When a voice-actor passes away for any cartoon, the writers have three options: re-cast with a similar-sounding actor/actress; send the character on a "long vacation" until a decision can be made; or permanently retire said character(s) out of respect for the deceased. After being on the air for 25 years, The Simpsons have, unfortunately, seen their fair-share of voice-actors pass on. Very few of their "permanent" voices, but enough in-house- as well as special guests who voiced themselves and reoccurring characters- have passed that the writers have had to make those decisions. Sixty-three voice-actors and actresses- three considered "regular cast" and the other 60 "special guest stars"- have been silenced over the last 25 years. Some of the more familiar guest stars you won't see in this list include: Steve Allen, Johnny Carson, Gary Coleman, Linda McCartney, Tito Puente, Elizabeth Taylor, and Barry White. The ones listed within all played fictional characters within The Simpsons' universe; characters that could have, should have, and potentially would have returned again to visit with Homer, Marge, et al. With all due respect to all of the deceased members of The Simpsons' extended acting family and their loved ones, here we pay tribute to those we lost...
The 'House is a father of two and husband of one in Minnesota. He is an improv comedian, and in his spare time follows WWE, MLB, The Simpsons, and Bob's Burgers. Growing up he was a huge fan of He-Man, and refuses to believe that it was in fact terrible.
