Marcia-Wallace-Obituary

Marcia Wallace

1942 - 2013

Obituary

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Marcia Wallace, who was the voice of scoffing schoolteacher Edna Krabappel on "The Simpsons" and played wisecracking receptionist Carol on "The Bob Newhart Show" in the 1970s, has died. She was 70.

"Simpsons" executive producer Al Jean said in a statement Saturday that her "irreplaceable character" — who contended with Bart Simpson's constant antics — would be retired.

Jean said he was "tremendously saddened" when he found out about "the passing of the brilliant and gracious Marcia Wallace. She was beloved by all at The Simpsons."

Jean went on to say that her death was "a terrible loss for all who had the pleasure of knowing her."

The statement did not provide a date for her death, or a cause.

The longtime TV actress' credits also included appearances on Candice Bergen's "Murphy Brown" and roles on "Full House," "7th Heaven" and "The Young and the Restless."

On "The Simpsons," Wallace provided the voice for world-weary Edna Krabappel (cru-BOP'-pul), who smoked cigarettes, made sarcastic comments and finally found love in the arms of Simpson's neighbor Ned Flanders after fans voted online at the end of season 22 to keep the unlikely couple together.

Wallace's trademark "Ha!" punctuated Krabappel's frequent snide remarks, and her character was known for saying, "Do what I mean, not what I say."

Harry Shearer, the voice of Ned Flanders, said Wallace "brought this huge, positive energy" to her work.

"She was just a warm and wonderful person," he told The Associated Press.

Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

Thinking about you and your ability to make people laugh. What a gift and you used it well. Still watching my Bob Newhart DVDs. Still funny, no matter how many times I've seen them. Thank you for being part of that.

Was wonderful on the Bob Newheart Show

I am sitting here watching an old episode of Magnum PI, and she is a coach in the episode, just jumped on Tom Selleck's back. She really was funny on Newhart, very likeable. She passed away too young. Glad to see she has a son, who can carry on her memories. So sorry for her family. I had no idea she grew up in Creston, Iowa. Wow, that is probably why she is so likeable, most Iowans are.

In memory of a funny lady who had a lot of courage.

Thinking about you and all the people out there who loved you and all the laughter you brought to us.

Six years since we have had the pleasure of your laughter, voice and beautiful smile. So thankful we have access to your work. To this day, I still feel like you're actually "Carol", the receptionist working behind that strange circular desk wearing a mini-skirt and mile high hair. In my mind, you're still there with the rest of the crew. I can't imagine anyone but you and your co-stars doing those parts. Perfect casting! For me, watching those old Bob Newhart shows are like taking...

God is a God of all Comfort and he will Comfort the Family's...My condolences

I've been thinking about Marcia lately. Just finished re-reading her courageous book. Also watching Bob Newhart show all over again. What talent! Hard to believe so many years have gone by. My thoughts and prayers for those who knew and loved her, in particular her dear son. I never met her, but somehow miss her very much.