Larry the Barfly, a character on “The Simpsons” for 35 years, has been killed off, much to the dismay of fans. Known for his silence and regular appearances at Moe’s Tavern, Larry was considered a friend by Homer, Lenny, Carl, and Moe, despite rarely speaking. Showrunner Matt Selman teased fans with a poll asking who would die in the upcoming episode, with Larry being the overwhelming choice. Fans expressed their sadness at Larry’s death, despite his minimal dialogue throughout the years.
In the episode “Cremains of the Day,” Larry collapses at Moe’s Tavern, leading to his funeral where the gang realizes they never really knew him. Despite being a fixture at the bar for years, the characters struggle to come up with memories to share with Larry’s mother. This prompts Marge to question why they never took the time to get to know him, leading to feelings of guilt among the group. They discover a picture of themselves as “Moe’s Bros” in Larry’s book and decide to honor him by scattering his ashes at Serenity Falls.
Tim Long, who co-ran the episode, acknowledged that some fans were upset by Larry’s death but defended the decision by stating the impact it had on the characters. Long explained that deaths are rare on “The Simpsons,” making Larry’s passing all the more significant. The reaction from fans highlights the enduring impact that the show has had on its audience over the years. The show’s official X account also shared a post-episode photo of Homer and Larry sharing a meal at “BUFFALO ANGEL WINGS,” emphasizing their friendship.
Despite Larry’s limited dialogue and background presence, his death resonated with fans due to his long-standing presence on the show. The episode serves as a reminder of the importance of taking the time to truly know and appreciate those around us, even if they may not be the most vocal or outgoing individuals. The emotional journey the characters undertake to scatter Larry’s ashes reflects a deeper theme of friendship and loss that is often explored in the series. Overall, Larry the Barfly’s death serves as a poignant moment in the history of “The Simpsons” that has left a lasting impact on its dedicated fan base.
