug McClure, and like The Simpsons' character, the two men struggled to reclaim their fame later in their careers. THE REAL McClure was a massive fan of his animated alter ego, and thanks to the writers, he and Donahue's lives are honored.
While Troy McClure hasn't officially 'died,' his character has been put into retirement, as Hartman did pass on in real life in 1998.
As a fan of Hartman growing up and still am, it pings the heart to watch him work his magic into the characters and his other credits.
Hartman additionally voiced the monorail salesman, Lyle Langley, in season 4's "Marge vs. the Monorail."
Lionel Hutz
Another character voiced by Hartman was the shyster attorney, Lionel Hutz. As the lawyer for the Simpsons and several other characters, Hutz tried to pull several illegal moves in court to win a case, only to lose them. His one success was getting Bart compensation from ingesting a jagged Krusty-O cereal morsel, but as any shyster attorney would do, Hutz took most of the money that was granted.
Aide from being a lawyer, Hutz had several other positions-including babysitter, actor, and hi last, real estate agent.
Like McClure, Hutz didn't die, but was retired after Hartman's death.
Edna Krabappel
Bart may have given Krabappel a hard time in her class, but nonetheless, he valued his fourth grade teacher, as she saw his potential. For example, she lets Bart pass his history exam after he presents an oral recount of George Washington's surrender to the French and tries to assist him in his personal life.
Despite her prolific dating history and 'wild' nature outside the classroom, Mrs. Krabappel genuinely cares for her students. However, she's also a strict force concerning her teaching ethic.
Following the death of Mrs. Krabappel's voice actress, Marcia Wallace, in 2013, she was initially placed into retirement. In season 25, it was officially announced that the beloved educator and second wife of Ned Flanders did pass away to unknown causes.
Bleeding Gums Murphy
Bleeding Gums Murphy was Lisa's jazz idol and friend, and he taught her the way of the Blues. While not a popular character, Bleeding Gums helped shape Lisa's own embodiment, with her love for music, the arts, and life in general.
In season 6, Murphy passed away due to illness in season 6 and the reason why the writers decided to write him off was because they thought it'd make a substantial storyline for Lisa's grief and feeling the loss of a loved one. However, during his time on Earth, Bleeding Gums fathered a deaf son named Monk. Monk could hear his father's music and voice with Lisa's guidance and medical technology.
Maude Flanders
The first wife of Ned, Maude was a devoted mother, a caring, but cynical Christian, and aloof. However, she was a loving and supporting wife, and often assisted Ned in his left-handed stores and other businesses. When she died in season 11's "Alone Again, Natura-Diddily," it devasted her boys, Rod and Todd.
Maude's death was to to her voice actress, Maggie Roswell leaving the show, but she had since made after-death appearances in flashback and spirit episodes, and "Treehouse of Horror."
Mona Simpson
Homer and his mom, Mona, has a close relationship. They're similar in many ways and share a love for pie. Mona leaving Homer behind as a child crushed her, but she had to as it meant saving her family. Since her death, she visited Homer in his dreams, as if she'll never leave him or her family behind.
Mona was voiced by the actress Glenn Close, who is still very much alive and well.
Frank Grimes
Frank Grimes was a one-time character in season 8's "Homer's Enemy," but, man, did he ever hate Homer. His hatred stemmed from Homer's lack of productivity and laziness, which seemed to give him all of life's treasures. Grimes had to sacrifice and work to the bone to accomplish even a tiny fraction of Homer's success.
Unfortunately, Grimes's combined envy, jealousy, and loathing of the Simpson patriarch led to his death at the plant. The scenario proved two points in the narrative: Mind and respect people for who they are and let it at that, and Homer can be a dangerous worker, leading to destruction.
It's later revealed that Grimes had a son, Frank Grimes Jr., after a tryst with a sex worker. Jr. inherited his dad's personality and tried to avenge his death by trying to murder Homer. That only resulted in Jr. getting arrested and sent to prison.