10 Times Actor Deaths Caused Animated Characters To Disappear
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VOICE OVER: Tom Aglio
WRITTEN BY: Jonathan Alexander
It was tough saying goodbye to these animated characters, especially since the actor behind them passed away. For this list, we'll be looking at members of cartoon casts who were written out of shows due to the passing of real life people. Our list includes Mermaid Man from “Spongebob Squarepants” (1999-), Malory Archer from “Archer” (2009-), Bruticus from “The Transformers” (1984-87), and more!
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 Times Animated Characters Disappeared After the Actor Died in Real Life. For this list, we’ll be looking at members of cartoon casts who were written out of shows due to the passing of real life people. Which of these characters do you miss the most? Let us know in the comments!
Bruticus first revved to life after a few evil robots merged into one powerful being. Although the mechanical menace was formidable, he wasn’t exactly the brightest of the bunch. Unfortunately, this loveable antagonist was taken out of the rotation without much fanfare in the original series. This was all due to the death of his voice actor, Roger C. Carmel. But not all of his characters completely faded into the background. Since Carmel’s Cyclonus was more vital to the plot, the role was recast instead. While the new actor was great in the role, fans will fondly remember that Carmel’s gruff and layered vocals added a lot of dimension and heart to these evil robots.
After nearly three seasons steering the Sealab crew, Captain Murphy was written out of the series to join the in-universe spice wars. While that explanation might sound weird, it totally works for a show as zany as this. This offbeat plot point was a great way for the series to avoid recasting Captain Murphy after the death of his original actor, Harry Goz. The show also went to great lengths to keep him aboard as long as possible. Fans have even theorized the character’s voice was muffled behind helmets to conceal the fact that the actor’s health was deteriorating. The thought of the production putting that much effort into the character makes it obvious that Goz was simply irreplaceable.
Since Doris Grau shared a first name with this sourpuss, it’s no wonder she made the role a total standout. The character was everything from a lunch lady to a mail carrier. Since the animated Doris did it all, so did Grau. In addition to acting, Grau also served as a script supervisor on the series. Her contributions were so lauded that the character was retired out of respect when she passed away in 1995. As of 2022, Doris still hasn’t returned. Instead, Springfield Elementary gets their meals from the strikingly similar Lunchlady Dora, voiced by Tress MacNeille. Fans will still always treasure the meals and performances that Grau served during her time on the show.
Despite the show’s name, one very memorable friend only made a handful of appearances in this ensemble series. Cactus Jake yee-haw’d onto the scene with an enthralling screen presence thanks to the work of veteran character actor Pat Buttram. His distinctive tones and southern drawl made him so recognizable that you could tell it was him with your eyes closed. After the actor died of kidney failure in 1994, Jake wasn’t heard on the show again. Instead, the character only made visual cameos in certain episodes. It was touching that the show let the character ride off into the sunset instead of trying to imitate his unique voice.
The grandmother of the Anderson clan was a frequent scene-stealer across the show's early episodes. That’s in no small part thanks to actress Mary Wickes. Throughout her time on the show, she forged a character that felt both classic and innovative at the same time. When Wickes passed away, the show didn’t ignore her passing. The series flat-out acknowledged that Louie’s grandmother had died. As a result of their frankness, Louie’s posthumous thank you letter serves a poignant and moving farewell. That authentic emotional component makes the whole episode feel like a grand celebration of life for an actress that totally deserved the recognition.
Not every program aimed at kids feels comfortable discussing the concept of death with its young audience in a realistic way. However, “As Told by Ginger” is one of the exceptions to this rule. Kathleen Freeman voiced the role of Mrs. Gordon in several episodes. After the actress passed, the series decided to lay the character to rest too. An episode that was supposed to feature Gordon’s almost-retirement was rewritten to feature her death instead. The news understandably shook the class. Thanks to the realistic student reactions, it felt like the show had really stopped to pay homage to Freeman’s contributions to the show.
After a lengthy career defending Bikini Bottom from both fictional and real threats, Mermaid Man finally turned in his starfish after Ernest Borgnine passed away. The actor had been with the character since his debut all the way back in the first season. His comedic timing and energy were definitely welcomed for the eccentric role. Fortunately, Mermaid Man and his similarly retired sidekick Barnacle Boy are still very prominent components of the show. Instead of making full on appearances, they show up in non-verbal cameos or with archival recordings. But it’s unlikely that we’ll ever see a fully voiced adult Mermaid Man appear on the show in the future.
For nearly fifteen seasons, Mayor West served Quahog as a friendly but unhinged source of comedy. When the real life Adam West died, his animated counterpart followed suit. Despite the series’ penchant for crude humor, West's farewell episode was actually moving. There were naturally some jokes thrown in that respected the actor’s contributions to the show. However, the humor didn’t subtract from how heartwarming the tribute was. It sadly wasn’t the only farewell the show made that season. “Family Guy” also took time to honor Carrie Fisher’s Angela when the actress passed away. (xref). Despite all the very-real tragedy, the show still used the Griffins to bring viewers light in a difficult time.
Jessica Walter proved herself time and time again as one of the greatest comedic performers of her generation. You only need to look at “Archer” to see how truly talented she was. While serving as the head of a spy organization, she dished out harsh comments and hilarious lines. After her death in 2021, “Archer” wrote Malory out of the series the same way she lived in it: with style. She retired from spywork and was last seen sitting on a beach with her husband. He was fittingly voiced by Walter’s actual late husband, Ron Leibman. The episode also reused voice clips to create a proper goodbye. To say it paid off would be an understatement. This farewell truly hit the bullseye.
While she may not have shared the series’ namesake surname, Bart’s homeroom teacher was still plenty iconic. Her trademark edge seemed impossible to replicate. The show itself agreed. After voice actor Marcia Wallace died, the series used old recordings to give the character an empowering goodbye. Springfield residents aren’t known for being a particularly serious bunch. But that’s why seeing Bart grieve Edna’s passing is just so moving. The show also honored her with a heartwarming message in the opening credits. Although they’ve brought her back for the occasional silent cameo, her voice has not returned. Edna may be gone, but she’s certainly not forgotten.
#10: Bruticus
“The Transformers” (1984-87)Bruticus first revved to life after a few evil robots merged into one powerful being. Although the mechanical menace was formidable, he wasn’t exactly the brightest of the bunch. Unfortunately, this loveable antagonist was taken out of the rotation without much fanfare in the original series. This was all due to the death of his voice actor, Roger C. Carmel. But not all of his characters completely faded into the background. Since Carmel’s Cyclonus was more vital to the plot, the role was recast instead. While the new actor was great in the role, fans will fondly remember that Carmel’s gruff and layered vocals added a lot of dimension and heart to these evil robots.
#9: Captain Hazel "Hank" Murphy
“Sealab 2021” (2000-05)After nearly three seasons steering the Sealab crew, Captain Murphy was written out of the series to join the in-universe spice wars. While that explanation might sound weird, it totally works for a show as zany as this. This offbeat plot point was a great way for the series to avoid recasting Captain Murphy after the death of his original actor, Harry Goz. The show also went to great lengths to keep him aboard as long as possible. Fans have even theorized the character’s voice was muffled behind helmets to conceal the fact that the actor’s health was deteriorating. The thought of the production putting that much effort into the character makes it obvious that Goz was simply irreplaceable.
#8: Lunchlady Doris
“The Simpsons” (1989-)Since Doris Grau shared a first name with this sourpuss, it’s no wonder she made the role a total standout. The character was everything from a lunch lady to a mail carrier. Since the animated Doris did it all, so did Grau. In addition to acting, Grau also served as a script supervisor on the series. Her contributions were so lauded that the character was retired out of respect when she passed away in 1995. As of 2022, Doris still hasn’t returned. Instead, Springfield Elementary gets their meals from the strikingly similar Lunchlady Dora, voiced by Tress MacNeille. Fans will still always treasure the meals and performances that Grau served during her time on the show.
#7: Cactus Jake
“Garfield and Friends” (1988-95)Despite the show’s name, one very memorable friend only made a handful of appearances in this ensemble series. Cactus Jake yee-haw’d onto the scene with an enthralling screen presence thanks to the work of veteran character actor Pat Buttram. His distinctive tones and southern drawl made him so recognizable that you could tell it was him with your eyes closed. After the actor died of kidney failure in 1994, Jake wasn’t heard on the show again. Instead, the character only made visual cameos in certain episodes. It was touching that the show let the character ride off into the sunset instead of trying to imitate his unique voice.
#6: Henrietta Shermann
“Life With Louie” (1994-98)The grandmother of the Anderson clan was a frequent scene-stealer across the show's early episodes. That’s in no small part thanks to actress Mary Wickes. Throughout her time on the show, she forged a character that felt both classic and innovative at the same time. When Wickes passed away, the show didn’t ignore her passing. The series flat-out acknowledged that Louie’s grandmother had died. As a result of their frankness, Louie’s posthumous thank you letter serves a poignant and moving farewell. That authentic emotional component makes the whole episode feel like a grand celebration of life for an actress that totally deserved the recognition.
#5: Mrs. Gordon
“As Told by Ginger” (2000-06)Not every program aimed at kids feels comfortable discussing the concept of death with its young audience in a realistic way. However, “As Told by Ginger” is one of the exceptions to this rule. Kathleen Freeman voiced the role of Mrs. Gordon in several episodes. After the actress passed, the series decided to lay the character to rest too. An episode that was supposed to feature Gordon’s almost-retirement was rewritten to feature her death instead. The news understandably shook the class. Thanks to the realistic student reactions, it felt like the show had really stopped to pay homage to Freeman’s contributions to the show.
#4: Mermaid Man
“Spongebob Squarepants” (1999-)After a lengthy career defending Bikini Bottom from both fictional and real threats, Mermaid Man finally turned in his starfish after Ernest Borgnine passed away. The actor had been with the character since his debut all the way back in the first season. His comedic timing and energy were definitely welcomed for the eccentric role. Fortunately, Mermaid Man and his similarly retired sidekick Barnacle Boy are still very prominent components of the show. Instead of making full on appearances, they show up in non-verbal cameos or with archival recordings. But it’s unlikely that we’ll ever see a fully voiced adult Mermaid Man appear on the show in the future.
#3: Adam West
“Family Guy” (1999-2003; 2005-)For nearly fifteen seasons, Mayor West served Quahog as a friendly but unhinged source of comedy. When the real life Adam West died, his animated counterpart followed suit. Despite the series’ penchant for crude humor, West's farewell episode was actually moving. There were naturally some jokes thrown in that respected the actor’s contributions to the show. However, the humor didn’t subtract from how heartwarming the tribute was. It sadly wasn’t the only farewell the show made that season. “Family Guy” also took time to honor Carrie Fisher’s Angela when the actress passed away. (xref). Despite all the very-real tragedy, the show still used the Griffins to bring viewers light in a difficult time.
#2: Malory Archer
“Archer” (2009-)Jessica Walter proved herself time and time again as one of the greatest comedic performers of her generation. You only need to look at “Archer” to see how truly talented she was. While serving as the head of a spy organization, she dished out harsh comments and hilarious lines. After her death in 2021, “Archer” wrote Malory out of the series the same way she lived in it: with style. She retired from spywork and was last seen sitting on a beach with her husband. He was fittingly voiced by Walter’s actual late husband, Ron Leibman. The episode also reused voice clips to create a proper goodbye. To say it paid off would be an understatement. This farewell truly hit the bullseye.
#1: Edna Krabappel
“The Simpsons” (1989-)While she may not have shared the series’ namesake surname, Bart’s homeroom teacher was still plenty iconic. Her trademark edge seemed impossible to replicate. The show itself agreed. After voice actor Marcia Wallace died, the series used old recordings to give the character an empowering goodbye. Springfield residents aren’t known for being a particularly serious bunch. But that’s why seeing Bart grieve Edna’s passing is just so moving. The show also honored her with a heartwarming message in the opening credits. Although they’ve brought her back for the occasional silent cameo, her voice has not returned. Edna may be gone, but she’s certainly not forgotten.
