The Simpsons Permanently Kills Off Alice Glick After 35 Seasons

After over three decades on television, The Simpsons has officially said goodbye to one of its longest-running recurring characters. Season 37, Episode 7 — titled “Sashes to Sashes” — delivered a surprising and emotional moment when Springfield’s beloved church organist Alice Glick suddenly collapsed and died during a Sunday sermon.

While character deaths on The Simpsons are rare, what shocked fans even more was producer Tim Long’s confirmation that Alice’s death is permanent — unlike the previous fake-out death she experienced in Season 23.

This article breaks down everything you need to know: who Alice Glick is, why she was killed off, how fans reacted online, and how this fits into the show’s evolving approach to long-term storytelling.

Who Was Alice Glick? A Springfield Resident Since 1991

Alice Glick made her first appearance in Season 2 (1991) in the episode “Three Men and a Comic Book.” She became known as Springfield’s elderly church organist, a devoted member of the First Church of Springfield, and a quirky community figure who often interacted with Bart, Lisa, and Reverend Lovejoy.

Voice Actors

• Cloris Leachman originally voiced her
• Tress MacNeille took over in later seasons

Over 35 seasons, Alice appeared in dozens of episodes — sometimes alive, sometimes as a ghost, depending on the comedic needs of the storyline. This unusual continuity is what made her Season 37 death even more surprising.

Alice Glick’s Death in Season 37 Explained

In the November 16 episode, Alice Glick collapses during a church ceremony. Reverend Lovejoy is mid-sermon when she suddenly slumps over the organ, shocking the congregation.

This moment becomes the emotional core of the episode, setting off a chain of events involving Springfield Elementary and Mayor Quimby’s family.

Her Final Wish

Alice leaves her entire estate to the school to fund a new music program, honoring her lifelong commitment to church music.

But things don’t go smoothly — and this is where Lisa Simpson steps in.

Lisa Simpson Saves the Day

Mayor Quimby’s son attempts to misuse the inheritance to fund a flashy three-day musical festival.

Lisa, who has always been the smartest conscience of Springfield, launches an investigation into Quimby family secrets to stop the plan. Her efforts eventually expose the attempt to redirect the money and ensure that Alice’s wish is honored.

This storyline allows the show to:

• Celebrate Alice Glick’s legacy
• Explore themes of integrity and community
• Give Lisa a central hero arc

In the end, the school’s music program receives the full inheritance, giving Alice a meaningful farewell.

Executive Producer Confirms: “She’s Dead as a Doornail”

Fans remembered that Alice Glick had already “died” once before — in Season 23, when she was attacked by a robotic seal known as Robopet. That death was never made canon, and she continued appearing inconsistently afterward.

This time, the show chose to end the ambiguity.

Tim Long’s Official Statement

Tim Long told PEOPLE:

“In a sense, Alice the organist will live forever through the beautiful music she made. But in another, more important sense — yep, she’s dead as a doornail.”

This comment removes all doubt: Alice Glick is gone for good.

Why The Simpsons Is Killing More Characters Lately

Alice Glick is the second major recurring character the show has permanently killed in recent years.

Recent major deaths include:

• Larry “The Barfly” Dalrymple — died in Season 35 (2024)
• Marge Simpson — briefly killed in a flash-forward in Season 36 (not permanent)
• Maude Flanders — killed in Season 11 (2000)
• Edna Krabappel — retired after Marcia Wallace’s real-life passing

The show has recently leaned into bold, emotionally resonant storytelling choices, perhaps as a way to keep long-time fans engaged.

Fan Reactions: Shock, Confusion, and Humor

Within minutes of the episode airing, reactions on X (formerly Twitter) trended under #AliceGlick and #Simpsons37.

Common reactions included:

• “Alice Glick is dead… again 😭”
• “1st Larry, now Alice. The Simpsons are killing off everyone.”
• “I thought she already died in Season 23?”
• “Not Alice Glick!! Noooo 😔”

Many fans referenced the long-running joke that characters sometimes die and return without explanation.

This time, however, there is no coming back.

Alice Glick’s Legacy in Springfield

Alice may never have been a major character, but she became a recognizable face over three decades. Her quirky personality, kindness, and quiet presence reflected the heart of Springfield.

Her role included:

• Church organist
• Community volunteer
• Elderly mentor-like figure
• Occasional comedic relief
• A connection to “old Springfield” history

Despite limited screen time, she was one of the show’s longest-tenured recurring characters.

Why The Simpsons Chose to Kill Her Off

The series hasn’t confirmed a specific reason, but several likely factors include:

1. Narrative evolution

After 35 years, killing a character helps the show introduce stakes and emotional weight.

2. Fresh storytelling

Characters like Larry and Alice allow the writers to explore death, legacy, and community.

3. Voice acting transitions

Tress MacNeille voices dozens of characters; simplifying the roster can help manage future production.

Whatever the motivation, Alice Glick’s farewell was handled with respect — and humor, staying true to the tone of the series.

A Look Back: Alice’s Funniest Moments

Some standout memories include:

Her bargain-based deal with Bart in Season 2

Bart works odd jobs to buy a comic book. Alice’s stingy character humor made the episode memorable.

Her Season 23 “death”

She was seemingly killed by a robotic seal — one of the show’s most bizarre moments.

Recurring gags as church organist

Her dry reactions and deadpan delivery added comedic depth to scenes with Reverend Lovejoy.

The Simpsons Still Has Surprises After 37 Seasons

Alice Glick’s official death proves that even after 35+ years, The Simpsons can still shock audiences. While the show continues to mix satire with heart, episodes like “Sashes to Sashes” show that Springfield is not immune to change.

Alice may be gone, but her legacy — and the music she played — remains part of the series’ history.

Final Thoughts

The Simpsons made a bold storytelling decision in permanently killing off Alice Glick. As the show evolves, long-time fans can expect more emotional moments, deeper character arcs, and the unexpected mix of humor and heart that has kept the series alive for nearly four decades.

Alice Glick’s death marks not only the end of a character but the end of a small, nostalgic piece of Springfield.