Marcia Wallace Passes Away

Emmy-winning veteran actress Marcia Wallace has passed away, due to complications from breast cancer. In 1972, Wallace became a part of television history when she was cast to play Carol Kester, the joke-loving receptionist to Dr. Robert Hartley on The Bob Newhart Show. It was a breakout role for the actress, but to an entire generation of television viewers Wallace will forever be remembered as Edna Krabappel, Bart Simpson's cynical, sarcastic, and largely unlucky in love fourth grade teacher on The Simpsons.

Edna Krabappel made her debut on The Simpsons in the series' second episode, "Bart The Genius," in January 1990. The character was used as a caricature of the stereotypical jaded American public school teacher. Edna quickly became a staple of the show, due in large part to the work of Wallace; the actress created one of the more iconic catchphrases in recent television history with just one syllable, the memorable and derisive laugh "HA!" Wallace's greatest performance on the show was likely the third season episode "Bart The Lover," during which Edna is made into a sympathetic character when Bart tricks her into believing she's found the man of her dreams with a fake response to a personal ad she places in the paper. Wallace would later be recognized for her efforts in the episode with an Emmy award in 1992.

Upon news of her passing, The Simpsons producer Al Jean released a statement, in which he announced that the character of Edna Krabappel would be retired, effective immediately.

Wallace was 70 years old.

[Via Entertainment Weekly]