Moe's Tavern Mourns the Loss of Larry the Barfly, a Beloved 'Simpsons' Character

Farewell to a Familiar Face: 'The Simpsons' Says Goodbye to Larry the Barfly

After more than three decades of quietly occupying a barstool at Moe's Tavern, Larry the Barfly, a familiar face on the long-running animated sitcom "The Simpsons," has passed away. The news of Larry's death shocked fans during the Season 35 episode "Cremains of the Day," which aired on Sunday night.

Larry, a fictional 42-year-old character, had been a fixture at Moe's since at least Season 1's "Homer's Odyssey," which aired in January 1990. Though he rarely spoke and was often seen seated next to his friend Sam, Larry's presence was a comforting constant for viewers over the years.

Despite his limited screen time, Larry had a few memorable moments. In the Season 2 episode "Bart Gets Hit by a Car," the inebriated character checked out Marge Simpson and exclaimed, "Who's the chick?" This brief interaction endeared him to fans, who appreciated his subtle yet humorous contributions to the show.

In Sunday's episode, Homer, Moe, and fellow bar regulars Lenny and Carl embarked on a road trip to scatter Larry's ashes. As they reflected on their relationship with the departed barfly, they realized they hardly knew him beyond his love for alcohol and incoherent muttering. The script cleverly acknowledged the vague nature of Larry's character, adding a layer of depth to the episode.

When Larry's mother informed the Moe's crew that her son had described them as his "best friends" and requested they share some "fond memories," the group felt guilty for not knowing him better. In a touching moment, they fabricated a heartfelt fishing tale to honor their fallen comrade.

News of Larry's demise sent shockwaves through the fan community. One fan took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their disbelief, writing, "Just learned they are killing off Larry on The Simpsons tomorrow. I need a minute." Another user, after watching the episode, mourned the character, saying, "I can't believe they killed off Larry Dalrymple on The Simpsons last night. #RIPLarry."

While Larry the Barfly may have been a background character, his presence was an integral part of the show's fabric. His passing marks the end of an era and serves as a reminder of the impact even the most minor characters can have on a beloved series like "The Simpsons." As fans bid farewell to Larry, they will undoubtedly raise a glass at Moe's Tavern in his memory, ensuring that his legacy lives on in the hearts of Springfield's residents and viewers alike.