Marcia Wallace dies aged 70

Marcia Wallace, best known as the voice of Bart Simpson’s teacher Edna Krabappel, has died at the age of 70.

The actress’ death was announced in a statement from executive producer Al Jean.

Marcia Wallace won an Emmy in 1992 for her work on The Simpsons, as a jaded, grumpy fourth-grade teacher, forced to put up with Bart’s antics.

Al Jean said her “irreplaceable character” would be retired from the show.

“I was tremendously saddened to learn this morning of the passing of the brilliant and gracious Marcia Wallace,” he said on Saturday.

“She was beloved by all at The Simpsons. It’s a terrible loss for all who had the pleasure of knowing her.”

Marcia Wallace had played Edna Krabappel since The Simpsons began in 1990.

Her character was known for the catchphrase “Do what I mean, not what I say” and exclaiming “Ha!” in disgust.

It is unclear when the actress died or what the cause was.

Marcia Wallace had previously survived breast cancer, which she wrote about in her memoir Don’t Look Back, We’re Not Going that Way, published in 2004.

Before appearing in The Simpsons, Marcia Wallace played receptionist Carol Bondurant on The Bob Newhart Show and guest starred on popular shows in the 1970s and 1980s such as The Love Boat and Magnum PI.

Executive producer Al Jean stressed that previous hints that a regular character on The Simpsons could be killed off in the next series were unrelated.

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