The Simpsons is killing off a character this season, which is big news for a series that mostly sticks to the status quo. It won’t be the first death, however: Here’s a look at 16 Simpsons characters who have kicked the animated bucket.
Beatrice Simmons
Episode: "Old Money"
Cause of death: Broken heart
Grampa's romance with fellow Springfield Retirement Castle resident Bea Simmons was sadly short-lived: Homer forced Grampa on a family day-trip, and when Grampa returned, Bea had died from a burst left ventricle — a broken heart.
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Gladys Gurney
Episode: "Selma's Choice"
Cause of death: Bowel obstruction
Marge's great-aunt Gladys died offscreen, but she made an appearance in a VHS tape she had recorded as her will. Gladys warned against ending up a spinster as she had, which inspired her great-niece Selma to consider motherhood.
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Bleeding Gums Murphy
Episode: "'Round Springfield"
Cause of death: Unspecified illness
Lisa would never have known her mentor Bleeding Gums Murphy was in the hospital if she hadn't stumbled on his room while Bart was recovering nearby. At least they got to jam one last time — and again, when his spirit appeared in the clouds.
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Dr. Marvin Monroe
Episode: "Who Shot Mr. Burns? (Part Two)"
Cause of death: Unknown
Is Dr. Monroe dead? Mr. Burns' recovery at the Marvin Monroe Memorial Hospital suggests as much — and his tombstone was featured in another episode. Since then, he's popped up very much alive, but he was definitely dead at one point.
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