‘The Simpsons’ killed off a 34-year-old character — and fans are shocked

There’s an empty barstool at Moe’s Tavern.

Fox’s long-running sitcom “The Simpsons” killed off one of its familiar characters Sunday night — Larry the Barfly.

Larry, who was often seated next to his friend Sam, was (a fictional) 42 years old.

While casual fans might not know the balding man by name, Larry has had a spot at Moe’s since, at least, Season 1’s “Homer’s Odyssey” that aired back in January 1990 — more than 34 years ago.

The guys from Moe’s Tavern, with Larry the Barfly in the back standing in the doorframe. ©20thCentFox/Courtesy Everett Collection

He appeared sporadically over the years, rarely saying a word.

But in the Season 2 episode “Bart Gets Hit by a Car,” the drunk checks out Marge Simpson and shouts, “Who’s the chick?”

Sunday night in the Season 35 episode “Cremains of the Day,” Larry died, and Homer, Moe and fellow bar regulars Lenny and Carl went on a road trip to scatter his ashes.

As Larry was a background character only — with little known about him beyond his fondness for booze and incoherently muttering — the script references how vague his story is.

Larry, one of Homer’s fellow bar patrons, appeared on “The Simpsons” for 34 years. ©20thCentFox/Courtesy Everett Collection

Homer and Co., who realize that they hardly knew the guy, feel lousy when Larry’s mother tells them that he described the Moe’s gents as his “best friends,” and asked them to share some “fond memories.” They make up a bogus fishing tale.

Longtime fans were shocked by the loss.

“Just learned they are killing off Larry on The Simpsons tomorrow. I need a minute,” one posted on X. 

After the show aired, another user mourned the character. “I can’t believe they killed off Larry Dalrymple on The Simpsons last night. #RIPLarry,” they said.