The Simpsons fans were left reeling in April 2024 when a beloved character, Larry “The Barfly”, was unexpectedly killed off by producers of the long-running cartoon show.
Despite the outrage from fans, the producers remained unphased, stating that they expected nothing less.
Larry, also known as “The Barfly”, first appeared on The Simpsons in 1989 during season one. Although he was a minor character with only a few lines here and there, his presence in scenes at Moe’s Tavern will be sorely missed by fans.
In the episode titled “Cremains of the Day”, which aired over the weekend, Larry the Barfly tragically passed away in Moe’s Tavern.
Longtime drinking buddies Homer, Lenny, Carl, and Moe attended his funeral, revealing that they did not share a strong bond with the character.
The episode in which Larry was killed off was season 35, episode 15 of The Simpsons, marking the 176th episode overall. The episode, titled “Cremains of the Day”, aired on April 21, 2024.
Following the shocking episode, the producers of The Simpsons spoke to TMZ, explaining that they intended for viewers to be deeply affected by Larry’s death.
The co-executive producer, Tim Long, emphasized the significance of a character’s death on the show, even if they had a minor role like Larry.
Long expressed his condolences to fans who were upset by the episode but noted that it demonstrated the continued popularity of the show.
Fans took to social media to express their reactions to Larry’s death, with many lamenting the loss of the character.
Some fans were devastated by the unexpected turn of events, while others expressed surprise that a background character like Larry could evoke such strong emotions.
While Larry’s death may have come as a shock to fans, it serves as a reminder of the impact that even minor characters can have on a beloved show like The Simpsons.
