9. Apu Nahasapeemapetilon
Apu has been a big part of Simpsons' culture since the very first season aired back in 1990 - which is why I was surprised to hear the rumour that it is he who will be kicking the bucket next season. Actress Jennifer Tilly was the spark that set off this rumour, claiming she'd heard rumours that the Kwik-E-Mart employee would not survive the next season. However, personally, I find it quite hard to believe that The Simpsons creators would kill the character off. While it's true that some people say he is based on an outdated racial stereotype, he is a beloved character nonetheless. Plus, I don't think it would make sense storytelling-wise. The Kwik-E-Mart is a frequently used location in the show, and without Apu how would it stay in business? I guess Apu's brother Sanjay, and their numerous other relatives could step in to the responsibility, but none of them have been developed on in the way Apu has in the last 20 years. Additionally, Apu has eight children - it was tragic enough when Maude Flanders left two sons without their mother - but EIGHT children growing up having lost their father at a young age? That seems too sad to make jokes about and so I would think the Simpson's creators would want to steer clear. Still, the character can't be ruled out completely, after all the Kwik-E-Mart is always being robbed, perhaps one criminal will have an itchy trigger finger...