‘The Simpsons’ retires iconic character after nearly 30 years on screen
After being a character in Springfield for almost 30 years, The Simpsons have waved goodbye to Duff beer mascot Duffman.
The end of Duffman took place in the latest episode of the legendary animation’s 37th season, titled ‘Seperance’, which saw The Simpsons parody the hit Apple TV+ series, Severance.
During the episode, the Duffman, known officially as Barry Duffman, arrives out of costume to 742 Evergreen Terrace to tell the Simpsons family that his services are no longer required by Duff, who have put him into retirement.
“The Duff Corporation has retired that character forever,” he solemnly explained, before blaming it on how the marketing industry has changed, adding, “All the old forms of advertising are now passé. Corporate spokesmen, print ads, TV spots. Today’s kids can’t even sing the jingles.”
Notably, Duffman does not wear his iconic uniform in the episode, which suggests that Springfield’s favourite beer company has moved on.
In response to Duffman’s retirement, a spokesperson for The Simpsons sent a picture of the character to People, which contains the following line: “Duffman says a lot of things. Oh yeah!”
Duffman made his debut in 1997 in the episode, The City of New York vs. Homer Simpson, and became a regular background figure in the classic show.
It comes after The Simpsons previously killed off church organist Alice Glick during an episode which premiered in November.
In the ‘Saches to Saches’ episode of the 37th season, Glick unexpectedly died while a sermon was being delivered during service. Notably, she previously died in season 22, but infrequently returned to Springfield as both a human and a ghost over the last 15 seasons.
Additionally, in 2024, Larry the Barfly, most often seen propping up the bar at Moe’s Tavern, was killed off in the ‘Cremains of the Day’ episode of the 35th season.
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